20 Ways to Fix Error Code 0x80004005 on Windows 11 24H2

If the error 0xc00007b is dreading, the error code 0x80004005 on Windows 11 is rather frustrating. What I personally hate the most about this error is that it’s often labeled as “Unspecified.” As a result it becomes a bit difficult to pinpoint the actual cause of the issue. It crops up during a number of situations such as updating Windows software, updating apps, running certain apps, accessing shared folders, and even extracting files. However, annoying it may seem to be, these 20 best tips and tricks will help you resolve the error code 0x80004005 on Windows 11 like a pro. Keep reading to…

Fix Error Code 0x80004005 on Windows 11

So, what makes this error code come alive or causes it to show up – out of nowhere? Having encountered this chronic Windows issue a few times, I know all the culprits that trigger it – like the back of my pack. They include –

  • File extraction issues
  • Windows Update failure
  • Corrupted system files
  • Permission conflicts
  • Network configuration errors
  • Antivirus interference
  • Outdated drivers
  • Registry corruption
  • Third-party software bugs
  • Shared folder access
  • Incorrect file path
  • Missing system updates
  • Encryption mishandling
  • Disk write errors
  • Virtual machine setup

With a clear understanding of the villains and how they operate, it becomes relatively easy to take them to the task.

1. Check Internet Connection

Bear in mind that a sluggish or unstable internet connection can cause updates to get stuck mid-way or fail to finish. Therefore, check your internet connection and fix its sluggishness by turning off/on Wi-FI. If that doesn’t work, rebooting the router may work in bringing the malfunctioning Wi-Fi back on track.

Disable or enable Wi Fi on Windows

2. Restart Your PC

Before moving on to try radical tips, it’s better to go for the soft reset given how effective it has been in flushing out the temporary glitches.

3. Check Date and Time Settings

Check your date/time settings and be sure they are accurate.

  • On your PC, head over to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
  • Make sure the “Set time automatically” option is active.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in Windows update troubleshooter is blessed with the ability to automatically detect and resolve common update issues on a PC.

  • On your PC, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
  • Now, choose “Additional troubleshooters.”
  • After that, select “Windows Update” > “Run the troubleshooter” and run through the process to diagnose and resolve the update-related issues.

5. Clear Windows Store Cache

Note that a corrupted cache can also hinder the Microsoft Store from downloading updates on your Windows device. But fret not! Clearing the Windows Store cache will let you resolve this problem.

  • Press Win + R to open Run on your Windows 11 device.
  • After that, type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
  • Now, wait for a few seconds to let the Store reset.
  • Then, restart your PC.

6. Disable Antivirus Software

Antivirus software has a bad reputation of interfering with Windows updates.

  • To get it done, launch your antivirus software and then temporarily disable the real-time protection.
  • Once you have turned off the antivirus software, try updating the software to find out if the problem is gone.

7. Temporarily Disable Firewall

Do you know that firewalls also tend to block Windows Update from connecting to servers and can cause them to get stuck?

  • Navigate to Control Panel on your PC > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  • Hit the “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” option and disable it temporarily.
Disable Windows defender firewall

8. Reset Windows Update Components

Faulty update components can cause software updates to fail. If your PC is dealing with corrupted update components, resetting them will likely help you overcome the hurdle.

  • On your Windows device, open Command Prompt as Administrator and then run these commands – one at a time:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

After you have stopped services, run the below-given commands –

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

To start the services again, run the following commands –

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

9. Perform SFC Scan

System File Checker aka SFC works like a charm in repairing corrupted system files that might be cropping up the update-related problems on your PC.

  • Open Command Prompt and run it as administrator.
  • Input sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Allow the scan to complete and then reboot your PC.

10. Run DISM Tool

If your Windows system images have been damaged, they is a decent chance they could be at the heart of the error code 0x80004005. Running the DISM scan will let you repair those ill-functioning images.

