Fix Windows Update Error 0x80248007

Issue type: Windows Update data store or download metadata failure | Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11

Windows update error 0x80248007 means Windows Update cannot find required information in its local update data store. The best fix is to rebuild the Windows Update data store by resetting SoftwareDistribution and catroot2, then check update services, run the troubleshooter, and repair Windows with DISM if the data store keeps breaking.

This code is important because it points to a local metadata problem, not only a bad download. The Windows Update data store tracks update metadata, installation state, and available update information. If that data is missing or inconsistent, Windows may fail before the update fully downloads or installs.

The keyword windows update download error 0x80248007 belongs inside this same guide. It is not a separate issue. The “download error” label appears because Windows fails during the scan or download preparation phase, but the root cause is usually the update data store.

What to Do First: Fix Windows Update Error 0x80248007

1. Restart your PC once and check whether windows update error 0x80248007 appears again.
2. Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history and confirm whether the failed item is a cumulative update, driver update, or feature update.
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter before deleting or renaming update folders.
4. Open Command Prompt (Admin) if the troubleshooter does not fix the data store issue.
5. Rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 instead of deleting them immediately.
6. Restart, check for updates again, and let Windows rebuild the data store from a clean state.

Fix 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter is the safest first repair. It can reset update state, restart services, and fix common Windows Update problems without removing logs or local history folders manually.

1. Open Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
2. Click Run next to Windows Update.
3. Wait until the scan completes.
4. Apply the fixes it recommends.
5. Restart the PC and check for updates again.

If the update remains stuck after troubleshooting, check Windows Update pending install because a queued update can keep reusing the same broken state.

Fix 3: Reset SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Safely

For 0x80248007, the most useful repair is rebuilding the update data store. Renaming the folders is safer than deleting them because Windows can recreate fresh folders while the old ones remain available for review.

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start msiserver
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Restart after running the commands. Windows Update will rebuild the folders the next time it scans for updates.

If Windows Update no longer downloads anything after the reset, follow Windows Update not downloading to check BITS, network, DNS, and service problems.

Fix 4: Clear Only the Download Cache If You Want a Lighter Reset

If you do not want to rebuild the full data store first, clear only the download cache. This is less aggressive, but it may not fix 0x80248007 if the DataStore folder is the actual broken part.

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
del /f /s /q "%SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download\*"
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Use this lighter reset if the error appeared once after an interrupted download. Use the full SoftwareDistribution rename if the error repeats after every scan.

Fix 5: Check Windows Update Services

If the update data store cannot be rebuilt, check whether Windows Update and BITS are actually available. A disabled service can leave the data store in a partial state.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Update and make sure it is not Disabled.
3. Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service and make sure it is not Disabled.
4. Find Cryptographic Services and confirm it is running.
5. Restart the PC after correcting any disabled service.

Fix 6: Rebuild the Update Data Store After a Failed Driver Update

Sometimes error 0x80248007 appears during a driver update, not a cumulative update. In that case, the data store can be missing metadata for the device update.

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
2. Check whether the failed update is under Driver Updates.
3. Open Device Manager.
4. Update the driver from the manufacturer if the device is active.
5. Leave optional driver updates unchecked if the device is no longer used.

Do not force a driver update from Windows Update if the hardware is disconnected or no longer present.

Fix 7: Run DISM and SFC If the Data Store Keeps Breaking

If the data store rebuilds and then breaks again, Windows system files or the component store may be damaged. Run DISM and SFC after the update folder reset.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Restart after both commands complete. Then run Windows Update again before opening other maintenance tools.

Fix 8: Check for WSUS, Proxy, or Work/School Policy Issues

If this is a work, school, or company-managed PC, Windows may be using WSUS or another update source. A stale update source can create metadata problems that look like a local data store failure.

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Access work or school.
2. Check whether the device is managed by an organization.
3. Disconnect from VPN and test again if this is a personal PC.
4. Ask IT to check WSUS or update policy if the device is managed.

Fix 9: Install the Failed KB Manually

If the data store reset works but one update still fails, install that KB manually from Microsoft Update Catalog. This bypasses part of the automatic metadata queue.

1. Copy the failed KB number from Update history.
2. Search for it in Microsoft Update Catalog.
3. Download the package for your Windows version and architecture.
4. Run it as Administrator.
5. Restart and check Windows Update again.

Fix 10: Use Fix Problems Using Windows Update If Available

On newer Windows 11 builds, Microsoft includes a repair option that reinstalls the current Windows version through Windows Update while preserving files, apps, and settings.

1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Look for Fix problems using Windows Update.
3. Choose Reinstall now if the option is available.
4. Let Windows complete the repair and restart.

Use this only after the normal update reset and DISM/SFC steps fail.

Common Mistake

The common mistake is clearing only SoftwareDistribution\Download and assuming that fixes every update cache problem. Windows update error 0x80248007 points to the update data store, so the full SoftwareDistribution folder often needs to be rebuilt, not only the download folder.

Best Next Step

If the error returns after rebuilding SoftwareDistribution and catroot2, use Microsoft’s Windows Update error reference to confirm the data store meaning of 0x80248007, then repair Windows with DISM and SFC. Microsoft lists 0x80248007 as a data store error in Windows Update error code reference — Microsoft Learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Update error 0x80248007 mean?

It means Windows Update requested information that is not available in the local update data store. The data store may be corrupted, incomplete, stale, or missing expected update metadata.

Is windows update download error 0x80248007 a separate issue?

No. It is the same error seen during the download or preparation phase. The label says download error, but the root problem is often the update data store.

Is it safe to rename SoftwareDistribution?

Yes. Renaming SoftwareDistribution is safer than deleting it. Windows creates a new folder automatically, while the old folder remains available if you need to review logs.

Will resetting SoftwareDistribution remove installed updates?

No. It removes local update cache and metadata, not installed updates. Your installed security updates, apps, and personal files stay in place.

Why does 0x80248007 come back after a reset?

The data store may be corrupted again by a broken service, disk problem, antivirus interference, WSUS policy, or component store damage. Run DISM, check services, and review management policies.