Microsoft Acknowledges Windows 11 24H2 svchost.exe

Users facing issues upgrading to Windows 11 24H2 may encounter a persistent bug, particularly if they’re deploying updates through WSUS (Windows Server Update Services).This bug triggers an access violation fault, causing the Windows Update service host, svchost.exe_wuauserv, to crash and display the error code 0x80240069.

Additionally, this issue extends to those utilizing System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). SCCM is an advanced endpoint management solution, often implemented by businesses to deploy Windows updates. This tool utilizes WSUS as part of its infrastructure, thereby impacting organizations when they attempt to upgrade to Windows 11.

As of mid-April, reports have surfaced indicating that administrators notice failures in feature updates immediately. Attempting to install Windows 11 24H2 via WSUS or SCCM generates an error logged in Event Viewer: “Unexpected HRESULT while download in progress: 0x80240069 WUAHandler, ” where the identified failing process is the notorious svchost.exe_wuauserv and the culprit module, ntdll.dll.

In a recent support document update, Microsoft confirmed that devices equipped with the April 2025 Update are not offered Windows 11 24H2 through WSUS. This intricately ties the issue with SCCM, reinforcing the widespread nature of the problem.

For context, WSUS is a tool employed by system administrators to manage updates, allocating installation schedules and provisioning updates across various systems within an organizational network.

A particular bug associated with updates for Windows 11 23H2, namely KB5055629, KB5058919, and KB5055528, disrupts the WSUS process, resulting in error code 0x80240069 and the message, “Service wuauserv has unexpectedly stopped” during attempts to initiate the installation of Windows 11 24H2.

According to Microsoft’s official communications:

The Windows download for version 24H2 does not commence or conclude successfully. Error code 0x80240069 may appear in the Windows Update logs, often accompanied by messages indicating “Service wuauserv has unexpectedly stopped.”

While Microsoft’s claims predominantly concern Windows 11 24H2, it suggests that multiple Windows updates are also problematic, potentially affecting earlier iterations such as Windows 11 22H2 during installations of 23H2.

Reports have emerged indicating that svchost.exe_wuauserv crashes with the 0x80240069 error even when emulating the push for the Windows 11 23H2 enablement package on version 22H2, hinting at the pervasive nature of the issue.

Speaking with Windows Latest, an enterprise user managing SCCM version 2409 on a fleet of Dell and Lenovo devices noted that all update attempts failed mere seconds post the “Install” button click in Software Center.

During observations by Windows Latest, indications emerged that a problematic code pathway introduced in the Windows Feature Management system via the Windows 11 23H2 updates might be the source of these disturbances. These issues manifest once the Windows Update service attempts to retrieve affected feature payloads.

Resolving the “0x80240069” Error Impacting svchost.exe_wuauserv on Windows 11

A recommended solution from a Microsoft support representative involves executing the following Windows Registry script to rectify the 0x80240069 error concerning svchost.exe_wuauserv:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\8\3000950414]

“EnabledState”=dword:00000001

“EnabledStateOptions”=dword:00000000

“Variant”=dword:00000000

“VariantPayload”=dword:00000000

This script aims to create an override that addresses the bugs introduced in preceding cumulative updates. By setting the four DWORD variables to zero, while leveraging EnabledState=1, we permit Windows to bypass the flawed logical pathways present in the variant.

If this registry fix does not appeal to you, it may be wise to wait for Microsoft’s forthcoming official patch anticipated to be released in May 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes the 0x80240069 error during the Windows 11 upgrade?

The 0x80240069 error generally occurs due to issues within WSUS or SCCM when deploying updates, particularly after recent cumulative updates that may introduce bugs, impacting the svchost.exe_wuauserv process.

2. Can I manually fix the 0x80240069 error?

Yes, you can manually address this issue by editing the Windows Registry with a provided script that modifies specific DWORD values to circumvent the bug. However, always back up the registry first to avoid unintended consequences.

3. Is there an official fix for this error from Microsoft?

Microsoft is aware of the problem and has indicated that an official fix is slated to be released in May 2025. In the meantime, you can use workarounds such as the registry fix mentioned above.

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