How to fix Windows update error 0x80070241 in Windows?

Windows Update failures do occur and can be due to a variety of reasons at the update or upgrade stage. Such failures can be annoying if they result in system updates failing to receive necessary critical security updates, performance improvements, or solutions to stability issues. When updates fail, users' systems can experience slowness, compatibility problems, or security exposures due to outdated system files.

One of these issues on Windows 10 and Windows 11 is update error 0x80070241. The error primarily occurs while installing a cumulative or feature update and may abruptly stop the process with a generic failure message. Users in most cases report that the update begins downloading and installing, but either gets stuck halfway or fails completely. Others also encounter repeated retry attempts without any progress, which are time-consuming and frustrating for keeping the system up to date.

The 0x80070241 error can be caused by a wide array of different system-wide issues, including file integrity issues, missing factors, or update service failure. These are the most general causes of this error:

• Corrupted or incomplete Windows update files.
• Issues with the Windows Update service components.
• Malfunctioning or missing system files required for the update.
• Third-party antivirus that interferes with the updating process.
• Updates or restarts pending that are not yet processed.

In most cases, the 0x80070241 error can be resolved by using manual troubleshooting steps such as resetting the update components, integrity scans, or manually updating the package. All these potential solutions are described in the following sections.

For those who like a faster and more automated means of fixing the 0x80070241 error, utilizing a scan with an established FortectMac Washing Machine X9 repair program is highly recommended. This is convenient for those who are not confident with manual repairs or do not have the time to spend on them.

Fix 1. Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup can remove bugged update caches and allow the new update to be installed successfully.

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main drive again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used – these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others. Marking Windows Update is vital here.
• Click OK – the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 2. Run the troubleshooter

These built-in tools can help to point you in the correct direction when dealing with various issues on Windows.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait till the scan is finished – you will be provided with potential causes so you can proceed with fixes.
• If no suggestions were provided, proceed with other solutions.

Fix 3. Check relevant services

As previously stated, certain services need to be functional for the update to succeed. Thus, restarting services or setting them to automatic startup can help.

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• Scroll down to locate Windows update.
• If it is already running, right-click and pick Restart.
• If the service is not running, double-click it, and select Automatic under the Startup type from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat this process with the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and Windows Installer services.

Fix 4. Try Clean Boot

If you have some third-party software that might block the update from proceeding, Clean Boot can clear this up for you.

• Type msconfig in Windows Search and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
• Click on the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft Services box.
• Click Disable all to disable non-Microsoft services, then click the Startup tab.
• Open the Task Manager, disable all startup items, and close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and mark the Safe boot option.
• Click OK on the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
• Try updating Windows.

Fix 5. Install the update manually

If automatic solutions do not work, you can always try to install it manually.

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0x80070241 error and copy its KB number.
• Open your browser and go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Within the search bar, type in the KB number and click Search.
• Find the correct version of the update for your operating system (to check this, right-click on Start and pick System. Under Device specifications and check the System type) and click Download.
• Use on-screen guidelines to finish the installation process and restart your computer.

Fix 6. Use Media Creation Tool

In addition to updating Windows to the most recent version, this tool may assist you in replacing Windows files with new ones and fixing installation issues. Please disconnect all unneeded devices, disable security software, and make a backup of your files as a precaution.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 11 installation media.
• Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up.
• Agree to terms.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, make sure that you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click Change what to keep option).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.

Fix 7. Reset Windows update components

Deeper problems with update services can be resolved by resetting Windows Update components.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Stop the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by running the following commands:
  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  Note: If your Windows installation is not on the C drive, replace “C” with the appropriate drive letter.
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
• Restart the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Reboot your computer.

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