WINDOWS UPDATE • NETWORK FAILURE

Getting Error 0x8024402C or 0x80244018?

Don't worry. These Windows Update errors are often linked to DNS, proxy, VPN, or network settings. Try the quick fixes below before doing anything complicated.

Start the Quick Fix

0x8024402COften related to DNS or proxy settings

0x80244018Can appear when Windows Update cannot reach its service

Easy StepsCheck the network before advanced repairs

Try These Fixes First

Start with the simplest steps. You may not need to try every fix.

Restart your PC and router.
Reconnect to the internet and try Windows Update again.
Check your proxy.
Go to Settings → Network & internet → Proxy. If you do not use a proxy, turn off Use a proxy server.
Disconnect your VPN temporarily.
Some VPN or security connections can interfere with Windows Update.
Refresh DNS and the network.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the commands below.

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /renew
netsh winsock reset
netsh winhttp reset proxy

Important: Restart Windows after the network reset commands, then check for updates again.

Still Getting 0x8024402C?

This error commonly points to a problem resolving or reaching the Windows Update service. Check your DNS and make sure Windows is not using an unexpected proxy.

Refresh your DNS settings

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew

If your DNS service is unreliable, you can also test a trusted public DNS such as 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8. Change DNS only if needed; it is not required for every PC.

Still Getting 0x80244018?

Check whether a proxy, VPN, firewall, or security application is blocking Windows Update traffic.

Turn off a VPN temporarily and test Windows Update.
Review Windows proxy settings.
Make sure your security software is not blocking Windows Update.
Try another trusted network if possible.

Tip: Do not permanently disable your antivirus or firewall just to install an update. If security software is the cause, adjust the relevant setting or contact its support.

Check Windows Update & BITS Services

Windows Update depends on background services. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Look for:

Windows Update
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Make sure they are not disabled or stopped. If appropriate, right-click the service and choose Start or Restart.

Last Network Reset to Try

If the basic steps did not help, reset the Windows network stack:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset

Restart the PC after running these commands. If the problem started after a company proxy, VPN, or managed network change, check with your network administrator before making advanced changes.

Quick Checklist

✓ Internet connection works normally
✓ Proxy settings checked
✓ VPN disconnected for testing
✓ DNS cache refreshed
✓ Winsock/network stack reset
✓ Windows Update and BITS services checked
✓ PC restarted before testing Windows Update again

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Update error 0x8024402C mean?

It generally indicates that Windows Update is having trouble reaching or resolving its update service. DNS, proxy, VPN, or network configuration problems are common things to check.

What does error 0x80244018 mean?

It can occur when Windows Update cannot properly communicate with the update service. Check your network, proxy, VPN, firewall, and related Windows Update services.

Can a VPN cause these Windows Update errors?

Yes. A VPN can change routing or proxy behavior. Disconnect it temporarily and test Windows Update to see whether the connection is the cause.

Will flushing DNS delete my files?

No. Flushing the DNS cache does not delete your personal files. It clears cached DNS information so Windows can perform fresh lookups.

Do I need to change my DNS to fix 0x8024402C?

Not necessarily. Try flushing and renewing your network configuration first. Changing DNS is an optional troubleshooting step if DNS resolution appears unreliable.

Why does Windows Update work on the internet but still fail?

Browsing the web and reaching Windows Update are not exactly the same. Proxy rules, DNS resolution, VPN routing, firewall policies, or update services can affect Windows Update separately.

If you are seeing 0x8024402C or 0x80244018, start with the network basics: check the proxy, disconnect the VPN, refresh DNS, reset Winsock, and verify Windows Update and BITS. In many cases, these simple checks are enough to get Windows Update working again.