How to fix
Windows update error 0x800704C6
on Windows

How can I fix Windows update error 0x800704C6? I have never had to deal with this before, so I hope you could help me. I tried it numerous times, and it doesn't help.

Windows updates are crucial for maintaining your Windows 11 operating system secure and optimized, providing security patches, performance enhancements, and new features through frequent releases. Updates, usually released on Patch Tuesday every month, keep your device secure from vulnerabilities and running efficiently with the latest features. Yet, errors such as 0x800704C6 can hinder this process, keeping users from installing essential updates.

The 0x800704C6 error typically occurs during the download phase of a Windows update, with the message There were problems downloading updates, with the system unable to continue. Users might notice that their update process simply hangs, sometimes resulting in slow system performance or constant requests to try again.

The 0x800704C6 error is usually caused by an unstable internet connection that disrupts the download of update files and will be addressed by ensuring it is not disrupted. System files can also get corrupted and hence prevent the update from being successful, but SFC and DISM scans will correct them and have everything working properly.

Also, a corrupted Windows Update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder (where update files are temporarily cached) could be the cause of the issue, and emptying out the folder might allow for a clean download to fix the problem.

The following steps provide detailed solutions to fix the Windows update error 0x800704C6 to successfully update your system. Alternatively, as a faster solution, we recommend that you attempt to use [d1], a PC repair tool, which has the capability to automatically fix system file corruption, network problems, and other problems that may be causing the error.

Fix 1. Perform a Disk Cleanup

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (it should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main disk again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used - these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 2. Run the troubleshooter

• Type Troubleshoot into the Windows search bar and press Enter.
• Next, on the right side of the window, select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to locate the Windows update option and click on it.
• Click on Run the troubleshooter/Run and allow the process to complete.
• Once it is finished, implement any recommended fixes and restart your computer.
• Repeat this with Network troubleshooter.

Fix 3. Manually install the update

• Type Updates in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Click View update history.
• Here, note down the KB number that failed to install with the error code 0x800704C6.
• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• Type the KB number into the search bar, and press Enter or click Search.
• You will find many different versions on the update – you need to find the one that matches your PC specs and Windows version (as a home user, ignore Windows server versions).
• Right-click on Start and pick System.
• Under Device specifications, check the System type section: it should either be 64-bit or 32-bit.
• Scroll down to Windows specifications and check the Version section.
• With all this information, pick the correct version for your device.
• Go back to the Microsoft Update catalog, download the appropriate version, and install it.

Fix 5. Reset Windows Update Components

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask whether you want to allow changes – click Yes.
• Stop the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services by typing the following commands, and pressing Enter after each:
  • net stop bits
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop appidsvc
  • net stop cryptsvc
• To rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders (where Windows stores update files), type the following commands:
  • ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  • regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  • regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  • regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh winsock reset proxy
• Restart the services stopped earlier by typing the following commands:
  • net start bits
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start appidsvc
  • net start cryptsvc
• Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer, then try updating Windows again.

Fix 6. Run Clean Boot

• Type msconfig in the Windows search box and press Enter.
• Pick the Services tab.
• Mark Hide all Microsoft services and select Disable all.
• Select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager, right-click on each of the items and select Disable, then close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab, mark the Safe Boot option, then click Apply and OK.
• On the System Configuration window, click OK.
• Restart your device.
• Try updating Windows again.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

You can always use Media Creation Tool to install the most recent version of Windows.  Before starting, make sure to disconnect any superfluous accessories, such as printers, and delete any third-party security software.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media. (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up.
• Agree to terms.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and select Next.
• Windows will now download all the necessary files – it might take a while.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, ensure you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click the Change what to keep option).
• Click Install to begin the upgrade process.