Windows Update 0x800f0805 error for KB5071546

Stanley Quinn 25 Reputation points
2025-12-16T16:21:43.5166667+00:00

I am running Windows 10 version 10.0.19045.6456 with ESU updates enabled.

Every time I run Windows Update it tries to get KB5071546 and it fails with this error:

There were problems downloading some updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this, try searching the web or contacting support for help. This error code might help: (0x800f0805)

I have run the Windows Update Troubleshooter which says:

Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem

I have also deleted the SoftwareDistribution folder in the Windows directory and it did not help.

How can I resolve this issue?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update
0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
David-M 128.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-12-17T12:43:22.4833333+00:00

In this case, I suggest you perform an In-place Upgrade. This procedure reinstalls Windows, which helps to fix problems.

It's a simple procedure, and you have the option to keep files, settings, and apps. Therefore, all your data is kept.

Download the ISO file to perform the procedure:

  1. Access the link below and click "Download now" to download the Media Creation Tool.

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

  1. Run the tool and click "Accept" to accept the terms;
  2. Select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" and click "Next";
  3. In the "Select language, architecture, and edition" step, leave the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box checked and click "Next";
  4. In the "Choose which media to use" step, select "ISO file", click "Next", select where to save, and click "Save".

After downloading the ISO, do the following:

  1. Double-click the ISO file to run it.

(After running the ISO, you may need to double-click the "Setup" file to start the procedure.)

  1. On the "Install Windows 10" screen, uncheck "I want to help make the installation of Windows better" and select "Change how Windows Setup download updates";
  2. On the next screen, select "Not right now" and click "Next";
  3. Accept the terms of use;
  4. At the "Ready to install" screen, select "Choose what to keep" and select what you want to keep.

(In this step, select "Keep personal files and apps" so all your data is kept.)

  1. Click "Install" and wait for the procedure to finish. Your computer may restart several times.

The update may be installed during the In-place Upgrade. Therefore, it may no longer appear in Windows Update. Still, check Windows Update for any pending updates and install them.

If you get any errors, please let me know.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

Was this answer helpful?

6 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. David-M 128.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-17T12:25:24.1133333+00:00

    Thanks for the screenshot.

    You are running Windows in 64-bit.

    Perform a clean boot to see if any third-party programs in the background are preventing Windows from updating. Follow the instructions carefully.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-perform-a-clean-boot-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd#ID0EBBD=Windows_10

    After updating, or if this doesn't help, return to normal boot as instructed in "Reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting".

    Let me know the result.

    Feel free to ask back any questions.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. David-M 128.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-16T17:58:33.22+00:00

    I suggest doing the following:

    Use the system file checker to repair possible corrupted or missing system files.

    1. Open Start and type cmd, right-click on "Command Prompt", and select "Run as administrator".
    2. Run the following commands at the Command Prompt one at a time:
    dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
sfc /scannow

    Note: Pay close attention to the results of the commands. This will help you determine whether the procedure was completed successfully or if there was a problem. If you get any errors, let me know the error message that was displayed.

    1. Then restart your PC and see if you can update.

    If it persists, download and install the update that is having problems manually.

    Download the installation package from the link below.

    https://catalog.s.download.windowsupdate.com/d/msdownload/update/software/secu/2025/12/windows10.0-kb5071546-x64_0e78fb6e8fcade4a2c059de54ea2d31e707ea02f.msu

    Source: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5071546

    If the problem persists, please let me know, and I will provide another method.

    Feel free to ask back any questions.

    Was this answer helpful?

  3. David-M 128.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-16T16:54:28.63+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    Please clarify the following:

    Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? If yes, which one?

    I await your reply.

    Was this answer helpful?

  4. AI answer

    2025-12-16T16:22:08.4166667+00:00

    To resolve the Windows Update error 0x800f0805 for KB5071546, you can try the following steps:

    1. Check for Servicing Stack Update (SSU): Ensure that the latest Servicing Stack Update is installed on your system. This is crucial for the proper installation of updates. You can verify this by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > View Installed Updates.
    2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Since you've already run the troubleshooter, consider running it again after ensuring that your system is up to date with the latest updates.
    3. Reset Windows Update Components: You can reset the Windows Update components manually. This involves stopping the Windows Update service, deleting temporary update files, and then restarting the service. Here are the commands you can run in an elevated Command Prompt: 
         net stop wuauserv
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop bits
   net stop msiserver
   del %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\*.* /Q
   net start wuauserv
   net start cryptSvc
   net start bits
   net start msiserver
    4. Check for Error Codes: If the issue persists, check the Windows Update history for any error codes related to the failed update. This may provide more insight into the problem.
    5. Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the above steps work, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose the issue more thoroughly.

    Make sure to back up your important data before performing any significant changes to your system.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.