0x800705B4
Windows
Low severity
Error 0x800705B4 — “This Operation Returned Because the Timeout Period Expired”
A component took longer than allowed to respond — common on slow links or when a third-party antivirus conflicts with Microsoft Defender.
Last reviewed 2026-08-29 by the Tech Issue Guide team.
Symptoms
- Windows Update reaches a percentage then fails with 0x800705B4.
- Microsoft Defender will not turn on or update its definitions.
- Optional feature installs time out with the same code.
What causes 0x800705B4
- A slow or unstable internet connection during the download.
- A third-party antivirus running alongside Defender and blocking it.
- Corrupt Windows Update cache.
How to fix it — 3 steps
- Pause or uninstall any third-party antivirus temporarily, then retry the operation.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and reset the update components (command below).
- Restart and retry the update on a wired or strong Wi-Fi connection.
Terminal / CLI command
net stop wuauserv && net stop bits && net start wuauserv && net start bitsElevated Command Prompt.
How to confirm the fix: The update or Defender operation completes without timing out.
Prevent it from coming back
Run only one real-time antivirus, and start large updates when you have a stable connection.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to remove my antivirus to test?
Yes, briefly. Windows Defender takes over automatically the moment a third-party suite is removed, so you are not unprotected.