220-1102 Software Troubleshooting Practice Question
A Windows 10 workstation fails to install a critical security update. The update attempt fails with error code 0x800f024b. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of this error?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often associate all update errors with antivirus interference or disk space, but error 0x800f024b is a specific indicator of CBS store corruption, which requires DISM or System File Checker (SFC) to resolve.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Corrupted system files in the CBS store
Error code 0x800f024b specifically indicates a corruption in the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) store, which is the repository for Windows system files and update components. When the CBS store is corrupted, Windows Update cannot verify or replace the files needed for a security update, causing the installation to fail. This error is distinct from generic update failures and points directly to a servicing stack issue.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Insufficient disk space on the system drive
Why it's wrong here
Error 0x800f024b is a Component-Based Servicing (CBS) error that indicates repository corruption, not a storage limitation. Insufficient free space typically produces distinct Windows Update error codes such as 0x80070070 (ERROR_DISK_FULL) or 0x80070008 (not enough memory). A space shortage would halt the update earlier, during package download or staging, before the CBS servicing pass, and would not trigger a CBS store integrity failure. Therefore, this option does not explain the observed error.
- ✓
Corrupted system files in the CBS store
Why this is correct
Error 0x800f024b is explicitly a CBS_E_ error defined as 'component store is corrupted' in the Windows servicing stack. The secure servicing of components relies on the integrity of manifests, payloads, and the registry mapping stored in the CBS store; when that metadata is damaged, pending or new updates fail with this specific code. Repair requires using DISM with /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, which pulls clean payloads from Windows Update or a WIM, followed by sfc /scannow to verify system files. This is the correct diagnosis and remediation path.
- ✗
Antivirus software is blocking the update installation
Why it's wrong here
Third-party antivirus software can interfere with Windows Update by locking files or blocking service registration, but it does not produce the CBS-specific error 0x800f024b. Interference typically surfaces as access-denied errors (0x80070005) or generic installation failures (0x800f0922) during file replacement or service configuration. The 0x800f024b code indicates that the servicing store's internal state is inconsistent, which is detectable only after the update payload has been accepted and the CBS engine runs its integrity checks—something an external security product cannot directly modify. Thus, antivirus blocking is not a valid cause for this exact failure.
- ✗
The update has been superseded by a more recent update
Why it's wrong here
A superseded update is one that has been replaced by a newer version, and Windows Update normally marks it as 'Not applicable' or withdraws it from the catalog entirely. If an attempt is made to install a stale package, the typical behavior is a notification that the update is not required, not a failure from the component store. The 0x800f024b error is raised by CBS when it finds corrupt servicing metadata while trying to apply an update, regardless of whether that update is current or obsolete. Therefore, supersession is unrelated to this error's root cause.
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Key term
Security update
A security update is a software patch released to fix a vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers to compromise a system.
Key term
Windows
Windows is a family of operating systems developed by Microsoft that manages computer hardware and software, providing a graphical user interface for users to interact with their devices.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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