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Windows Update failed to check for updates with error 0x80240438.

M S B 0 Reputation points
2026-04-20T00:28:28.89+00:00

This error code keeps coming up when checking for updates.

Edition Windows 11 Home

Version 25H2

Installed on ‎3/‎25/‎26

OS build 26200.8246

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.297.0

Thanks for your help Mark B.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. John DeV 164.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-20T01:07:59.98+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    • What specific update are you trying to install?
    • Have you tried the AI suggested solutions?

    Make sure Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services are available and running. Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc

    Press Enter to open Services app Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart

    Double-click Windows Update. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart

    I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comments" below instead of selecting Yes or No.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-04-20T00:28:41.1133333+00:00

    Follow these steps in order, checking Windows Update after each major step:

    1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      1. Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      2. Under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run.
      3. Let it complete any repairs it suggests.
      4. Restart the PC.
      5. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and see if 0x80240438 is gone.
    2. Clear temporary Windows Update data
      1. Restart the PC once.
      2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter again as above (it also helps reset some components).
      3. Restart once more and test Check for updates.
    3. Use general upgrade/install repair steps for Windows 11 errors Error 0x80240438 is another Windows Update failure; the general repair steps for Windows 11 update/upgrade errors apply:
      • Run the Windows Update troubleshooter (already done in step 1; repeat once if problems persist).
      • Run System File Checker and DISM to repair system files:
        1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
        2. Run: sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
        3. Then run DISM repair commands appropriate for Windows 11 (as recommended in the upgrade/installation error guidance) to fix component store corruption.
      • Ensure the system is fully updated by retrying Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates after repairs.
    4. If Windows Update still fails Use an in-place repair/upgrade with the latest Windows 11 ISO or Installation Assistant, which keeps files and apps while refreshing system components. This is the same approach recommended when Windows 11 cannot move to a newer release or when update components are badly damaged.

    If all of the above fail, contact Microsoft Support directly for deeper troubleshooting of Windows Update on that specific OS build.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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