How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800705b4 in Windows 11 and 10

Quick Answer

Windows Update error 0x800705b4 is commonly fixed by restarting Windows Update services, clearing the SoftwareDistribution update cache, running DISM and SFC, and then checking for updates again. If the update still fails, install the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Start with the quick reset below. It is safe, does not delete personal files, and fixes many cases where Windows Update is stuck, times out, or repeatedly shows 0x800705b4.

1. Right-click Start and open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run these commands one by one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start msiserver
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv

3. Restart your PC.
4. Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.

If the error returns, continue with the repair steps below.

Problem

Windows Update error 0x800705b4 usually appears while checking for updates, downloading cumulative updates, installing feature updates, or updating Microsoft Defender definitions. In many cases, Windows keeps retrying and then fails with a message similar to:

“There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. Error 0x800705b4.”

The code often points to a timeout. In plain terms, Windows Update waited for a component, service, driver, or response that did not complete in time.

Cause

The most common cause is a stuck or damaged Windows Update cache. Other common triggers include disabled update services, corrupted system files, third-party antivirus interference, driver conflicts, incorrect time settings, or a broken update component.

Prerequisites

• Use an administrator account.
• Keep your device connected to stable internet.
• Plug in your laptop before running updates.
• Temporarily pause VPN or proxy connections if you use them.
• Back up important work before restarting services or installing major updates.

Step-by-step Solution

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can reset basic update settings and detect blocked services.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Update.
4. Click Run.
5. Apply any recommended fixes and restart the PC.

On Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

2. Restart Windows Update services and clear the update cache

This is the most effective fix for Windows Update error 0x800705b4 when the update process is stuck or timing out.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start msiserver
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Windows will create fresh SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders automatically. After that, restart your computer and check for updates again.

3. Repair Windows system files with DISM and SFC

If update components are damaged, use DISM first, then SFC. Run these commands in an elevated Command Prompt or Terminal:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

Wait for each command to finish. DISM can take several minutes and may appear stuck at certain percentages. Do not close the window early.

4. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or VPN

Some security tools inspect update traffic or lock update files during installation. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus, firewall suites, VPN apps, or proxy tools, then try Windows Update again.

Important: Do not leave your device unprotected. Re-enable your security software after testing. Microsoft Defender will usually remain active if no other antivirus is running.

5. Check date, time, and region settings

Incorrect time settings can break secure connections to Microsoft update servers.

1. Open Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
2. Turn on Set time automatically.
3. Turn on Set time zone automatically, if available.
4. Click Sync now.

6. Install the failing update manually

If one specific update keeps failing with 0x800705b4, install it manually.

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
2. Note the failing KB number, such as KB503xxxx.
3. Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
4. Search for the KB number.
5. Download the correct package for your Windows version and system type.
6. Run the installer and restart the PC.

Examples

To check whether the Windows Update service is running, use:

sc query wuauserv

To restart only the Windows Update service, use:

net stop wuauserv
net start wuauserv

To confirm your Windows version before downloading a manual update, run:

winver

Common Causes

• Windows Update download cache is incomplete or corrupted.
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service is not running.
• Windows Update service is stuck in a pending state.
• DISM component store corruption blocks update installation.
• A third-party antivirus or VPN interrupts update traffic.
• The PC has pending restarts from older updates.
• There is not enough free disk space for update staging.

Common Mistakes

• Deleting random files from C:\Windows: Only reset known update folders such as SoftwareDistribution and catroot2.
• Closing DISM too early: It can pause for a while. Let it finish.
• Ignoring pending restarts: Restart before retrying updates.
• Installing the wrong manual update: Match the KB, Windows version, and CPU architecture.
• Using multiple repair tools at once: Run one fix, restart, and test before moving on.

Best Practices

• Keep at least 10 GB of free space before installing cumulative or feature updates.
• Restart Windows weekly if the machine is always on.
• Avoid interrupting updates during installation or restart.
• Keep device drivers updated from Windows Update or the PC manufacturer.
• Create a restore point before making large system changes.

Verification

After applying the fixes, verify that Windows Update is working properly:

1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install available updates.
4. Restart if prompted.
5. Open Update history and confirm the failed KB now shows as installed.

You can also confirm system file health by running:

sfc /scannow

If Windows Update still shows error 0x800705b4 after all steps, perform an in-place repair upgrade using the official Windows ISO or Installation Assistant. This keeps personal files and apps while replacing damaged Windows system components.