Fix: Update Error 0x800704B3 on Windows 11/10

If you are struggling with an update error code 0x800704B3 while updating Windows, this guide presents a handful of fixes that might help. We will also look into the reasons for triggering such an error code, what happens when it occurs, and five workarounds that might solve this error code on Windows 11/10.

What causes Update Error 0x800704B3 in Windows?

Windows 11/10 may fail on an update error 0x800704B3 because of one or more of the following reasons –

• Missing or obsolete system files
• Corrupt Windows update components
• Outdated device drivers

How to Fix Update Error 0x800704B3

Before you go ahead and apply the below fixes, make sure to disable Windows Defender, Windows Firewall, or external antivirus (if you use any). You may now try out these workarounds to resolve the update-related issues on your PC –

1. Run Update Troubleshooter

If you are struggling with an update error, the first thing that you should run is the update troubleshooter. This is basically an in-built tool designed to find and fix the underlying causes behind an update issue. Here’s how you may run this troubleshooter –

• Press Windows key & I to launch the Settings app.
• Click Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• On the right pane, you will find a link to “Additional troubleshooters”. Well, click on this link.
• Moving ahead, click to expand Windows update and hit Run the troubleshooter.

• When the troubleshooting window launches, hit Next.
• Let the system detect and resolve any issues on your PC. All you require is to follow the on-screen instructions.

Even in case, it doesn’t resolve the error 0x800704B3, this tool will explain ways how to get rid of this issue.

2. Perform SFC Scan

After uninstalling a third-party app, it is required of us to restart our PC. However, very few follow this standard practice. As a result, some leftover files remain on the device and keep interacting with the system files. Over some time, such files become corrupted to such an extent that you can’t update your operating system.

Similarly, when there are some or more missing files, this may also result in updates failing on Windows 11/10 PCs. To solve this issue then, one must use the SFC tool. The System file checker utility will find the underlying causes and try to fix them if possible. Here’s how to run this command-line program.

• Launch CMD having admin rights.
• On the elevated console, type the following, and press Enter.

sfc /scannow

• Wait for this scan to complete 100%.
• Once over, restart your PC and check if this actually resolves error code 0x800704B3.

If not, you may try the next set of solutions discussed below.

3. Reset Update Components

If you haven’t purged SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders for a long time, this may start troubling the Windows update process. Resetting update components is the best way to fix an update error if none of the above solutions work in your case.

4. Use System Restore Point

In case you have created a system restore point sometime back in the past, you may use that right now. If you haven’t generated any system image backup right then, skip this method, and proceed to the next one. Here’s how to use the system restore point –

• To make this solution work, ensure that you log into your device as an administrator.
• Press Win + R to launch the Run dialog box.
• Type ” rstrui” in the text field, and hit OK.
• Click Next, pick the latest image version, and then re-click the Next button.

• It would be good if you scan the chosen backup for affected programs and malware.
• Now, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the remaining steps.
• This whole restoring process will take 30-45 minutes, so wait patiently.

5. Manually install cumulative updates

If none of the above solutions work in your case, you are left with only one option i.e. manual installation of cumulative updates. For each update that comes for Windows 11/10 users, Microsoft uploads a standalone package at its official site i.e. Update Catalog. Here’s how you can manually download and install pending cumulative updates on your computer.

I hope this tutorial helps to recover your system back from the update error 0x800704B3. Let us know in the comment section if you face any difficulty applying the above solutions.

What is error code 0x80004005?

The error 0x80004005 is an unspecified error and it occurs when a file that the Windows Product Activation (WPA) requires is either damaged or missing. When this occurs, it prohibits accessing Shared Folders and Disk Drives. Users might even face problems opening their Virtual Machines or making changes to their Microsoft accounts.