Windows Update error 0x800705b4 occurs when the update process times out or encounters conflicts, preventing crucial updates from installing on your Windows system. This error often results from interference by antivirus software, corrupted system files, or misconfigured update settings. Follow the methods below to quickly resolve the issue and get your Windows updates back on track.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in Windows Update troubleshooter diagnoses and automatically resolves common update problems, making it the simplest first step.
Step 1: Press the keyboard shortcut Windows + I to open Settings. Navigate to System and click Troubleshoot on the right.
Step 2: On the next page, select Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Click the Run button on the right of Windows Update and follow the prompts on your screen. Then try updating Windows again.
Temporarily Disable Your Third-Party Antivirus
Third-party antivirus software can sometimes block Windows updates. Temporarily disabling it can confirm whether it's causing the issue.
Step 1: Locate your antivirus icon in the system tray (near the clock), right-click it, and select an option like "Disable protection" or "Pause protection." Choose a short time frame, such as 10 or 15 minutes.
Step 2: Once disabled, attempt to run Windows Update again via Settings. If the update succeeds, consider adjusting your antivirus settings or using a different antivirus solution.
Reset Windows Update Components
Corrupted update components can cause error 0x800705b4. Resetting these components often resolves the issue.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator by typing "cmd" in the search bar, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting "Run as administrator."
Step 2: Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Step 3: Rename the update folders by running these commands:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Step 4: Restart the stopped services by entering:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
After executing these commands, restart your computer and attempt the update again.
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Scans
Corrupted system files can block Windows updates. SFC and DISM scans repair these files automatically.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as administrator as described earlier.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the scan to finish (this may take several minutes).
Step 3: If issues persist, run a DISM scan by typing:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 4: Allow this scan to complete, then restart your PC. Try updating Windows again afterward.
Change Windows Update Service Startup Type
Adjusting the Windows Update service's startup type can resolve timing conflicts that lead to the 0x800705b4 error.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Find "Windows Update" in the list, right-click it, and select "Properties."
Step 3: Set the "Startup type" to "Automatic (Delayed Start)," click "Apply," then "OK." Restart your computer and attempt the update again.
Manually Download and Install the Update
If automatic updates continue to fail, manually downloading and installing the update from Microsoft's official catalog is a reliable alternative.
Step 1: Identify the update causing the issue by noting its KB number in Windows Update settings.
Step 2: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, enter the KB number into the search bar, and download the appropriate file for your system.
Step 3: Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to manually install the update.
Following these steps should resolve the Windows Update error 0x800705b4 and allow your system to receive important updates again. Happy updating!
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