Failiure to update Windows defender virus & spyware definition - 0x8024402c

windows-update anti-virus windows-defender

6,801

Windows defender virus & spyware definition not updating

Run the Microsoft "Fixit" application.

When you use the Windows Update website or the Microsoft Update website to check for and install updates, you may receive one of the errors that are listed in the "Symptoms" section.

Windows 8.1, Windows 8 or Windows 7

The Automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update troubleshooter may automatically fix the problem described in this article.

There is a link on the page to Microsoft Fixit - the run now button

...

Symptoms

When you use the Windows Update website or the Microsoft Update website to check for and install updates, you may receive one of the following error code in the error messages:

...

0x8024402C -2145107924 WU_E_PT_WINHTTP_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED

...

Cause

These errors may be caused by any of the following issues:

Programs or processes that interfere with Internet communications

Resource issues on the computer

High Internet activity

Recoverable database errors

Source Temporary connection-related errors may occur when you use Windows Update or Microsoft Update

Additional troubleshooting steps

If the above doesn't fix your issue, then see How to solve connection problems concerning Windows Update or Microsoft Update.

6,801

Admin

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

Admin over 1 year
An error with error code 0x8024402c is thrown each time while trying to update Windows Defender's virus & spyware definition.

Checked the following for diagnosis, and found no problem with these;
1. No pending important updates in Windows Update (automatic update option is checked)
2. No other antivirus installed
3. Windows Update Agent is up to date
4. No proxy server involved
What else do I have to check?

👉 UPDATE

If the chosen answer below doesn't work for you, here's another solution that may work; change your DNS server IP to Google's, see how to do that here.
- DavidPostill almost 9 years
  
  Can you ping fe2.update.microsoft.com successfully?
- Admin almost 9 years
  
  Getting reply successfully on pinging www.fe2.update.microsoft.com
- DavidPostill almost 9 years
  
  See my answer. Go to the link and click the "Run now" button for Windows 8.1.
- Admin almost 9 years
  
  @DavidPostill okay will do that and get back to you asap
- Moab almost 9 years
  
  Run windows update from control panel, what error if any do you get?
- Moab almost 9 years
  
  My ping requests to fe2.update.microsoft.com time out, must be a microsoft issue.
- Admin almost 9 years
  
  @Moab, okay. I'm seeing one available update in Windows Update now Update for Windows 8.1 for x64-based Systems (KB3000850), I'll update it and let you know
- Moab almost 9 years
  
  might be a regional problem, Im in Texas.
- Moab almost 9 years
  
  Microsoft Security Essentials is reporting error 0x8024402F when updating my definitions. Not a problem we can solve. Have a great day.
- Admin almost 9 years
  
  @Moab, chat didn't work for me either. My Windows Update is still running, will take some time to see any error. Thanks for helping out
- Davidenko almost 9 years
  
  Did you try this?
- Admin almost 9 years
  
  @Davidenko, that one is for when a proxy server is involved. I'm not using any in mine.
Moab almost 9 years

David, post this link also
DavidPostill almost 9 years

@Moab. Thanks, didn't know about this one. Answer updated.
Admin almost 9 years

@DavidPostill, It worked the first time after running fixit. Although when I try updating again, it shows the same error
DavidPostill almost 9 years

@rps Try the other troubleshooting steps in the other link support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/818018
Admin almost 9 years

Well, thanks for your input, I'll mark it as answer. Will check for any corrupted system files that can be the root of the issue (The connectivity seems to be fine though) and If I find anything I'll let you know.
DavidPostill almost 9 years

@rps Thanks. Sorry we couldn't "fix it" permanently for you ;)