Windows Updates are crucial for your PC’s health, as they include bug fixes and often introduce new features. However, at times, due to failed Windows updates, you encounter random issues. One such problem is the 0x8024800A, WU_E_DS_UNKNOWNHANDLER. It occurs when Windows Update fails to process an update because the system does not recognize its update handler. This typically happens due to missing or corrupted update files, registry inconsistencies, or issues with Windows Update components.
In this case, Windows 11/10 tries to download and install the pending updates. But the update is incomplete, and you get this error message. Thankfully, fixing the issue is straightforward and here are some quick fixes that will help you out:
Fix Windows Update error 0x8024800a
To fix the Windows Update error 0x8024800a, try the following suggestion to reinstall the update again.
- Run Windows Update troubleshooter
- Reset SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 folders
- Reinstall Windows using Windows Update
You should have an admin account to achieve this. Also, try to update the PC by connecting it to another network. There is a slight possibility that the update could be failing because of network issues.
Windows Update Client failed to detect with error 0x8024800a
1] Run Windows Update troubleshooter
You can start by running the Windows update troubleshooter. This will fix common Windows update issues automatically by checking for missing or corrupt files, incorrect update settings, and service issues.
- Open Windows Help
- Type and search Windows Update troubleshooter
- Run the suggested solution, and check if the update has started working again.
2] Reset SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 folders
Sometimes, the folders SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 that store the updated files get corrupted. As a result, you encounter random Windows update issues.
Our free FixWin tool lets you carry out both these tasks with the click of the button.
But if you wish to do it manually, take these steps:
- Press Windows Key + X and select Terminal (Admin).
- Now run the following commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Once done, restart your computer and check again for Windows updates.
3] Reinstall Windows using Windows Update
If the above methods don’t work for you, you can still update your Windows using the Media creation tool. Here’s how:
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Recovery.
- Click on the Reinstall Now button next to Fix problems using Windows update and follow the onscreen steps.
This will reinstall your current Windows version without deleting any of your apps, files or settings.
So those were a few quick ways to get rid of the 0x8024800A, WU_E_DS_UNKNOWNHANDLER, The update wasn’t processed because its update handler couldn’t be recognized error. In case, none of the above methods work for you, you might want to consider reinstalling Windows using the Windows media creation tool.
Read: Windows Media Creation Tool error: Problem running this tool or starting setup.
Can this error indicate a compatibility issue?
In some cases, error 0x8024800A can arise due to an update being incompatible with your system’s current configuration. This may occur if Windows tries to install an update that is designed for a different edition, architecture, or feature set. Checking Windows Update history or manually verifying update details can help determine if compatibility is the cause.
Can a corrupted Windows Update database cause error 0x8024800A?
A corrupted Windows Update database can prevent updates from being processed correctly, leading to error 0x8024800A. Windows may fail to recognize the update handler if update files or metadata become damaged. Resetting the Windows Update components can often resolve such corruption issues