  • Navigate to the Command Prompt and run it as Administrator.
  • After that, type the following command and press Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth 

10. Restart Windows Update Service

More often than not, you can eliminate the update-related hiccups on your PC by restarting the Windows update service. Since it has lived up to my expectations on many occasions, I’m going to count on it.

  • To get going, open Command Prompt on your device and run it as Administrator.
  • Then, type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
  • After that, type net start wuauserv and press Enter.

11. Re-register Windows Store Apps

Re-registering Microsoft Store apps is a pretty reliable way to fix issues with downloading or updating apps on a Windows device.

  • To begin with, open PowerShell as Administrator on your PC.
  • Then, type the follow address and press Enter –
Get-AppxPackage -allusers | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -disabledevelopmentmode -register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

12. Reboot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode has the ability to load minimal drivers and services which empowers it to potentially get rid of conflicts or take control of the tools that are creating problems.

  • Go to Settings on your Windows 11 device > Update & Security > Recovery.
  • Under “Advanced startup,” select “Restart now.”
  • Choose “Troubleshoot” and click “Advanced options”.
  • Now, click “Startup Settings” and choose Restart.
  • Select the “Safe Mode” mode option and restart.

13. Free Up Disk Space

It’s well-known that the cluttered disk space can prove to be the biggest hurdle for updates and prevent them from installing.

  • Go to Settings > System > Storage on your PC.
  • Take advantage of the “Storage Sense” or manually wipe out all the unnecessary files.
Check storage on Windows 11

14. Perform a System Restore

Should the the error code be cropped up due to a recent update, restoring your PC to a previous point could let you troubleshoot the error.

  • Go to Control Panel and select System and Security.
  • Choose System and click System Protection.
  • Click “System Restore” and go through usual the instructions.

15. Uninstall Recent Updates

In some rare cases, the recent updates (especially the buggy ones) might cause compatibility issues.

  • On your computer, go straight to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View Update History.
  • Click “Uninstall updates” and then proceed to remove the recent updates.

16. Check System for Malware

Malware could be coming in the way of Windows operations, including updates and severely affecting their functionality.

  • On your PC, head over to Settings app > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
  • Now, run a thorough scan to catch the malware and eliminate it right away.

17. Disable VPN/Proxy Server

Sometimes, proxy or VPN service tend to hinder Windows from connecting to update servers. Hence, it would be wise to disable these villains to ensure they are no blocking the path.

  • Go to Settings > Network & internet > VPN/Proxy.
  • Disable VPN/”Use a proxy server”.
reset network settings on Windows 11

18. Use a Different User Account

User profile corruption has long been a major culprit that flags off software update problems on a PC.

  • To create a new user, open the Settings app on your PC > Accounts > Other users.
  • Next up, sign in to your new account.
Accounts section on Windows 11

19. Reset Network Settings

Network issues have the habit of road-blocking Windows and preventing it from downloading updates.

  • Go to Settings app on your PC > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings
  • Click “Network reset” > Reset Now and confirm.
Reset Network on Windows 11

20. Perform a Clean Boot

If your PC is facing the heat due to software conflicts, performing a clean boot could be the right answer to this issue.

  • Press Win + R > msconfig, and press Enter.
  • Head into the “General” tab > “Selective startup”.
  • Now, uncheck the box for “Load startup items.”
  • In the “Services” tab, make sure to check “Hide all Microsoft services.”.
  • Click on the “Disable all” button and then restart your PC.
Hide all Microsoft services on Windows computer

Wrapping up…

There you go! So, that concludes this extensive troubleshooting guide about resolving the Windows 11 error code 0x80004005. I guess the error is no longer hurting your PC. It would be a pleasure to know your feedback and the solutions that have performed the role of saviors for you.

Posted by
Rashmi Mishra

Founder/CEO: Rashmi Mishra is a new-age entrepreneur and a die-hard tech lover. Though Rashmi has a special liking for iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch, she loves to take the hottest Android smartphones and Windows laptops for a spin. When she is not reading stories that are breaking the Internet, you will find her either crafting designs or fixing lives for good!

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