Addressing Error Code 0x8024401c in Windows Server 2016: A Troubleshooting Guide

To address the error code 0x8024401c in Windows Server 2016, follow these practical steps:

1. Verify your internet connection: Confirm that your server maintains a stable internet link, without any disruptions.
2. Reboot the Windows Update service: Navigate to the Services app, search for the Windows Update service, right-click and choose Restart.
3. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus: At times, external antivirus software might block the Windows Update process. Temporarily switch off your antivirus and attempt the update again.
4. Utilise the Windows Update troubleshooter: Go to Settings, select Update & Security, then Troubleshoot, find Windows Update and initiate the troubleshooter.
5. Empty the Windows Update cache: Launch Command Prompt with administrative rights and execute these commands:

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

6. Manually search for updates: Open the Settings app, navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update, and click on Check for updates, then wait for the system to process the request.