0x800704f1 Windows Update Error: How to Fix It

Surefire solutions to force the Windows update through

Windows 11 » Repair

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by Ola-Hassan Bolaji 

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Key notes

  • The Windows update error 0x800704f1 can be down to issues with the update components.
  • You can fix this issue for good by restarting some services like BITS.
  • Another excellent solution is to run some commands to repair the faulty system files.
0x800704f1

Windows updates are important for the effortless running of your PC. However, the update process is not always smooth, as some users complain of a Windows update error 0x800704f1.

Unlike some update errors, this one does not go away with a simple PC restart. Thankfully, it is not the most difficult issue to fix, provided you apply the fixes in this guide.

What is error code 0x800704f1?

The error 0x800704f1 usually occurs when users initiate the update process manually instead of allowing their PCs to perform the task automatically.

Below are some of the causes of this error:

  • Faulty system files: Sometimes, this issue can be due to corrupt or broken system files on your PC. The solution to this is to repair and restore these files and restart your PC.
  • Issues with some system services: System services like the Background Intelligent Transfer Service are important for the Windows update process to work normally. Restarting these services should do the trick here.

How do I fix the Windows update error code 0x800704f1?

1. Reset Windows update components

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the commands below and press Enter after each: Net stop bits Net stop wuauserv Net stop appidsvc Net stop cryptsvc Del %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat /Q Del "%HOMEDRIVE%\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat" /Q Del %WINDIR%\SoftwareDistribution\*.* /s /Q Net start bits Net start wuauserv Net start appidsvc Net start cryptsvc
  3. Finally, wait for the commands to finish running and restart your PC.

Issues with the Windows update components can cause the error 0x800f0841. This problem can be resolved by restarting the required components and renaming the update folders.

This is made easy by running the commands above.

2. Restart some services

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click the OK button.
    services
  2. Double-click the Background Intelligent Transfer Service to open its properties.
    background
  3. Now, set its Startup type to Automatic and click the Start button.
    automatic 0x800704f1
  4. Next, click the Apply button, followed by OK.
    apply ok
  5. Finally, repeat Steps 2 to 4 for the Windows Update service and restart your PC.

The Windows Update and Background Intelligence Transfer Service are important to the working of the update process. So, if these services are not working properly, it can lead to errors like the 0x800704f1 code.

Restarting the services should help restore normalcy in this case.

3. Repair system files

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthdism restore 0x800704f1
  3. Wait for the command to finish running. Now, run the command below: sfc /scannowsfc scan
  4. Finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.

Corrupt or broken system files can cause many issues, and this is true with the 0x800704f1 error. You can rectify this by running the dedicated commands, as shown above.

Another option is to use a special repair tool to help you restore your system file automatically to perfect condition.

4. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and choose Troubleshoot in the right pane.
    troubleshoot
  2. Click the Other troubleshooters option on the next page.
    other troubleshooters 0x800704f1
  3. Finally, click the Run button before the Windows Update option.
    run update

Glitches with the update services and processes can cause the 0x800704f1 error on Windows 10 and 11. The quickest way to fix this is to run the Windows update troubleshooter.

5. Download the update manually

  1. Press the Windows key, type update history, and select View your update history.
    view 0x800704f1
  2. Note the KB number of the update giving the error.
  3. Now, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the update in Step 2.
    update catalog
  4. Next, choose your specifications and select the Update that matches it.
  5. Finally, run the downloaded file to install it.

If using the Windows updater to update your PC keeps returning the 0x800704f1 error, you can download and install the update manually. This will allow you to bypass the glitches that might be causing the error.

There you have it: tested and proven fixes to eliminate the 0x800704f1 error. You should now be able to fix the issue with these detailed solutions.

If you are dealing with other update errors like 0x800f0841, check our detailed guide to fix them.

Feel free to let us know the solutions that helped you fix this issue in the comments below.

Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Ola-Hassan Bolaji Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers. He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC users. The quality of his work and providing step-wise tested and proven solutions to PC issues are all that matter to him. Away from computers, he is either reading or watching football!