The Windows Update error 0x80246007 can be a real headache, popping up with the message “Some updates did not finish downloading, We will keep trying.” This pesky error can affect not just Windows updates, but also app installations like OneNote. Let’s dive into some effective solutions to get your system updating smoothly again.
Before we start, it’s worth noting that this error can stem from a corrupt Windows Update database, conflicts with other processes, or issues with the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). Here’s how you can tackle each of these potential causes:
Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool designed to detect and fix common update issues. It’s always a good first step:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Find “Windows Update” in the list and click “Run” next to it.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes the troubleshooter suggests.
If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, don’t worry. We have more methods to try.
Method 2: Clear the Temporary Files
Clearing out temporary files can often resolve update issues by removing potentially corrupted downloaded updates:
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type %temp% and press Enter.
Step 3: Select all files and folders in the Temp folder (Ctrl + A), then delete them (Delete key).
Step 4: If some files can’t be deleted, skip them – they’re likely in use by the system.
After clearing these files, try running Windows Update again to see if the error persists.
Method 3: Restart the BITS Service
The Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is crucial for Windows Update. Restarting it can often resolve update issues:
Step 1: Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Scroll down to find “Background Intelligent Transfer Service”.
Step 3: Right-click it and select “Properties”.
Step 4: Set the Startup type to “Manual” or “Automatic (Delayed Start)”.
Step 5: Click “Stop”, wait a few seconds, then click “Start”.
Step 6: Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
Restart your computer after this process and check if Windows Update now works correctly.
Method 4: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder
The SoftwareDistribution folder stores Windows Update files. Clearing it can resolve many update-related issues:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start, select “Windows Terminal (Admin)”).
Step 2: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
Step 3: Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
These commands stop the Windows Update services, rename the SoftwareDistribution folder (effectively clearing it), and then restart the services.
Method 5: Reset the Catroot2 Folder
The catroot2 folder is essential for Windows Update. Resetting it can fix various update problems:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Step 2: Enter these commands, pressing Enter after each:
net stop cryptsvc
md %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old
xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old /s
del %systemroot%\system32\catroot2\*.* /q
net start cryptsvc
Step 3: Restart your computer and try Windows Update again.
This process backs up the existing catroot2 folder, deletes its contents, and restarts the related service.
If you’ve tried all these methods and still encounter the 0x80246007 error, it might be worth considering more advanced solutions like performing a system restore or even a clean Windows installation. However, for most users, one of the above methods should resolve the issue and get Windows Update functioning normally again.