0x800705B4
Microsoft Windows Update
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Windows Update error 0x800705B4 means the update operation timed out before it could finish. The process took too long and Windows gave up waiting. This is usually caused by a slow internet connection, overloaded update servers, or a stuck Windows Update service.
Affected Models
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Windows 8.1
Common Causes
- The Windows Update service got stuck and stopped responding
- A slow or unstable internet connection caused the download to time out
- Microsoft's update servers are temporarily overloaded
- The Windows Update database (datastore) is corrupted and causing delays
- Too many background processes are slowing down the PC during the update
How to Fix It
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Restart the Windows Update service. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type these commands in order: 'net stop wuauserv' then 'net start wuauserv'. Then try updating again.
The Windows Update service sometimes gets into a stuck state. Restarting it is the fastest fix to try first.
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Check your internet connection. Run a speed test at speedtest.net. If your connection is slower than 5 Mbps or keeps dropping, try updating after your internet improves.
Large updates can be 1–5 GB. A slow or unstable connection will cause timeouts on big downloads.
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Clear the Windows Update cache. Stop the Windows Update service, delete all files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, then restart the service. Now try updating again.
Corrupted or incomplete download files cause the update to stall and eventually time out. Starting fresh often resolves the issue.
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Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.
The troubleshooter checks for stuck services, corrupted databases, and other common causes of timeout errors.
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Try running Windows Update at a different time — ideally overnight or early morning. Microsoft's servers are less busy during off-peak hours, which reduces the chance of a timeout.
On major 'Patch Tuesday' release days (second Tuesday of each month), Microsoft's servers can be slow for hours. Waiting a day often helps.
When to Call a Professional
If this error keeps returning and none of the fixes below help, a technician can do a Windows repair install. This refreshes all Windows Update components while keeping your files. It is rarely needed but very effective for persistent timeout errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a Windows update take?
Small security updates take 5–15 minutes on a decent internet connection. Major feature updates (like Windows 11 upgrades) can take 30–90 minutes. If an update is still 'working' after 2 hours without any visible progress, it has likely gotten stuck and should be restarted.
Is it safe to turn off the PC if an update is stuck?
It depends on where it is stuck. If it is stuck during download (showing a percentage like '47%'), it is generally safe to restart. If it shows 'Configuring Windows' or 'Getting Windows ready', do NOT turn off the PC — doing so can corrupt Windows. Wait at least 2 hours before giving up in that state.
What is Patch Tuesday?
Patch Tuesday is the second Tuesday of every month. Microsoft releases most of its monthly Windows updates on this day. Because millions of PCs worldwide update simultaneously, Microsoft's servers get very busy. If your update times out on a Tuesday or Wednesday, try again Thursday or Friday when server load drops.