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Error Code 0x800704cf: Diagnose & Fix in 5 Simple Steps
A comprehensive guide to fix You’ll need the Internet for this 0x800704cf error
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Using a workgroup or being part of a network center has advantages that make our work easier. But sometimes your work can be interrupted due to a system error. And the most common issue related to Windows Network PCs is the0x800704cferror.
It’s easy to recognize because it usually comes along with the following message:Network error– Windows cannot access.
What does error code 0x800704cf mean?
As stated earlier, the error is primarily encountered when connecting your PC to a network or while opening theMicrosoft Store. And in both these cases, the error code indicates a network issue.
In the case of Microsoft Store, the app is unable to reach its servers, and the error message reads,You’ll need the Internet for this 0x800704cf, and the problem has to be fixed manually.
Though when seeing the error while connecting to a network, the error box gives you aDiagnoseoption to automatically detect and eliminate the problem.
Below are some of the variations of the issue you can fix with the solutions in this guide:
How can I fix error code 0x800704cf?
Before we head to the full-fledged software fixes, here are a few things you can try:
If these two don’t work, you should try the solutions listed next.
1. Reinstall the network adapters
A first workaround you can try is to check your drivers and reinstall the network device driver to get rid of 0x800704cf Internet connection error.
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Right-click theStartbutton and selectDevice Managerfrom the list of options.
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From the main panel, click onViewand selectShow hidden devices.
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ExpandNetwork adapters, right-click on each entry here and selectUninstall device.
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If you cannot uninstall a certain adapter, don’t worry, go to the next one.
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When done, click on theScan for hardware changesicon or you could simply restart the computer.
If you are still dealing with the0x800704cferror code, uninstall the network adapters to remove the corresponding drivers and get a fresh copy for each.
Of course, you can reinstall them manually but as you can see, there are a lot of them and the process might take some time.
The quicker and safer solution is to use a third-party tool that will perform the job automatically for all the drivers on your PC.
We recommend Outbyte Driver Updater because it is safe, lightweight, and very easy to use. It saves you the time and hassle of manually updating your drivers and it can also repair damaged drivers.
Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Run the Network adapter troubleshooter
3. Change the DNS settings
Once done, the 0x800704cf error should be fixed, be it while opening Microsoft Store or accessing the Microsoft account.
4. Reset proxy
Most users managed to fix the 0x800704cf error by resetting the configured proxy settings. So, make sure to try it!
5. Create a new user profile
That’s it! If none of the previous methods have worked, creating a new administrator user account linked to Microsoft would help fix things. Also, you may trycreating a local accountas well, though we recommend a Microsoft account.
If creating a new user profile fixes the issue, create a backup of the files stored on the problematic profile and transfer it to the new one.
We hope that one of the troubleshooting methods listed above fixed the Windows error 0x800704cf.
If you want to supervise your network closely, start using thebest network traffic inspection services and toolstoday!
If you have any other queries or know of a method not listed here, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Fix network issues,Windows Update
Andrew Wafer
Andrew is not just trying to bring you closer to Windows, but he’s truly interested in this platform. He just happens to be passionate about sharing that knowledge with our readers and that’s what makes his presence here, at WindowsReport, such a valuable one.
He specializes in writing about the best products for this operating system and Windows 10 fixes. Determined and creative, Andrew also loves coffee, country music, and Sunday mornings.
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