Error 0x80070424 Windows 10?

Are you facing Error 0x80070424 in Windows 10? If yes, then you are not alone. Many users have encountered this issue in Windows 10. This error can prevent you from installing or updating Windows Store apps, configuring Windows updates, and other activities. In this article, we will discuss the causes and solutions of this error in Windows 10. So, let’s get started.

What is Error 0x80070424 in Windows 10?

Error 0x80070424 is a common Windows 10 error which occurs when the user tries to install updates or run Windows Update. The error message typically reads “Windows could not search for new updates” or “Windows Update encountered an unknown error.” This error can be caused by a number of factors, including corrupted system files, incorrect registry settings, conflicts between installed programs, or a virus or malware infection.

Fortunately, this error can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of Error 0x80070424 in Windows 10 and how to fix it.

What Causes Error 0x80070424 in Windows 10?

Error 0x80070424 occurs when Windows Update is unable to search for new updates or install them due to a number of different issues. The most common causes of this issue are as follows:

Corrupted System Files

One of the most common causes of Error 0x80070424 is corrupted system files. System files can become corrupted due to virus or malware infections, incorrect installations, or other factors. If Windows Update is unable to access the necessary files, it will be unable to search for new updates or install them.

Incorrect Registry Settings

Another common cause of Error 0x80070424 is incorrect registry settings. The Windows registry is a database of settings and options that Windows uses to control all aspects of the operating system. If certain registry settings are incorrect or corrupted, Windows Update may be unable to search for new updates.

Conflicts between Installed Programs

Conflicts between installed programs can also cause Error 0x80070424. If two programs are trying to access the same files or settings, Windows may be unable to search for new updates or install them.

How to Fix Error 0x80070424 in Windows 10

Fortunately, Error 0x80070424 is usually easy to fix with a few simple steps. We’ll discuss some of the most effective solutions below.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix Windows Update errors. To run the Troubleshooter, open the Start menu and type “troubleshoot.” Then, select “Troubleshoot” from the search results and click “Windows Update.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Troubleshooter.

Check for Viruses and Malware

Viruses and malware can cause a variety of errors, including Error 0x80070424. To check for these threats, you should install and run an antivirus or anti-malware program. You should also use a reliable online virus scanner to check for any threats that your antivirus program may have missed.

Check for Conflicting Programs

Conflicting programs can also cause Error 0x80070424. To check for conflicting programs, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Then, click the “Processes” tab and look for any programs that seem to be conflicting with each other. If you find any, you should uninstall them to see if that fixes the issue.

Reset the Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update components can also help fix Error 0x80070424. To reset the Windows Update components, open the Start menu and type “command prompt.” Then, right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”

In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Once the services have been stopped, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Once the files have been renamed, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Once the services have been started, try running Windows Update again.

Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) is a utility that can scan for and replace corrupted system files. To run SFC, open the Start menu and type “command prompt.” Then, right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”

In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. SFC will now scan your system files and replace any corrupted files. Once the scan has finished, try running Windows Update again.

Run the DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can help fix corrupted system files and settings. To run the DISM tool, open the Start menu and type “command prompt.” Then, right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”

In the Command Prompt window, type “Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter. DISM will now scan your system and repair any corrupted files or settings. Once the scan has finished, try running Windows Update again.

Related Faq

Question 1: What is Error 0x80070424?

Answer: Error 0x80070424 is an error code generated by Windows 10, indicating that a problem is preventing Windows Update from running correctly. It usually occurs when Windows Update components are corrupted or missing, or when the Windows Update service is not running.

Question 2: What causes Error 0x80070424?

Answer: Error 0x80070424 can be caused by a wide range of factors, including corrupted Windows Update components, missing Windows Update components, corrupt registry entries, missing system files, a virus or malware infection, or a misconfigured firewall or security software.

Question 3: What are the symptoms of Error 0x80070424?

Answer: The most common symptom of Error 0x80070424 is that Windows Update will fail to run properly, resulting in the error message “Windows could not search for new updates. An error occurred while checking for new updates (Error 0x80070424)”. Additionally, Windows Firewall may be disabled, or the Windows Update service may not be running.

Question 4: How can Error 0x80070424 be fixed?

Answer: Error 0x80070424 can be fixed by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, restoring Windows to a previous date, running the System File Checker, running the DISM tool, and making sure that the Windows Update service is running. Additionally, any anti-virus or firewall software may need to be disabled temporarily.

Question 5: What should be done if Error 0x80070424 persists?

Answer: If Error 0x80070424 persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to perform a clean install of Windows 10. It is also possible that a hardware issue is causing the error, in which case replacing the hardware may be necessary.

Question 6: Are there any other solutions for Error 0x80070424?

Answer: If none of the solutions listed above work, it is possible to manually download and install the necessary Windows Update components. However, this is an advanced solution, and should only be attempted by experienced users. Additionally, it is recommended to create a full system backup before attempting this solution.

In conclusion, Error 0x80070424 on Windows 10 can be particularly frustrating, but thankfully there are a few different solutions to try. If you experience this error, then you should make sure that your Windows Firewall is enabled and try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. If those two solutions do not work, then you may need to contact Microsoft Support for additional assistance.