The error code 0x80240438 is associated with Windows Update, and it indicates that there is a problem connecting to the Microsoft Update servers. This Windows Update Error Code 0x80240438 usually appears when you try to update your Windows operating system, and it prevents you from downloading and installing the latest updates.
There are several reasons why you might encounter this Error Code 0x80240438, including:
Connectivity issues: Your computer might not be able to connect to the Microsoft Update servers due to a network problem, firewall, or proxy settings.
Corrupted Windows Update components: Some Windows Update components might be corrupted, preventing the update process from completing successfully.
Outdated drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with the Windows Update process and cause error codes like 0x80240438.
Malware or virus infection: Malware or virus infections can cause various problems on your computer, including issues with Windows Update.
Here are some steps you can take to fix the 0x80240438 error code:
Run SFC and DISM Tools to fix update error 0x80240438
SFC Scan
- Click on Command Prompt window and select Run as Administrator
- Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter
- After completion of the scan, restart your computer
- After that, check for the issue is solved
We suggest you to chat with our experts.
DISM Scan
- Firstly, right click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator
- After that, type the following commands and Press the Enter key after each command
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- To close the Administrator
- Type Exit in the Command Prompt window and then press Enter
Check your internet connection
Make sure that your computer is connected to the internet and that your network connection is working correctly. Try to visit some websites to confirm that you can browse the web.
Disable IPV6
Several customers have proven that disabling IPV6 below the Network settings resolves error 0x80240438 on their PCs. That’s why we have covered this in the listing of options and the process is as follows –
- Launch to the control panel and attain out to the following area –
- Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network Connections
- Make a click on to the web connection (currently in use to get access to the internet connectivity) and hit Properties.
- Next, uncheck the field left to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TPC/IPV6)” and Press OK
- Make positive to Reboot your PC to follow the current changes.
Disable your firewall and antivirus
Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the connection to the Microsoft Update servers. Try temporarily disabling these programs to see if that resolves the issue.
Check your proxy settings
Connecting the PC to a proxy various causes bugs and issues. So, if you are persists experiencing the error 0x80240438 whilst opening the Store app, attempt as soon as to disable the Proxy. Here are the steps to work upon –
- Press Win+Q hotkey altogether to begin the Search field and Enter “Proxy”.
- Click the top of the result to launch the Proxy Settings window.
- Move to the right panel and scroll down to “Manual Proxy Setup “.
- Turn off the toggle change after “Use a Proxy server” and click on the Save button.
- Restart your PC and test whether this error resolves after the subsequent login or not.
If you are using a proxy server to connect to the internet, make sure that your proxy settings are configured correctly.
Download the Update Manually
- Go to Settings > Update and Security > View Update History
- Check which unique update has failed. Updates that have failed to set up that will show install Failed below the Status column.
- Next, go to Microsoft Download Centre,
- Search for that updates Once you discover it, download, and set up it manually.
Run the Windows Update trouble-shooter
Windows has a built-in trouble-shooter that can diagnose and fix common Windows Update problems.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update to run the trouble-shooter.
Reset Windows Update components to fix windows 10/11 update Error Code 0x80240438
If the Windows Update components are corrupted, try to reset them to their default settings. Do this by running the following given commands in an elevate Command Prompt:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
Scan for malware
Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for malware or virus infections.
If none of these step’s work, you may need to contact Microsoft support for further assistance in resolving the error code 0x80240438.
