If you receive Windows Update error 80246005 while checking for updates, it usually means either you cannot save files to the Catroot2 folder, or that the Cryptographic Service was not started or is not working properly. Follow the steps below to correct these problems. 

To allow files to be saved in the Catroot2 folder Windows Update might fail if Windows cannot copy files to the Catroot2 folder or replace files that are in that folder (for example, if the folder or its files are set to read-only). To change the folder so you can write files to it, follow these steps:

 

 

Click the Start button.

In the Search box, type command prompt.

In the list of results, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.

Type attrib -h -s -r c:\windows\system32\catroot2 and then press ENTER.

Next, type attrib -h -s -r c:\windows\system32\catroot2\*.* (where c:\ is the drive where Windows is installed), and then press ENTER.

Type Exit, and then press ENTER to close the Command Prompt window.

 

Go to Services.msc

In the Services dialog box, right click Windows Update.

Make the Service Automatic. Click Apply.

Stop the service and Start or vice versa.

Now click Cryptographic Services.

Make the service Automatic. Click Apply.

Stop the service and Start.

Close the Services Dialog Box.

Click the Start button.

Click All Programs.

Click Windows Update.

Click Try Again.

 

After trying either of these procedures, go to the Windows Update website and try checking for updates again.