What is 0x80244018?
This high-severity issue affects the Windows operating system. Windows Update connection was blocked by a proxy, firewall, or gateway, returning an HTTP 403 Forbidden status code. It sometimes comes down to corrupted software distribution directory files. Follow the steps below to fix it.
Common Causes
- Incorrect proxy configuration settings in Windows blocking update requests.
- Third-party firewall or corporate gateway filters blocking Microsoft Update servers.
- Corrupted software distribution directory files.
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Reset WinHTTP proxy configurations to bypass custom proxies.
If earlier steps didn't help, "Reset WinHTTP proxy configurations to bypass custom proxies." directly addresses incorrect proxy configuration settings in Windows blocking update requests.
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2
Temporarily disable proxy server settings in Windows Network Connections.
"Temporarily disable proxy server settings in Windows Network Connections." targets incorrect proxy configuration settings in Windows blocking update requests, one of the documented causes of 0x80244018.
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3
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter to clear network transaction flags.
"Run Windows Update Troubleshooter to clear network transaction flags." is worth trying when incorrect proxy configuration settings in Windows blocking update requests turns out to be the culprit.
Commands & Diagnostics
netsh winhttp reset proxy
netsh int ip reset
Frequently Asked Questions
0x80244018 is most often triggered by incorrect proxy configuration settings in Windows blocking update requests. Other reports point to third-party firewall or corporate gateway filters blocking Microsoft Update servers and corrupted software distribution directory files as contributing factors.
The fastest fix is "Reset WinHTTP proxy configurations to bypass custom proxies". Only move on to the later steps if 0x80244018 keeps coming back.
0x80244018 is a high-severity error. It won't damage your PC instantly, but repeated occurrences usually point to a deeper problem worth addressing soon.
Usually. 0x80244018 is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0x80244018. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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