Windows Update Error 0x80240020

What is WU-0x80240020?

Windows Update Error 0x80240020 ranks as a medium-severity Windows operating system issue in our database. The update installation was blocked or failed to trigger, typically due to upgrade registry locks or incomplete session parameters in the update database. Work through the steps below in order.

Common Causes

• Active registry parameters restricting or delaying Windows OS updates.
• Incomplete download sessions leaving corrupt metadata tags in the SoftwareDistribution folder.
• Conflicting background installation services locking the update database.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Stop Windows Update services, delete download cache files, and trigger a manual update scan.

  This step, "Stop Windows Update services, delete download cache files, and trigger a manual update scan.", specifically rules out active registry parameters restricting or delaying Windows OS updates.

• 2
  Create or modify the AllowOSUpgrade registry key to force Windows upgrade paths.

  This step, "Create or modify the AllowOSUpgrade registry key to force Windows upgrade paths.", specifically rules out active registry parameters restricting or delaying Windows OS updates.

• 3
  Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to clear registry lock flags.

  "Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to clear registry lock flags." is worth trying when active registry parameters restricting or delaying Windows OS updates turns out to be the culprit.

Commands & Diagnostics

Frequently Asked Questions