How to fix Windows Update error 0x800704c7 in Windows 10

What is Windows Update error 0x800704c7

Error 0x800704c7 is a bottleneck emerging on Windows 10. It prevents users from installing the latest updates that come to the system. Whilst the issue may feel irritating and hard to solve, it is usually related to the presence of corrupted or missing files. Such a phenomenon happens when users download third-party software or manipulate settings on their own. Users encountering 0x800704c7 can see the message in Windows Update Center stating the code of the issue. Sometimes failed updates may result in BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) that shuts down and reboots your PC. Even if you do not know what could potentially cause the problem, we will help you figure it out in the article below. A list of step-by-step instructions will help you liberate from the reoccurring problem and install the necessary update eventually.

1. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan

Because the problem usually appears due to corrupted segments, we will try running an in-built utility to detect and restore them. Here is how:

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching box next to the Start Menu button.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Once the console is opened, type the sfc /scannow command and click Enter.
4. When the fixing process is done, restart your computer.

Now, you can give it a try installing the update again. If the error still persists after running these steps, go to the next method below.

2. Clear up Windows components

When there is an error popping on your PC, there is a chance it is due to overloaded libraries. Over the usage, they may become junked with unnecessary components that lead to the instability of different services. Below, we show how to clear them out via Task Manager and DISM.

By using Task Manager

1. Press Windows + R combination to open run prompt, then paste taskschd.msc and click OK.
2. On the left pane, navigate to Library>Microsoft>Windows>Servicing.
3. Once done, right-click on StartComponentCleanup and choose Run.
4. Wait till the process is finished, restart your computer, and try to install the conflicting update once again.

By using DISM

This method does exactly the same as above, so you can choose any of them.

1. Open Command Prompt as we already did before.
2. Now paste this command dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup and hit Enter.
3. Once completed, restart your PC and check if the error persists.

3. Turn off/delete third-party software

Third-party software like antivirus has a tendency to cause malfunctions in some services. It can both suspect and mistake suspicious processes happening in your system. For some reason, even Windows services may be blacklisted and restricted by anti-malware software. Because we do not know whether it is a case or not, try to disable a non-native antivirus if you have it installed. Besides antivirus being a culprit for such errors, unwanted or malicious programs can cause the same effect as well. If you remember installing a new piece recently, try to delete it and see the difference. Maybe it will resolve the issue.

4. Try to download a conflicting update from Microsoft Catalog

If there is a problem receiving a KB update from the server, you can try to install it manually. Before doing so, we will have to note which update you need to install. For this:

1. Press Windows key + I at the same time.
2. Then navigate to Update & Security.
3. On the right side of the window, choose View update history.
4. After this, find and note the most recent KB update (on top of the list).
5. Once done, search and download the noted update in the Microsoft Update Catalog.

5. Use Media Creation Tool

Another option to install updates is via Media Creation Tool. It allows users to upgrade the system to the latest version existing. This procedure will not touch your personal data but simply update the PC. In order o pull it off, follow the steps outlined below:

1. First, you have to download the utility from Microsoft website.
2. Then, execute the downloaded file.
3. After agreeing with the Terms of use, there will be two options to choose from. Select Upgrade this PC now.
4. Choose Keep Personal Files to ensure they will be untouched.
5. Finally, launch the process and wait until it ends.

Hopefully, this method helped you tackle the 0x800704c7 code. If not, and it still puts up a headache on regular usage, proceed to the last method of this article.

6. Perform a System Restore

If you started seeing the error pop-up after running some changes or installing a program, you can select the date when everything worked fine through a restore point. You do not need additional software like above, so just follow the steps below:

1. Right-click on This PC and choose Properties.
2. In the opened window, go to System Protection and click on System Restore.
3. Then, click Next and choose the date you remember working without a problem. You can also click on Scan for affected programs, which will show what might be changed after running a restore.
4. When done, click Next and start the System Restore.

Summary

We have finally approached the end of the article. As statistics show, update-related issues are quite regular around Windows users. Learning and testing the above solutions will not only handle the 0x800704c7 error but help in resolving similar problems appearing in the future experience. If you have any other problems related to PC or Mac, you can browse through our website to find the one you need.