Windows Update Won't Install? Fix - 0x80240017

Error 0x80240017 usually means your Windows Update or software installer is hitting a wall with corrupted temporary files or a blocked system process. You are stuck with a failed install or a progress bar that refuses to move, but we can clear this out without affecting your personal files or installed programs.

Why this happens

This error is typically caused by corrupted files in your temporary update folder or a security program blocking the installation process. It often occurs when the Windows Update service is trying to access files that are either locked or damaged.

What you will need

You will need administrative access to your computer to modify system folders, run command-line tools, and disable third-party security software.

Steps

1. 01
   Open the Windows Settings menu, navigate to System, select Troubleshoot, then click Other troubleshooters, and hit Run next to the Windows Update troubleshooter.
2. 02
   If the issue persists, open File Explorer and navigate to C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution/Download, select all contents in that folder, and delete them to clear the cache.
3. 03
   Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, select Run as administrator, type sfc /scannow and press Enter to scan and repair protected system files.
4. 04
   Temporarily disable or uninstall any third-party antivirus software like AVG or Avast, as these often block installation processes mid-run.
5. 05
   If you are installing Visual C++, uninstall any newer existing versions first and ensure the KB2999226 update is installed via Windows Update.
6. 06
   For printer driver errors, open Device Manager, uninstall the printer, and restart your computer before attempting to install the driver again.

Still not working?

If these steps fail to resolve the error, check your Event Viewer logs under Windows Logs > System to identify specific service errors occurring at the time of failure. If you are still seeing 0x80240017 after these steps, it may indicate deeper corruption in the Windows component store requiring a repair install of Windows using an ISO file.

Frequently asked questions

Will deleting files in the SoftwareDistribution folder delete my personal data?

No, that folder only contains temporary installation and update files that Windows recreates as needed.

Why does this error keep coming back after I fix it?

If the error returns, you likely have a third-party application or security suite consistently locking the update process, or there is a persistent hardware driver conflict.

Does this error affect other applications on my computer?

Usually, this error is isolated to Windows Update or specific installers relying on the Windows C Runtime, but it can prevent new software from installing successfully.