A Closer Look at Windows Update Error Code 0x800705b4

After upgrading your operating system from Windows 8 to Windows 10/11, you encounter an issue where the system is unable to check for updates or install them. Running the “Check for Updates” feature in Windows Update results in error code 0x800705b4. Let’s explore the root cause of this problem.

Windows update error code 0x800705b4 is a fairly common error. It was first documented back in 2015 following the Windows Anniversary Update release. It seems, though, that Microsoft hasn’t been able to solve it for good, as the error keeps re-appearing starting December 2016 after Cumulative Update KB3081424 is released for Windows 10/11.

Let us help you tackle this Windows error code with this comprehensive guide.

What Is 0x800705b4 Error?

The error format might be familiar to you: 0x800705b4 is a hexadecimal data format, a common way that Windows displays and classifies errors.

Windows Update offers updates for your OS as well as Microsoft products like Microsoft Office. An operating system is typically configured to download and then install Windows updates automatically if the device has an internet connection and new updates are available. These updates include critical ones that address vulnerabilities that lower protection against malware and viruses.

There are times, however, when Windows Update fails to work as expected and to install these updates. Our error code of focus is an example, where you are likely find an error message such as:

“There were some problem installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800705b4).”

The 0x800705b4 error can be caused by several things, mainly by Windows system file damage. The system file error can be caused by an incomplete install or uninstall, or improper hardware or app deletion. The corrupted system file then leads to missing and misplaced information and files, which are necessary for the app or system to work fine.

Here are other factors involved:

• OS failed to update on its own
• Improper computer shutdown
• Update service NOT configured as automatic update
• Malware or virus attack
• Registry error

Based on initial indications, the available Windows updates have been successfully downloaded but cannot be installed because there is a system distraction. Some have related the error to Office updates (2010 or 2013), which potentially aren’t installed or there are leftovers from the previous Office versions. There may also be a clash between the update and third-party anti-malware tool present in your computer.

Fixes for Error Code 0x800705b4

We suggest that you concentrate on general solutions first. You can start with disabling your antivirus/anti-malware software or Windows Defender, which has worked for some users. You should also stay armed with a PC repair tool like Outbyte PC Repair to optimize your system and its performance.

If the error persists, then it’s time to get to work. Here are solutions you can try – work your way down the list and do preventive steps if necessary, such as making a backup of your files.

Changing Update & Security Settings

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Update & Security.
2. Go to Advanced options.
3. Look for Give me updates of other Microsoft products when I update Windows. Afterwards, uncheck it.
4. Check for Updates and run available ones.
5. Repeat the first two steps if the updates have been successfully installed. This time, however, check the Give me updates of other Microsoft products when I update Windows option.

Update Your System to Its Latest Version

Sometimes your computer fails to install updates automatically even when it’s designed to do so. This can be due to several reasons, including spotty internet connection. You can try to reinstall updates manually in order to solve error code 0x800705b4.

1. Click Start > Control Panel.
2. Choose System and Security > Windows Update.
3. Hit Check for Updates found on the left side of the pane. Here you can update Windows to its latest version.

Updating Windows Defender (Windows 10/11)

If you are faced with this system error, try these steps:

1. From the security center, update your version of Windows Defender. Look for it by clicking Start > Settings > Update & security > Windows Defender.
2. Proceed to Windows Updates > Advanced options.
3. Click the option for getting updates for other Microsoft products.
4. Reboot your machine and check for updates next. Once you get the message “Your device is up to date,” hit Advanced options again. Next, recheck updates for Microsoft programs.
5. Again, check for updates. This time you should be able to download and install them, as well as update other programs.

Restarting Windows Update

Follow the instructions below:

1. Click the Windows + R keys.
2. Type in services.msc. Hit Enter.
3. Look for Windows Defender. If its status is not indicated (a blank column), right-click on it. Choose Start.
4. If the force-start of Windows Defender yields an error, look for the Startup Type option and then set it to Automatic.
5. Reboot your computer and run the update.

Running an SFC Scan

If you are still clueless as to how you can get rid of the error, try to run a System File Checker (SFC) scan for your system. This free tool can fix a number of system errors and enables you to locate corrupted system files for their prompt repair. Here are the steps:

1. Initiate Command Prompt. Hit Start and type in cmd in the search box.
2. Right-click on the icon and select Run as administrator.
3. When asked to provide admin password, enter the password and click Allow.
4. Type in or copy the command sfc /scannow and then press Enter.
5. Let the scanning of protected system files and repair of corrupted files continue. Do NOT close Command Prompt before it’s all done. If Windows Resource Protection is unable to find integrity violations, you will see the following:
   • Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.
   • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
   • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

Running DISM

Are you still with us? Hang on and follow these steps if the error persists:

1. Right-click on the Windows key. Next, choose Command Prompt (Admin).
2. On the UAC window, click OK or type in your admin password.
3. Afterwards, input the following command in the Command Prompt window and press Enter after each of them:
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. Close Command Prompt and try to install the updates.

Running Windows Update Troubleshooter

This time, you can try to run this tool by following the steps below:

1. Go to Windows search. Type in Troubleshoot.
2. Press Enter once you see the app.
3. On the left side, choose View All.
4. From the menu, select Windows Update.
5. Afterwards, click Advanced > Next.
6. Choose Advanced > Run as an Administrator.
7. Check if Apply repairs automatically is selected. Hit Next.
8. Complete the process by choosing Close.
9. Click View detailed instructions.

Performing a System Restore

This can be an efficient choice if you are already at your wit’s end because the problem is still on your current system. Remember to back up all your important files in system partition before you do the restore. Proceed with these steps:

1. Start your computer. Log on as an administrator.
2. Click Start then choose All Programs > Accessories > System Tools.
3. Next, click System Restore.
4. In the new window, choose Restore my computer to an earlier time. Hit Next.
5. Choose the most recent system restore point from On this list, click a restore point. Click Next.
6. Hit Next on the confirmation window.
7. Reboot your computer once the system restore is done.

Final Notes

Error code 0x800705b4 is caused, in one way or another, by misconfigured system files in your Windows operating system. Here, Windows Update fails to work as expected and to install needed updates, with an error message such as: “There were some problem installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800705b4).”

If left unaddressed, this error can lead to the slowdown or eventual crash of your computer, and even data loss. Refer to our list of solutions above for an appropriate fix to this problem.

Have you encountered this error code before? Let us know what worked for you!