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Windows Update is supposed to release patches that fix bugs and improve Windows 10’s performance. However, it is not flawless. At times, it can go wrong and cause annoying errors on anyone’s PC. There are even instances wherein you can’t install updates successfully because a pesky error is preventing you from doing so.

So, what if a Windows 10 update is blocked by the Error 0x80240fff? Well, worry no more because we’ve prepared several solutions for you to try.

Option 1: Pausing Updates

It’s possible that the new build for Windows 10 is causing the Error 0x80240fff. So, your best option is to pause updates until Microsoft releases a patch for it. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch the Settings app by pressing Windows Key+I on your keyboard.
  2. Select Update & Security, then move to the right pane.
  3. Click the Advanced Options link.
  4. Go to the Pause Updates section, then click the Select Date drop-down list.

Choose a date from the list. In most cases, you’ll be able to pause updates for about a month. Unfortunately, for Windows 10 Home operating systems, there is no option to defer upgrades for longer than a month.

Option 2: Using the Media Creation Tool

If you’re still using an older version of Windows 10 Home, you may not be able to see the Pause Updates option on the Settings app. Don’t worry because there is still a way for you to know how to repair the Windows Update Error 0x80240fff. You can upgrade your operating system by downloading the ISO of the latest version. Here are the steps:

  1. Visit Microsoft’s official site, then download the Media Creation Tool.
  2. After downloading the tool, run it. Keep in mind that you need to use the administrator account on your computer.
  3. Once you get to the License Terms page, select Accept.
  4. On the next page, select the ‘Upgrade this PC now’ option.
  5. Click Next.
  6. The Media Creation Tool will start downloading and installing the latest version of Windows 10.
  7. Don’t forget to select the ‘Keep personal files and apps’ option to ensure that none of your vital data will be deleted.
  8. Once you’ve saved files and closed any open apps, select Install.

Do note that the process may take several minutes to complete. So, make sure you keep your computer on.

Option 3: Using the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If anything goes wrong with Windows Update, you can use its dedicated troubleshooter to resolve the issues. Doing so will repair Windows Update components, allowing you to install updates without the Error 0x80240fff getting in the way. To run the troubleshooter, follow the instructions below:

  1. Click the Windows icon on your taskbar.
  2. Click the gear icon to launch the Settings app.
  3. Once the Settings window is up, select Update & Security.
  4. Go to the left-pane menu, then click Troubleshoot.
  5. Move to the right pane, then click Windows Update.
  6. Click the Run the Troubleshooter button.

Let the troubleshooter resolve Windows Update issues. If the tool recommends further actions, make sure you follow them.

Solutions for Windows 10 Pro Users

If you want to learn how to resolve the Windows 10 Update Error 0x80240fff on a Windows 10 Pro PC, you need to learn how to ‘defer upgrades’ on it. Doing so will fix the issue by changing the server that you are downloading updates from. On Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise, there are various ways to do this. We will show them all to you.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

  1. Click the Windows icon on your taskbar, then click the gear icon to open the Settings app.
  2. Once you’re on the Settings app, click Update & Security.
  3. Go to the right pane and click the Advanced Options link.
  4. Select the box beside the ‘Defer feature updates’ option.

After performing these steps, you must restart your PC to ensure that the changes will take effect.

Method 2: Using the Local Group Policy Editor

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Inside the Run dialog box, type “gpedit” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  3. Once the Group Policy Editor is up, go to the left pane, and follow this path:

Computer Configuration ->Administrative Templates ->Windows Components ->Windows Update

  1. On the right pane, you will see several group policies. You need to look for one called ‘Defer Upgrades and Updates’, then double-click it.
  2. A new window will appear. Select Enabled to be able to defer upgrades and updates.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you will see two fields at the bottom portion of the window. To select the number of months, follow the instructions below:

  1. On the left pane, click the up and down arrows to enter the number of months you wish to defer upgrades.
  2. You are free to choose between one to eight months. You can also enter any number between 1 to 8 instead of using the up and down arrows.

Keep in mind that the number of months you enter is added to a four-month delay. Once you request to postpone upgrades, your computer will switch to the enterprise-oriented “Current Branch for Business” (CBB) upgrade track from the consumer-level “Current Branch” (CB) one.

When you check the box beside the ‘Pause Upgrades and Updates’ option, you will be able to put a temporary hold on updates and upgrades. This will last until the next monthly update comes or until Microsoft releases the next big upgrade. Now, when a new update or upgrade is available, the value in the policy will go back to its default state.

Pro Tip: To ensure that updates will be installed smoothly, we recommend that you optimize your system, using Auslogics BoostSpeed. This tool will get rid of junk files safely, remove corrupt registry keys, and help most operations and processes go at a faster pace. This way, updates will be downloaded and installed without any hindrances.

What other error codes would you like us to fix?

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