Share via

Windows Updates, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Store not working properly, despite network connection

Sabrina Barnes 20 Reputation points
2026-04-29T23:32:26.6+00:00

For a few days now, some parts of my Microsoft 365, and Windows Updates and Microsoft Store, have not been functioning properly.

(My Outlook app has not been working properly since 17th April, but I am not sure if this is linked to the following issues.)

I first noticed on 27th April that changes to my Documents were not uploading to my OneDrive, and my OneDrive kept showing the 'Signing in' icon (see image). My Word etc still works normally for the most part.

When I tried to fix this by trying to update my laptop, my Windows Updates comes up with an 'Error encountered': 'We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet.'

I try fixing this using the Windows Update troubleshooter on Get Help, but it says 'There was a problem reaching the app', even though I am connected to the internet. I use the Network and Internet troubleshooter and it says there are no problems with my network. I am on good WiFi that has never had problems before.

I also checked Microsoft Store, and it also says 'You'll need the Internet for this' and error 0x800704cf (but was still able to check if any app updates were needed) (see Image 4). So, I basically get the error 0x800704cf a lot, despite being connected to the internet consistently.

I do not have any VPNs activated, and have tried restarting or using different commands from the internet multiple times.

What is going on here, and is there a simple way to resolve these strange issues? Thanks :)

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

John DeV 164.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-05-02T23:35:06.5233333+00:00

If the issue still persists, please try performing an In-place Upgrade. Performing this can repair broken operating system files while your personal files, settings and installed applications will not be removed.

Few things to check on the PC

  • Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
  • Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4252110/how-to-run-in-place-upgrade-in-windows-11?forum=windows-all&referrer=answers

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.

5 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. John DeV 164.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-30T23:26:47.2733333+00:00

    If the issue persists, open Settings > System > Recovery.

    Few things to check on the PC

    • Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
    • Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

    Under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall Now

    Once completed, your system will restart.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. John DeV 164.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-30T11:36:42.73+00:00

    Here are some of the steps you can try.

    • If you have a third-party Antivirus installed, please try to temporarily uninstall it then check if the issue persists.
    • Press Start then search "Internet Options"

    Select the "Advanced" Tab

    Scroll down the list until you see "Use SSL/TLS"

    Unselect SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0 and 1.1

    Select TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 (if available)

    Click Apply then OK

    Restart your computer

    • Turn off Proxy

    Open Internet options > Connections > Lan settings

    Turn off "Automatically detect settings"

    Restart your computer

    If it is already Turned off, please put a checkmark in "Automatically detect settings"

    Restart your computer

    • Change your network DNS

    Open Control Panel

    Select Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center

    Click Change adapter settings

    a. To change the settings for an Ethernet connection, right-click the Ethernet interface and select Properties

    b. To change the settings for a wireless connection, right-click the Wi-Fi interface and select Properties

    Under Networking tab, double click TCP/IPv4

    Select Use the following DNS server addresses. If there are any IP addresses listed in the Preferred DNS server or Alternate DNS server, write them down for future reference.

    Replace those addresses with the IP address below

    Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1

    Click Ok

    Restart your computer

    • Reset Network Settings

    Press Windows key+ I to open Settings

    Select Network & Internet > Advanced network settings

    Under the "More settings", click Network reset

    Click Reset now then Yes

    Restart your computer

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  3. John DeV 164.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-04-30T00:10:47.33+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    Since it’s hitting OneDrive, Windows Update, and the Microsoft Store all at once, it’s likely a sign-in or network config glitch.

    Please try connecting your laptop to your phone's mobile hotspot then check if the issue persists.

    I look forward to your update and am happy to continue working with you until the issue is resolved. If you find the answer helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and consider upvoting it. Otherwise, please keep me posted by clicking "Add comment" below instead of selecting Yes or No.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.

  4. AI answer

    2026-04-29T23:33:03.7766667+00:00

    The symptoms (Windows Update not connecting, Microsoft Store showing 0x800704cf, OneDrive/Office sign‑in issues) match a broken Windows update/authentication stack. Context shows two effective patterns:

    1. Install the specific Windows update that fixes Microsoft account sign‑in issues
    2. If the system is too corrupted for normal updates, perform an in‑place repair of Windows using the ISO

    Follow these steps in order:

    1. Check and install pending Windows updates
      1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
      2. Look for any pending updates, especially KB5085516 (mentioned as fixing Microsoft account sign‑in issues caused by a previous update).
      3. If KB5085516 or other updates are listed, install them and restart the PC.
      4. After restart, test:
        • Windows Update (check for updates again)
        • Microsoft Store (open and try to download/update an app)
        • Microsoft 365 apps sign‑in and OneDrive sync
    2. If Microsoft Store is still not working
      1. Run the Store reset tool:
        • Press Windows key + R.
        • Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
        • A blank Command Prompt opens and closes automatically; the Store should then launch.
      2. Repair/Reset Microsoft Store:
        • Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
        • Find Microsoft Store → select the three dots → Advanced options.
        • Select Repair. If that does not help, select Reset.
      3. Test Store downloads/updates again.
    3. If Microsoft 365 apps still cannot sign in (0x800704cf)
      1. Restart the key identity services:
        • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
        • Find Microsoft Account Sign‑in Assistant → right‑click → Restart.
        • Find Microsoft Cloud Identity Service → right‑click → Restart.
      2. Open Word/Outlook and try signing in again.
    4. If Windows Update still cannot connect or returns errors (e.g., 0x8007041D / 1053) The context indicates this typically means system corruption and recommends an in‑place repair upgrade:
      1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from the official Microsoft Software Download page (same language as the current Windows UI).
      2. When the ISO is downloaded:
        • Disconnect from the internet.
        • Disconnect all external devices except mouse/keyboard.
        • Temporarily disable any third‑party antivirus.
      3. In File Explorer, double‑click the ISO to mount it, then run Setup.exe.
      4. Choose Install and, very important, select Keep personal files and apps.
      5. Let the repair complete and restart.
      6. After the repair, re‑enable antivirus, reconnect to the internet, then test:
        • Windows Update
        • Microsoft Store
        • OneDrive and Microsoft 365 sign‑in

    This in‑place repair behaves like an upgrade and keeps personal files, settings, and installed apps while repairing the Windows components that handle updates, Store connectivity, and account sign‑in.

    References:

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

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found 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.