Error code 0x80240016 is a Windows Defender error that occurs when users attempt to install the updated version of this application.
After displaying this Windows Defender error code 0x80240016, a message often comes up. It says “There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help Error code: 0x80240016”.
Under this circumstance, the update process gets stuck on a certain point and the Windows Defender error code flashes frequently.
If you are currently experiencing this same situation, follow this entire post and avail the best possible troubleshooting measures.
Top Reasons for Error Code 0x80240016
Multiple factors are responsible for causing the Windows Defender error. But, using an outdated version of Windows OS can be the first and foremost reason.
This error can also appear if there is another antivirus tool installed on the same device. In such situations, the third-party security program conflicts with the Windows Defender and prevents it from working properly.
Moreover, if there is any glitch within the Windows Update service, then you can encounter this specific error.
Fixes to Deal with Windows Defender Error Code 0x80240016
To troubleshoot the Windows Defender error code 0x80240016, you need to focus on this section carefully. Here, we are going to mention some of the reliable techniques that have worked for many affected users. So, without further delay, let’s begin the repairing strategies.
Solution 1: Run Windows Troubleshooter
Windows arrives with multiple built-in tools. Windows Troubleshooter is one of them. This tool is specially designed for repairing internal bugs and glitches in Windows. Therefore, whenever you confront any kind of Windows Defender error, try to run the Windows Troubleshooter.
To run the Windows Troubleshooter, follow the undermentioned steps accordingly.
Step 1: Firstly, press the Windows logo key along with the R key. It will initiate the Run dialog window. Now, inside the box write “Control” and hit the Enter key to execute the command.
Step 2: After executing this command, the Control Panel option will come up at the top of the search result. Choose the Control Panel option and invoke the window. Under this section, select “System and Security” from the appeared menu.
Step 3: Afterward, navigate to the ‘Maintainance’ tab and locate the “Troubleshoot Common Computer Problems” option. When you find this option, tap on it.
Step 4: Thereafter, go to the Troubleshooting category and choose the “Run the Troubleshooter” button. Next, you can follow the further guidelines provided to complete the troubleshooting process.
Once the process gets finished, restart your device. It will allow recent modifications to take effect.
Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components (Manually)
This is another potential method that can help you to troubleshoot the Windows Defender error. To reset the Windows Update components, you have to execute a few steps.
Step 1:
At first, navigate to the Run dialog box, type “cmd” and hit the Enter key. This will initiate the Command Prompt window. Now, launch the window with Administrator’s privileges by right-clicking on Command Prompt and choosing the “Run as Administrator” option.
Step 2:
Afterward, try to disable the Windows Update service, the BITS service, the Cryptographic service. To do this, you have to enter the following commands in the Command Prompt window. “net stop bits”/ “net stop wuauserv”/ “net stop appidsvc”/ “net stop cryptsvc”.
Step 3:
After executing the commands, try to remove the ‘qmgr*.dat’ files. To do so, type the underlying commands in the same Command Prompt window.
“Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat”
Step 4:
Thereafter, enter the following command and hit the Enter key to execute them.
“cd /d %windir%\system32”
Step 5:
Next, you have to re-register the Windows Files and BITS files. Therefore, follow the undermentioned commands. However, do not forget to press the Enter key after typing each command.
“regsvr32.exe atl.dll”/ “regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll”/ “regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll”/ “regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll”
Step 6:
Now, you can reset the Winsock by entering the command “netsh winsock reset”. After that, reset the proxy setting by adding the command ”netsh winhttp reset proxy”.
Then, restart the Windows Update service, the BITS service, the Cryptographic service by entering the commands underneath.
“net start bits”/ “net start wuauserv”/ “net start appidsvc”/ “net start cryptsvc”
Once you are done with these instructions, reboot your device to apply the new changes. After resetting the Windows Update components if the Windows Defender error code 0x80240016 persists, move towards the remaining solutions.
Solution 3: Restart Windows Update Service
Sometimes, resetting the Windows Update service doesn’t help. Therefore, you need to restart the Windows Update service to fix this error code. However, before restarting the service, ensure that you have closed all the Microsoft Update windows. Now, follow the underlying dedicated steps to restart the Windows Update service.
- Initiate the Command Prompt in Admin Mode and enter these lines into the Command Prompt window.
“net stop wuauserv” and “net start wuauserv”
- Hit the Enter key after entering each command. When you are done, close the Command Prompt window and attempt to apply the updates once again.
Solution 4: Update Windows Defender
Now, we suggest you update the Windows Defender software. You can conduct this procedure by following the undermentioned guidelines.
- Invoke the Windows Defender Security Center by hitting the Shield icon in the taskbar.
- After that, navigate to the left menu bar and choose “Virus & threat protection tile”.
- Next, select the “Protection Updates” button from the appeared menu.
- Thereafter, choose the “Check for Updates” button to download the updates (if updates are available).
- Follow the on-screen prompt to finish the further updating process.
If you are still not able to install the updated version of Windows Defender, then proceed to the next solution to resolve the error.
Solution 5: Eliminate Troublesome Applications
If you have any third-party security software running in the background, the appearance of such error is a common event.
On such occasions, you should eliminate the troublesome applications while updating Windows Defender. To do so, follow these steps.
- Go to the Start menu and invoke the Settings window.
- Inside the Settings window, tap on the System from the resultant menu.
- Next, navigate to the “Apps and Features” category, which is present at the left pane of the window.
- Afterward, choose the troublesome applications one by one and hit the “Uninstall” button from the context menu.
- Confirm the procedure by clicking on the “OK button twice.
Once the troublesome applications get removed, you may install the newest version of Windows Defender. Check whether you are facing any error.
Parting Words:
In this article, we have mentioned the best possible ways to troubleshoot the Windows Defender error code 0x80240016. But, before proceeding with these methods, make sure you are using the latest version of Windows OS.
You can leave your comments in the feedback section below to let us know about your troubleshooting experience. If you want more guidance on fixing this error or any other Windows Defender problem, post your requirements below.