How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80240016

Error code 0x80240016 can appear when updating Windows 10. You are probably seeing "There were some problems installing updates, but we'll try again later."

1: Windows Update Error 0x80240016 - 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 0x80240016 - Reboot

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

3: Windows Update Error 0x80240016 - Windows Repair

Download Windows Repair from MajorGeeks.

Boot into Safe Mode.

Select Preset: Windows Updates.

Reboot when completed.

4: Windows Update Error 0x80240016 - 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:WindowsSoftwareDistribution 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 0x80240016 - Run Virus Scan

Open your antivirus and run a complete scan.

If nothing is found, we recommend a full system scan with Malwarebytes free or Malwarebytes Premium.

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