How to Fix Download Error – 0x80248007 on Windows

The Error Code 0x80248007 commonly occurs when there is an issue with downloading updates from Windows Update. This error typically points to problems in locating or accessing update files, either due to server issues, missing files, or local system problems. It can disrupt the download and installation of essential updates, leaving your system vulnerable or outdated.

In this guide, we will explain the causes behind this error and provide detailed steps to resolve it, so you can successfully download updates without interruptions.

What is Error 0x80248007?

The Error Code 0x80248007 occurs when Windows Update is unable to locate essential files required for downloading and installing updates. This can happen due to corrupted files, connectivity issues, or temporary problems with Microsoft’s update servers.

This error may also be caused by issues with the Windows Update service itself or due to damaged system files on your PC. It may prevent your system from checking for updates or cause incomplete downloads, potentially leaving your system at risk from security vulnerabilities.

Common Causes of Error 0x80248007

Several factors may contribute to this error:

1. Corrupted Windows Update files.
2. Internet connectivity issues.
3. Problems with the Windows Update service.
4. Windows Update Cache conflicts.
5. Damaged or missing system files.
6. Temporary server issues from Microsoft’s end.
7. Issues with Windows Defender update files.

How to Fix Download Error 0x80248007

Here are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and fix Error 0x80248007 when downloading Windows updates.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first step in troubleshooting this issue is to use the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool can automatically detect and fix many problems related to Windows Update.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot from the left menu.
4. Under “Get up and running,” select Windows Update and then click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Once the troubleshooter finishes, try running Windows Update again to see if the error persists.

2. Clear the Windows Update Cache

Corrupted or outdated Windows Update cache files can trigger Error 0x80248007. Clearing the update cache forces Windows to download fresh update files and often resolves the issue.

Steps to Clear Windows Update Cache:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate Windows Update in the list.
4. Right-click on Windows Update and select Stop.
5. Now, open File Explorer and navigate to the following path:
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   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

6. Select all the files inside the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete them.
7. After deleting the files, go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start to restart the service.

Once done, try running Windows Update again to see if the error is resolved.

3. Reset the Windows Update Components

If clearing the cache doesn’t work, you can reset the Windows Update components manually. This involves stopping related services, renaming update folders, and restarting the services.

Steps to Reset Windows Update Components:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the Windows search bar, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
2. Stop the Windows Update services by typing the following commands and pressing Enter after each:
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   net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing the following commands:
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   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

4. Restart the services you stopped earlier by typing the following commands:
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   net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

5. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

After rebooting, run Windows Update again to see if the issue has been fixed.

4. Check Internet Connection

A poor or unstable internet connection can also trigger Error 0x80248007. If your connection drops during the download process, the update may fail and show this error.

Steps:

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection. If possible, switch to a wired connection (Ethernet) rather than relying on Wi-Fi.
• You can also try restarting your router or modem to fix any temporary connectivity issues.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted or missing system files can cause Windows Update errors. You can use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to scan and repair these files.

Steps to Run SFC:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. The tool will attempt to repair any corrupted system files it finds.
4. Restart your computer and check for updates again.

Steps to Run DISM:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
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   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.

These tools can help fix deeper system issues that may be causing the update error.

6. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Sometimes, antivirus software or Windows Defender can interfere with Windows Update and cause errors like 0x80248007. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software during the update process can help resolve the issue.

Steps:

• Open your antivirus program and look for an option to temporarily disable protection or turn off real-time scanning.
• Once disabled, try running Windows Update again.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus once the updates are successfully installed.

7. Manually Install the Update

If none of the above methods work, you can manually download and install the specific update that is causing the issue. You can find these updates on the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Search for the KB number of the update you want to install (you can find this in the Windows Update settings under “View Update History”).
3. Download the update package for your version of Windows.
4. Run the downloaded file to install the update manually.

8. Verify Windows Update Service is Running

Finally, you need to make sure that the Windows Update service and related services are running correctly. If these services are stopped or disabled, you’ll encounter errors during the update process.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate the following services and ensure they are set to Automatic:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services
3. If any of these services are stopped, right-click on the service and select Start.
4. Make sure the startup type is set to Automatic.

Conclusion

The 0x80248007 error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting methods, it’s often resolvable. By using tools like the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clearing cache, or resetting update components, you can resolve most issues causing this error. Additionally, ensuring your system is free from corruption and maintaining a stable internet connection will help prevent this problem in the future.

If you continue to encounter problems, Microsoft’s manual update installation method can be an effective workaround. Keeping your system updated is essential for its security and performance, so resolving any issues with Windows Update should be a priority.