Windows Update and Microsoft Defender Updates Failing with Error 80240016 on Windows 11

Vikrant Kumar Singh 0 Reputation points
2026-06-19T07:21:49.35+00:00

Hello,

I am using Windows 11 Home Single Language and both Windows Update and Microsoft Defender Security Intelligence updates are failing.

Symptoms:

Windows Update remains stuck on downloading/installing.

Microsoft Defender Security Intelligence Update fails with error code 80240016.

Some updates show "Pending install" and do not complete.

I have already tried:

Restarting the PC

Checking Windows Update manually

Running Defender update manually

Screenshots are attached.

Error Code:

80240016

Please help me fix Windows Update and Defender Update issues.

Thank you.

2026-06-19_082821

2026-06-19_082650

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

2 answers

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  1. TaoLi 92,145 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-19T08:00:00.38+00:00

    Hi Vikrant,

    Thanks for the screenshots.

    Error 80240016 usually means Windows Update is already busy installing another update, or a restart is pending. Please try this:

    1. Run Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:

    net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start bits
net start wuauserv

    Then restart again and check Windows Update and Windows Security > Protection updates.

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  2. Vikrant Kumar Singh 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-22T11:52:48.5066667+00:00

    Hello,

    I followed the suggested troubleshooting steps and ran DISM cleanup successfully.

    However, the issue still remains. The Microsoft Defender Security Intelligence Update completes successfully, but the cumulative Windows Update:

    2026-06 Security Update (KB5094126) (26100.8655)

    remains stuck at Downloading - 6% and does not progress further even after waiting for a long time and restarting the PC.

    Could you please advise the next troubleshooting steps to fix Windows Update stuck at 6%?

    Thank you.

    1000322819

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