FIX: Windows Update Error 0x80242016

Several users have reported that they have been receiving error code 0x80242016 while attempting to run Windows update on Windows 10. While the exact cause is not clear we will be giving you some advice on things to try that in most cases will help you solve the issue. Let’s get started with fixing that nasty 0x80242016 error on your Windows 10 device shall we?

Step 1: Clean Boot

After some time, the amount of programs and services on your computer will reach a high number, and this does not matter in most cases, however there can be one program between them which are causing the Windows update issues, therefore we going to try to do a clean boot.

1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time on your keyboard, a Run Window will appear, then type “msconfig” and hit enter
   or open start and type msconfig and then click on msconfig
    

Then choose Selective Startup Then make sure only Load System Servicesis checked.

Now click on the Services tab Check the box: “Hide all Microsoft Services” Click the button: “Disable All” Click on OK and reboot your system when prompted.

Try to apply the Windows Updates again, if it now works then install them all. After you finished this make sure to repeat step 1 above and then choose Normal Startup.

Step 2: Check for Corrupted System File

Windows uses just like all your programs a lot of files to make everything happen on your operating system, if these become corrupted / damaged weird things can happen on your system, it is therefore advised to first scan and see if you have any of these corrupted files on your system.

System File Checker scans the system and finds and replaces corrupted system files with the correct one.

1. On your keyboard press the Windows + X key at the same time, or right-click the Windows icon in your task bar
   Or open start and type CMD, then right-click command prompt and choose Run as Administrator
2. Now click on Command Prompt (Admin)

Once Command Prompt has started, click the Window, and type “SFC /scannow” (without the “) and hit enter

Wait for this process to complete.

If you get a message that everything succeeded then try to run Windows Update again, if you get an error message which contains that corrupted files were found but cannot be repaired then please try to use a Restore Point

Step 3: Automatic Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and then type Troubleshooting (or open Start and type Troubleshooting)

2. Then click View All in the left pane

3. Find and click or tap on Windows update

4. Click on Advanced and check Apply repairs automatically and Run as Administrator

5. Then click on Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

Once you’ve done this, and the troubleshooting process has completed check if you can run Windows Updates once again.

Step 3: Resetting the Windows Update Components

In most cases the downloaded data is just corrupted and removing the already downloaded Windows Update data could solve the Windows Update Error 0x80242016 you’ve been receiving. Please do follow these steps very carefully as typo’s could lead to problems.

1. Open Elevated Command Prompt by following one of two methods:
   1. Press the Windows + X at the same time, then choose Command Prompt (admin)
   2. Press the Windows + W key at the same time and then type ” cmd ” right-click
      Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator
2. Enter the following command: “net stop wuauserv” and hit enter.
3. Enter the following command: “net stop cryptSvc” and hit enter.
4. Enter the following command: “net stop bits” and hit enter.
5. Enter the following command: “net stop msiserver” and hit enter.
6. Enter the following command: “ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old” and hit enter.
7. Enter the following command: “ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old” and hit enter.
8. Enter the following command: “net start wuauserv” and hit enter.
9. Enter the following command: “net start cryptSvc” and hit enter.
10. Enter the following command: “net start bits” and hit enter.
11. Enter the following command: “net start msiserver” and hit enter.
12. Reboot your system.

We hope these steps solved your issue. If you’re still experiecing problems, then feel free to comment on this article and we will try to help you