Installation of updates failed, error code 80240054

Question

Installations of updates failed with this error code on 11/19. What does it mean? should I attempt to install again?

Answer 1

Hi Paul,

1. Can you provide the list of updates or KB numbers that failed to install?

This issue might occur due to several reasons, if you have any third party security software or when the components responsible for the installation of Windows Update are corrupt.

I suggest you to follow the Methods given below.

Method 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. 

1. Press Windows key + W and type troubleshooting.
2. Select Troubleshootingfrom the search list.
3. Select View all on the left pane.
4. Click on Windows update troubleshooter.
5. Follow on screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting.

Move to next method if issues persists.

Method 2: Temporarily disable third party security software.

If you have installed any third party security software like antivirus program, they can interfere with the download. I would suggest you to temporarily disable and check if you are able to download the update.

Disclaimer: Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.

Move to next method if issues persists.

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components.

I would suggest you to Reset Windows Update Components.

How do I reset Windows Update components?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Note: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756

After resetting Windows update components place your computer in clean boot and then try to install updates.

Clean boot will start your computer by disabling third party start up applications, to avoid Software interference.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: To start your computer into normal mode follow “How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting” in the same article.

You can follow the steps given in the link below for reference.

Troubleshooting problems with installing updates

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/troubleshoot-problems-installing-updates#1TC=windows-8

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance with Windows, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Answer 2

Installation of updates failed, error code 80240054