What is WU-0x80070424?
Windows Update Failure (0x80070424) is a medium-severity Windows operating system issue. Windows cannot check for or install updates. Error code: 0x80070424. Typical causes include corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder and stopped BITS service. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.
Common Causes
- Corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder
- Stopped BITS service
- Error connecting to server
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Restart Windows Update
As a first move, Restart Windows Update handles the most common scenario behind WU-0x80070424.
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2
Clear the update cache
A second occurrence often means a less common windows instability cause is at play, which later steps address.
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3
Run the WU Troubleshooter
"Run the WU Troubleshooter" covers a less common but documented cause of WU-0x80070424.
Commands & Diagnostics
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Frequently Asked Questions
The leading cause of WU-0x80070424 is corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder, though stopped BITS service and error connecting to server also show up in our reports.
The fastest fix is "Restart Windows Update". Only move on to the later steps if WU-0x80070424 keeps coming back.
As a medium-severity issue, WU-0x80070424 is more of a stability annoyance than a hardware risk — the steps above should clear it up.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves WU-0x80070424 without a clean install. Treat a reinstall as the last resort, not the first move.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including WU-0x80070424. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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