If you’re still on Windows 7, it’s likely that you’ll get error 80248015 trying to update. Recently, a number of users have been reporting in the Microsoft forums that the update functionality in this version is completely broken, and there is no word from Microsoft on when a fix will be released.
A check for updates will result on the message:
“Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer.”
However, ZDNet has reported a different error:
“Windows could not search for new updates.”
But no matter which error you get, they will result in the same problem.
According to Computerworld, the root of the problem appears to be that Microsoft neglected to change the expiration date of a file, which might just be the reason that users are seeing this error in Windows Update.
If you see this error, a suggested temporary solution is to set the system date to anything older of 12/03/2017.
Alternatively, it also appears that disabling “Give me updates for Microsoft products and check for new optional Microsoft software when I update Windows” in the updates settings is fixing the error 80248015 for some users.
It’s not just Windows 7, it also seems that devices running Windows Server 2008 are reporting the same error 80248015 trying to update.
Update December 5, 2017: A spokesperson from Microsoft said to ZDNet that the company has fixed this issue for devices running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].