The problem mostly occurs when your Windows operating system is being updated. However, it can be that your system is unable to search for updates or is unable to install them. Either way, in this guide, we are going to fix the error 0x800704c7. What Causes Windows Update Error 0x800704c7? Although this error can be caused by multiple reasons, the most prominent ones are:
Background processes interfering with the operating system procedures. Missing or corrupt OS files can cause error 0x800704c7. Conflict with third-party applications can cause Windows update errors.
How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x800704c7?
Method 1: Wait for stuck updates to end
Sometimes, the update may get delayed due to server-side issues or a slow internet connection. You can check for pending updates in the Update & Security tab in the Settings window. Therefore, if your update is stuck, you can wait it out.
How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x800704c7? Method 1: Wait for stuck updates to end Method 2: Run SFC scan Method 3: Clean Windows Components Method 4: Disable Antivirus Method 5: Download the latest KB Update Method 6: Use the Media Creation tool Method 7: Perform a System Restore
Method 2: Run SFC scan
Since this issue is frequently triggered by missing or corrupt system files, we will attempt to run an in-built tool to identify and fix them.
Type cmd in the search bar to bring up Command Prompt in the search results.
Choose Run as administrator as shown.
When the console appears, enter the sfc/scannow command and press Enter.
Restart your computer once the scan is completed. You can now attempt to install the Windows update again. If the issue persists, proceed to the method listed below. Also Read: Fix Restore Point Not Working in Windows 10
Method 3: Clean Windows Components
Sometimes overloaded Windows library can also cause this issue. The library gets stuffed with unnecessary files over a prolonged period of time. Therefore, it is recommended to clear these on periodic intervals. Option 1: Via Task Manager
Press Windows + R keys together to bring up the Run box.
Type taskschd.msc and click on OK, as shown.
Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Servicing as depicted below.
Now, click on StartComponentCleanup. Then, click on Run in the right-pane as shown.
Let the process finish, then restart the computer and try to install the pending updates. Option 2: Via DISM Deployment Image Servicing and Management or DISM is a command-line application included in Windows 10 operating system. It helps to repair or modify system images. It is often used when the SFC command fails to fix corrupt or altered system files.
Launch Command Prompt with administrator rights, as we did earlier.
Type the command: dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup and hit Enter to execute it. Note: Do not close the window while the command is running.
3. Restart the computer to confirm the changes.
Method 4: Disable Antivirus
Third-party software, such as antivirus programs, has been known to cause various problems. Often, antivirus software mistakenly blacklists and/or block programs & applications on your computer. It is probable that Windows Update services are unable to perform the required task because of third-party antivirus software installed on your desktop/laptop. Here, we will discuss how to disable the Kaspersky antivirus. Note: Similar steps can be performed with any antivirus software.
Click the upward arrow on the taskbar from the home screen to bring up hidden icons.
Next, right-click on the Kaspersky antivirus icon and choose Pause protection, as depicted.
Select the time period over which you want the protection to be suspended from the three available alternatives.
Finally, click Pause protection to disable Kaspersky temporarily. Now, check if updates are taking place smoothly. If they are, then uninstall your antivirus software and choose one which doesn’t cause conflicts with Windows OS. If not, then proceed to the next method. Also Read: Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070643
Method 5: Download the latest KB Update
You can also try downloading the latest update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Since it includes frequently reported issues & their solutions, this can prove to be helpful in solving Windows update error 0x800704c7.
Open Settings on the computer by pressing Windows + I keys together.
Click Update & Security section as shown.
Click on View update history as shown below.
Copy the code from the latest KB as depicted below.
Navigate to the Microsoft Update website and look for the KB code.
Download the particular KB for your Windows version.
When the download is complete, double-click the file to install it. Follow the on-screen instructions as and when prompted to install it. This should definitely fix the Windows update error 0x800704c7. If it does not, then try the succeeding methods.
Method 6: Use the Media Creation tool
Another alternative to installing Windows updates is using the Media Creation Tool. It allows users to upgrade their system to the latest version without affecting any of their personal data.
Go to the Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool.
Then, Run the downloaded file.
After agreeing to the Terms of Service, choose to Upgrade this PC now.
Select Keep Personal Files to ensure that they are not overwritten. Finally, wait for the process to finish. This should fix Windows update error 0x800704c7.
Method 7: Perform a System Restore
If none of the above-mentioned methods have worked for you, the only option left is to perform a System Restore. This process will return your system to a previous state, to a point in time in which the error didn’t exist.
Press Windows Key + S to bring up the search menu then search for Control Panel as shown.
In the Control Panel search box, type Recovery and hit Enter.
Click on Open System Restore in the Recovery window.
Now, follow the System Restore wizard prompts and click on Next.
In the window that now pops up, select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
Now, select an earlier date and time where the computer was working fine. If you don’t see previous restore points, then checkmark “Show more restore points.”
By default, the system will choose Automatic Restore Point, as illustrated below. You can choose to continue with this option as well.
8. Restart the computer and verify if the changes have taken place. Q1. Does Windows 10 install updates automatically? By default, Windows 10 upgrades the operating system automatically. It is, however, safer to ensure manually that OS is updated from time to time. Q2. What is error code 0x800704c7? Error 0x800704c7 typically appears when the computer is unstable and key system files cease to respond or are overlooked. It can also occur when an anti-virus application prevents Windows from installing updates. Q3. Why is the Windows update taking so much time? This problem can be caused by out-of-date or faulty drivers on your computer. These may slow down the download speed, making Windows updates take considerably longer than usual. You must upgrade your drivers to fix this issue. Recommended:
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We hope that this guide was helpful and you were able to fix Windows update error 0x800704c7. Let us know which method worked for you. If you have any queries/ suggestions, drop them in the comment box.
