Windows 10 has just been released, Microsoft is calling it the biggest software update in history. With massive installations at the same time, many users has been reporting errors when upgrading. The most common error is Windows 10 error code 80240020. 

Microsoft explains this error in the following statementThis is an expected message indicating that when installation begins it may require user interaction.  This is the largest software upgrade event ever and we’re managing it so everyone has a great experience. We recommend waiting until your PC receives a notification to upgrade, and then following the instructions provided. 

Please note that there is no problem with your reservation or upgrade download. The upgrade download is not corrupt as some have stated, and you will be notified in the coming days or weeks when your device is ready to upgrade.

Windows 10 error code 80240020

Windows 10 error code 80240020

How to fix Windows 10 error code 80240020

Method 1 – Download folder

  • Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete all content in the Download folder. Do not delete the Download folder
  • Open an admin Command Prompt and type this command : wuauclt.exe /updatenow

Windows 10 error code 80240020

  • Go to Control Panel / Windows Update you will see Downloading Windows 10

Windows 10 error code 80240020

  • Once the download complete, restart your computer
  • You will get Windows 10 ready to upgrade window
  • Click Start the upgrade now, sit back and relax while your computer gets upgraded

Windows 10 error code 80240020

Method 2 – Registry Editor

If the first method fails, try this one. You will need to add a value in the registry editor. Be careful when modifying registry key.

  • Open the Registry Editor (Run / Regedit.exe)
  • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade
  • Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value
    • Name = AllowOSUpgrade
    • Value = 0x00000001

Windows 10 error code 80240020

  • Close Registry Editor and go to Control Panel / Windows Update
  • Click Check for Updates on the left
  • You should now be able to click the Get Started button to upgrade to Windows 10

Leave a comment if one of this method works for you. Happy updating.

Comments (5)

lai290498

01.05.2024 AT 01:41 AM
Wonderful Article! - tstoto

Nicholas Ferguson

04.25.2019 AT 06:17 AM
Wonderful post! I really like your article and information is really helpful for us. I found the working solution here. Big thanks to you and keep sharing amazing content.

Ben Oakes

08.16.2018 AT 12:28 AM
Hello, I am trying to upgrade my Windows 7 computer to Windows 10, and although the setup files have already been downloaded to my System, But it's showing error.

Tim Pate

08.04.2015 AT 03:12 AM
When I tried the registry update, it told me that my string was too long. Any ideas on that? I cut and pasted your code.

Benoit Lecours

09.13.2015 AT 10:32 AM
Try to enter just 1 as a value.