How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80246002

When installing Windows Update or upgrading to Windows 10, you might encounter error code 0x80246002. Here are the steps you can take to remedy the problem.

Error code 0x80246002 can be due to Windows Defender not being able to update, SoftwareDistribution folder being corrupt or even an overloaded Microsoft server.

1: Windows Update Error 0x80246002 - Run The Troubleshooter

Always try a troubleshooter when available first. Press Start > Settings > Update & security. Click on Troubleshoot on the left.

Click on Additional troubleshooters.

Scroll down and click on Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.

Follow the prompts and automatically repair any problems.

2: Windows Update Error 0x80246002 - Reboot

Often, a simple reboot will solve the problem. Windows sometimes requires a reboot to complete Windows Updates.

3: Windows Update Error 0x80246002 - Windows Repair

Download Windows Repair from MajorGeeks.

Boot into Safe Mode.

Select Preset: Windows Updates.

Reboot when completed.

4: Windows Update Error 0x80246002 - Clear SoftwareDistribution Folder

Open a elevated command prompt and type in the following two lines, and press Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

Each command should take a few seconds, so wait until you see the messages that the services were stopped successfully. Leave the command prompt open for now.

Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and open the folder. Press CTRL + A to select all files and folder, then press the Delete key. All the files in the SoftwareDistribution should be deleted. We don't want to delete the folder itself.

Rebooting will start the two services we stopped, but if you don't want to reboot, open up the command prompt again and type in the following two lines, and press Enter after each:

net start wuauserv
net start bits

5: Windows Update Error 0x80246002 - Update Windows Defender Manually

If you think your Windows Defender isn't current, we can update them manually.

There are a few possibilities here, so check out How to Manually Update Windows Defender Definitions.

6: Windows Update Error 6 - Reset Windows Update Agent

Reset Windows Update Agent is designed to reset Windows Update, but it can also run diagnostics and fix other typically related issues with Winsock, registry, and more. A video tutorial is available.

Download Reset Windows Update Agent here.

7: Windows Update Error 0x80246002 - Perform a Clean Boot

A Clean Boot is very similar to Safe Mode but specifically designed to narrow down a problem by allowing a certain number of drivers or startup programs and eliminate them until you find the problem.

Try running Windows Updates from a Clean boot.

Similar:

How to Delete the Windows.old Folder from Windows 10

What Is the $Windows.~Bt Folder and Can I Delete It?

Configure When and How Windows Updates Are Delivered

How to View Windows Update History in Windows 10

How-To Delete Pending Windows Updates

How to Uninstall Windows 10 Updates