How to fix Windows Update error 0x80246019 on Windows 11

What is error 0x80246019

0x80246019 is an error code that may appear and prevent users from installing a new Windows update. This issue has mostly been reported to happen on Windows 11, however, there are also cases when it occurs on Windows 10 too. The most common scenario that triggers this error is users are trying to update their Windows 11 to the newer version 22H2, but other updates can also be involved. Here is the message that users face when updating fails due to this error:

Error 0x80246019 and other update issues are usually caused by system file corruption, damaged Windows update file, interference from third-party antivirus, and interference from connected USB devices as well. Whatever it is, you are not alone, and be sure you will fix this issue eventually – simply try each method from the instructions in our article below until the error no longer comes in appearance.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Unless you tried this already, we recommend you start your fixing journey with the in-built Windows Update Troubleshooter. Despite a notoriously low impact on resolving such issues, sometimes this feature can succeed nonetheless and save you quite a barrage of time. Try it to detect update issues and them immediately with these steps:

1. Open Settings from the bottom taskbar.
2. Choose System on the left and go to Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters on the right pane.
3. Then, find Windows Update and click Run next to it.
4. Finish the process following the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

After this, try to perform the update again. If this does not work, go further below to try other solutions.

2. Disable third-party antivirus

Third-party anti-malware software is known to sometimes interfere with certain system processes (like updating) and make them go wrong. This is why we recommend you disable your antivirus to see if this will resolve the issue. In case everything works as it should after turning the antivirus off, then you have found the problem. If you want to consider another less conflicting and effective antivirus for future usage – our advice is MalwareBytes, a trusted and time-tested antivirus that constantly works up-to-date to combat both minor and global threats. It is now available for Windows 11 as well. You can download it now using the link below and try a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

3. Clean up temporary update files

The next and often working solution is to clean temporary update files, which are stored in the $WINDOWS.~BT directory. This can be done easily by using the Windows Disk Cleanup utility. Follow the steps below to do it.

1. Left-click on the magnifying glass right next to Start menu and search for Disk Cleanup.
2. Open it up and click on Clean up system files. Wait a bit until Windows finishes scanning.
3. Then, choose Windows Update Cleanup from the list and click OK. Confirm by clicking Delete files. You can also clean up other temporary files from the list if you wish, but this is not mandatory.
4. Once done, try to install the same update and see if the same error gets prompted.

4. Check integrity of the system files

Other system files may also be damaged and cause 0x80246019 error. We will use SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scanning utilities to detect and restore absent components if any will be eventually found. Make sure to use both utilities as they may have a different impact on solving the problem. This is how:

Using SFC

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching loop next to the Start Menu button.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Once the console is opened, type the sfc /scannow command and click Enter.
4. When the fixing process is done, restart your computer.

Using DISM

1. Open Command Prompt as we did in the previous step.
2. Copy and paste this command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
3. Click Enter and wait until Windows ends the scanning and fixing.
4. Once done, restart your PC and try to open the problematic program again.

After performing both of these scans, attempt to install the update again.

5. Download a conflicting update from Microsoft Catalog

Another way users can bypass the error and install the update eventually is to download and manually install a separate update file directly from Microsoft Catalog. To do this, simply go through the steps listed below:

1. Open Settings from the bottom taskbar.
2. Then go to Windows Update on the left pane.
3. On the right side of the window, choose Update history.
4. After this, find and note the most recent update (usually starts with “KB” and is on top of the list).
5. You can also find this out by noting the name of the failing update (in case it displays).
6. Once done, search and download the noted update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
7. Execute the download file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

6. Use Media Creation Tool

If there is still no ringing in favor of having the issue resolved, then we recommend you to try Media Creation Tool – a great Microsoft utility designed to reinstall Windows and also obtain the latest available updates by circumventing traditional methods. Follow the instructions below:

1. At first, you have to download the utility from the Microsoft website.
2. Then, execute the downloaded file.
3. After agreeing with the Terms of use, there will be two options to choose from. Select Upgrade this PC now.
4. Choose to Keep Personal Files to ensure they will be untouched.
5. Finally, launch the process and wait until it ends.
6. Hopefully, this method helped you overcome the 0x80246019 error.

Summary

Many other errors that have the same root of appearance can be solved using the same set of methods. If you ever happen to face any similar issues in the future, feel free to try the same solutions as well. Otherwise, you can also search for other articles on our website dedicated to resolving computer and smartphone errors, removing various malware/unwanted programs, and other useful tutorials too.