Windows Update error 0x800705b4 usually comes down to a few familiar fixes. In most cases, restarting the Windows Update services, clearing the SoftwareDistribution update cache, running DISM and SFC, then checking for updates again does the job. If it still won’t install, your next step is to download the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
The quick reset below is a good place to start. It doesn’t remove your personal files, and it’s often enough to fix Windows Update when it’s stuck, keeps timing out, or repeatedly throws 0x800705b4.
Right-click Start, then open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Run these commands one at a time:
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 wuauservRestart your PC.
Then go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
If the same error comes back, keep going with the fixes below.
What’s happening
You’ll usually see Windows Update error 0x800705b4 while checking for updates, downloading cumulative updates, installing feature updates, or updating Microsoft Defender definitions. Windows often retries several times before showing a message like this:
“There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. Error 0x800705b4.”
Most of the time, this code points to a timeout. Put simply, Windows Update waited for a service, driver, or another component to respond, and it never did.
Why it happens
A damaged or stuck Windows Update cache is the most common reason. Other things can trigger the error too, including disabled update services, corrupted system files, third-party antivirus software, driver conflicts, incorrect date and time settings, or damaged update components.
| Possible cause | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Corrupted SoftwareDistribution folder | Update downloads and installation staging |
| Stopped BITS or Windows Update service | Downloading and applying updates |
| System file corruption | Servicing stack and update installation |
| Security software conflict | Update connection or file access |
| Outdated drivers | Feature updates and cumulative updates |
Before you begin
Make sure you’re using an administrator account.
Keep your PC connected to a stable internet connection, and if you’re on a laptop, plug it into power before installing updates.
If you use a VPN or proxy server, pause it for now.
It’s also a good idea to save and back up any important work before restarting services or installing larger Windows updates.
Fix the error step by step
1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can reset basic update settings and spot services that aren’t working properly.
Open Settings.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Find Windows Update, then click Run.
Apply any fixes Windows recommends and restart your computer.
If you’re using Windows 10, the path is Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
2. Restart Windows Update services and clear the update cache
This is usually the fix that works when 0x800705b4 appears because Windows Update is hanging or timing out.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run these 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 wuauservWindows automatically creates fresh SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders the next time it runs. Restart your PC afterward, then check for updates again.
3. Repair Windows system files with DISM and SFC
If Windows update components are damaged, repair them with DISM first, then SFC.
Open an elevated Command Prompt or Terminal, then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowLet each command finish completely. DISM can take quite a while, and it sometimes appears to stop at certain percentages. That’s normal, so don’t close the window unless it’s actually finished.
4. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or VPN software
Some antivirus programs inspect Windows Update traffic or lock files while updates are installing. VPNs and proxy tools can also get in the way.
Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus, firewall suite, VPN, or proxy software, then try Windows Update again.
Don’t forget to turn your security software back on afterward. If no other antivirus is active, Microsoft Defender will usually continue protecting your PC.
5. Check your date, time, and region
Incorrect time settings can prevent secure connections to Microsoft’s update servers.
Open Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
Turn on Set time automatically.
If it’s available, turn on Set time zone automatically.
Click Sync now, then try Windows Update again.
6. Install the update manually
If the same update keeps failing, installing it manually is often the quickest fix.
Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
Write down the failed KB number, such as KB503xxxx.
Open the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Search for that KB number.
Download the package that matches your Windows version and system architecture.
Run the installer, then restart your PC.
Useful commands
To check if the Windows Update service is running:
sc query wuauservTo restart only the Windows Update service:
net stop wuauserv
net start wuauservTo check your Windows version before downloading a manual update:
winverCommon causes
A corrupted or incomplete Windows Update download cache.
The Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) isn’t running.
The Windows Update service is stuck in a pending state.
Corruption in the DISM component store is blocking installation.
A third-party antivirus program or VPN is interrupting update traffic.
Your PC still needs to restart after an earlier update.
There’s not enough free disk space to stage the update.
Common mistakes
Deleting random files from C:\Windows instead of resetting only the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders.
Closing DISM because it looks frozen. It often pauses during the scan, so let it finish.
Skipping a required restart before trying the update again.
Downloading the wrong manual update instead of matching the KB number, Windows version, and processor architecture.
Running several repair tools back to back without testing between them. Try one fix, restart, then check Windows Update before moving to the next.
Good habits
Leave at least 10 GB of free disk space before installing cumulative or feature updates.
Restart Windows regularly, especially if the computer stays on for days at a time.
Avoid turning off your PC while updates are installing or during the restart process.
Keep device drivers updated through Windows Update or directly from your PC manufacturer’s website.
Create a restore point before making larger system changes.
Check that everything worked
After you’ve finished the repairs, make sure Windows Update is working normally.
Open Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Install any available updates.
Restart your PC if Windows asks you to.
Then open Update history and confirm the failed KB update now shows as installed.
You can also verify that Windows system files are healthy by running:
sfc /scannowIf Windows Update still reports 0x800705b4 after trying every fix here, perform an in-place repair upgrade using the official Windows ISO or the Windows Installation Assistant. That process keeps your personal files and installed apps while replacing damaged Windows system components.
