The Error Code 0x80240438 can occur for both Windows Updates and the Microsoft Store on Windows 11/10. This is because the delivery mechanism for both is interdependent and common. This is the reason that many Windows Update and Microsoft Store error codes are the same. Fixing both are easy, and most of the methods are the same. We will be discussing these fixes in this article today.
There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help – (0x80240438).
Error 0x80240438 for Windows Updates & Microsoft Store
If you face this issue, you need to check up on the following:
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooters.
- Disable your Antivirus or Firewall.
- Disable Proxy Connections.
- Modify the Remove access to use all Windows Update features Policy.
- Reset the Windows Update folders.
- Download the Update Manually.
1] Run the Windows Update Troubleshooters
You can run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and also Microsoft’s Online Windows Update Troubleshooter and check if that is any help in fixing any of your issues.
2] Disable your Antivirus or Firewall
You can temporarily disable Windows Defender which is installed out of the box on your Windows computer. You can also disable your Windows Firewall on your computer and check if that fixes the errors that you are encountering. If you are using 3rd-party security software, disable them and see.
3] Disable Proxy Connections
Start by typing in Internet Options in the Cortana Search Box. Click on the appropriate result.
Now navigate to the tab called Connections.
Under the section labeled as Local Area Network (LAN) settings. Click on the button that says LAN Settings.
Under the section of Proxy Server, uncheck the option that is labeled as Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections).
Click on OK and then Reboot the computer for the changes to take effect.
4] Modify the Remove access to use all Windows Update features Policy
Hit the WINKEY + R button combination to launch the Run utility, type in gpedit.msc and hit Enter. Once Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to the following setting-
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
Now, on the right side panel and double click on Remove Access To Use All Windows Update Features and set the radio button to Not Configured for it.
This setting allows you to remove access to Windows Update. If you enable this setting, all Windows Update features are removed. This includes blocking access to the Windows Update Web site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com, from the Windows Update hyperlink on the Start menu, and also on the Tools menu in Internet Explorer. Windows automatic updating is also disabled; you will neither be notified about nor will you receive critical updates from Windows Update. This setting also prevents Device Manager from automatically installing driver updates from the Windows Update Web site.
If enabled you can configure one of the following notification options:
- 0 = Do not show any notifications – This setting will remove all access to Windows Update features, and no notifications will be shown.
- 1 = Show restart required notifications – This setting will show notifications about restarts that are required to complete an installation.
This would fix your issues if this was the cause.
Exit the Group Policy Editor and then reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
5] Reset the Windows Update folders
You need to delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder & reset the Catroot2 folder.
6] Download the Update Manually
If it’s not a feature update, and only a cumulative update, you can manually download and install the Windows Update. To find which update has failed to follow the steps:
- Go to Settings > Update and Security > View Update History
- Check which particular update has failed. Updates that have failed to install will display Failed under the Status column.
- Next, go to Microsoft Download Center, and search for that update using the KB number.
- Once you find it, download, and install it manually.
You could use Microsoft Update Catalog, a service from Microsoft that provides a listing of software updates that can be distributed over a corporate network. The Catalog can prove to be a one-stop location for finding Microsoft software updates, drivers, and hotfixes.
All the best!
