The short version
- 01Record the full 0x80248014 code, Windows version and failed Update action.
- 02Run the Windows Update troubleshooter through Microsoft's client repair route.
- 03Open services.msc and check whether Windows Update is running.
- 04Ask an administrator to start Windows Update if it is stopped and permitted to run.
- 05Retry the same Update action and record whether the code changes.
- 06Give continuing failures to support with the update-source and service-state context.
Raw message
0x80248014 — WU_E_DS_UNKNOWNSERVICE
Likely causes
- The requested update service is absent from the Update data store.
- The client troubleshooting route also checks whether the Windows Update service is running.
Keep the exact data-store meaning
Microsoft defines WU_E_DS_UNKNOWNSERVICE as an operation failing because the service is not in the data store. Its client article uses the broader database/service label. Our recommendation is to retain both the code and the Update action rather than assuming permanent database corruption.
Use the client troubleshooter and service check
Microsoft's client branch runs the Update troubleshooter and checks Windows Update in services.msc, starting it if needed. Our recommendation is to use administrator help when service settings are managed, then retry the same action.
Retain service state and source context
Our recommendation is to give support the failed action, configured update source and service result if the code persists. The data-store definition concerns the requested update service; it does not prove that the Windows service was simply stopped or that deleting the cache is required.
Sources and review notes
Checked on . Official Microsoft definitions and client repair branch read October 6, 2026. Recording action/source context and distinguishing the two service meanings are editorial guidance. Shared client repairs are linked. Glitchary is independent of Microsoft.