Windows updates are important as they bring new features, improve system’s performance and patch security vulnerabilities. However, at times updates can fail to install, and you may end up encountering error codes. One of the most common error codes is the 0x800705b4 Windows update error. This error affects various Windows OS editions, including Windows 10, 8 and 7. If you are facing this error and you don’t know how to fix it, this article is for you. Here are some solutions that can help you fix the 0x800705b4 Windows update error.

Solution 1: Update Windows Manually

If Windows automatic updates fail, the best thing is to download the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open a web browser.

Step 2: Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Step 3: Type the KB code of the update you want to download in the search box.

Step 4: Choose the appropriate download based on your computer’s specifications then click Download.

Step 5: Run the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install the update.

Solution 2: Restart Windows Update Service

Restarting the Windows Update Service can also help fix the 0x800705b4 error.

Step 1: Press Windows key + R simultaneously, then type ‘services.msc’ and hit Enter.

Step 2: Scroll to find the ‘Windows Update’ service.

Step 3: Right-click on this service and select ‘Stop’.

Step 4: Wait for a few seconds, then right-click on this service again and select ‘Start.’

Solution 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has an inbuilt troubleshooter that can help detect update errors and attempt to resolve them.

Step 1: Open the Windows settings by pressing the Windows key + I simultaneously.

Step 2: Type ‘troubleshoot’ in the search box and click on Troubleshoot settings.

Step 3: Select ‘Windows update,’ then click on ‘Run the troubleshooter.’

Step 4: Follow the prompts given by the Windows troubleshooter.

Solution 4: Reset Windows Update Components

If the above solutions do not work, resetting Windows Update Components can help fix the error. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X simultaneously, and select ‘Command Prompt (Admin).’

Step 2: Stop MSI Installer, Windows Update Services, and BITS by typing the following commands into Command Prompt.

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Step 3: Once all services are stopped, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing the following commands:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Step 4: Restart the services that you stopped earlier:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Solution 5: Use System Restore

If all solutions fail, using the System Restore feature can help roll back your system to a previous working-state before the error occurred.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R simultaneously and type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and hit Enter.

Step 2: Click on the ‘System Protection’ tab and click ‘System Restore.’

Step 3: Follow the prompts given by the System Restore

Conclusion

In conclusion, trying out the above solutions can help you fix the 0x800705b4 Windows update error. However, if the issue persists, it is recommended to reach out to Microsoft support for assistance. Additionally, ensure that your computer has adequate storage space, it’s running the latest version of the operating system, and you have a stable internet connection for a smooth and uninterrupted update process.