How to Fix Windows Error 0x80242006 — Windows Update Handler Error [2026]

Windows Error 0x80242006: Windows Update Handler Error

This error typically occurs when corrupted windows update handler (wuapihost.exe) registration. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Windows Error 0x80242006?

Windows error 0x80242006 (Windows Update Handler Error) can be triggered by several issues:

Corrupted Windows Update handler (wuapihost.exe) registration
Third-party security software interfering with update handler
Windows Update service in a failed state
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) not running
Group Policy settings blocking update handler operations

How to Fix Windows Error 0x80242006 — Step by Step

Restart Windows Update and BITS services

CMD as Admin:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net start bits
net start wuauserv
Restarting both services clears any failed state in the update handler.

Re-register Windows Update DLLs

CMD as Admin — run each line separately:
regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
Restart after.

Perform a clean boot

Press Win + R > msconfig > Services > Hide all Microsoft services > Disable all > Startup > Open Task Manager > Disable all > OK > Restart. Run Windows Update in clean boot. If it works, re-enable services one by one to find the conflict.

Reset all Windows Update components

CMD as Admin:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run. The built-in troubleshooter specifically targets handler registration issues.

Still Getting Error 0x80242006?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windows Update error 0x80242006?

The Windows Update handler — the component that manages the update process — failed or is not properly registered. This prevents updates from being checked, downloaded, or installed.

Can third-party antivirus cause this?

Yes. Aggressive antivirus products can block the update handler from operating. Try disabling your antivirus temporarily and running Windows Update.

Is it safe to re-register Windows Update DLLs?

Yes. Re-registering DLLs with regsvr32 is a standard troubleshooting step. It does not modify your data and can be reversed by simply re-registering the DLLs again.

Will resetting update components lose my data?

No. Renaming SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 only affects the update download cache and certificate catalog. All personal files, apps, and settings are untouched.

What if clean boot does not help?

If the error persists in clean boot, it points to a Windows system file issue rather than a third-party conflict. Run DISM and SFC to repair system files.

How to Fix Windows Error 0x80242006 — Windows Update Handler Error