Windows Update Error 0x80244018 — Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

Windows Update error 0x80244018 means the server returned an unexpected HTTP response. This usually happens when a proxy, firewall, or ISP intercepts the Windows Update connection and returns an error page instead of the update data. It is essentially a communication error between Windows and Microsoft's servers.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 8.1

Common Causes

A proxy server or corporate firewall is intercepting Windows Update connections
Windows Update proxy settings are misconfigured
An ISP or network appliance is inspecting HTTPS traffic and breaking the connection
A VPN or network security tool is modifying the connection to Microsoft's servers
The Windows HTTP service settings have been changed by a program or policy

How to Fix It

Reset the Windows HTTP proxy settings. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: netsh winhttp reset proxy — then restart your PC and try Windows Update.

Programs and VPNs sometimes change Windows system proxy settings. This command resets them to 'direct connection' (no proxy), which is correct for most home users.
Import proxy settings from Internet Explorer. In Command Prompt (Administrator) type: netsh winhttp import proxy source=ie — this copies whatever proxy settings Internet Explorer uses into the system-level proxy.

On some systems, Windows Update uses the IE proxy settings. This command syncs them. Use this if your internet works through a proxy.
Disable your VPN if you have one running. VPN software changes how your network traffic is routed and can intercept Windows Update in unexpected ways. Try updating without the VPN active.

If the update succeeds without the VPN, your VPN software may have a compatibility issue with Windows Update. Check for a VPN update or configure split tunneling.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run. It checks and resets proxy and HTTP settings.

The troubleshooter resets WinHTTP settings as part of its automatic repairs. It is a quick and easy first step.
Reset all Windows Update components. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: 'net stop wuauserv', 'net stop cryptsvc', 'net stop bits', then delete the SoftwareDistribution folder contents, then restart all three services.

A full component reset clears proxy-related state that may be cached in the update service.

When to Call a Professional

If you are on a business or school network, contact your IT department — they control the proxy settings. For home networks, a technician can check your router and network proxy settings. This error is rarely hardware-related — it is always a network configuration issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a proxy server?

A proxy server acts as a middleman between your PC and the internet. Your traffic goes to the proxy, which then contacts the website on your behalf. Companies use proxies to control and monitor internet access. Home users rarely need a proxy. If Windows Update is routed through a badly configured proxy, it can fail with this error.

My internet works fine — why can't Windows Update connect?

Your browser and Windows Update use different connection methods. A proxy setting that works for your browser may break Windows Update. Also, some network equipment only allows certain types of traffic. Windows Update uses specific ports and connections that are sometimes blocked even when general web browsing works.

I am on a home network with no proxy. Why is this happening?

Even without an intentional proxy, some software (VPNs, parental controls, security suites) adds proxy settings to Windows. Run 'netsh winhttp show proxy' in Command Prompt. If it shows anything other than 'Direct access (no proxy server)', reset it with 'netsh winhttp reset proxy'.