Fix: Windows Update Error 0x800706d9
Once in a while you may encounter problems with the Windows Update. A notorious event is whereby an update tries to download but fails after a short while. A brief sneak peek into your updates will reveal that even though you have all the necessary cumulative updates you simply cannot facto in any other updates. The error message that pops up may be something like “Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1511 for (32 or 64 bit) – based Systems (KB3116908) – Error 0x800706d9”. There are several remedies fronted online, some even entailing use of 3rd party utilities. The basic concept is to work around on how to turn on Windows Firewall; so you should try that first before attempting any other possible remedies. Chances are that your resident antivirus program turned off the windows Firewall.
This error mostly appears when a user tries to install Windows Essentials or when the computer is trying to install some updates. It simply means that you need to turn on Windows Firewall. Some users prefer to use other antivirus products rather than the security programs that come with the Windows operating system; and in the process automatically disable the firewall and Windows Defender. These users are the ones most likely to run into the above problem. Windows Firewall monitors the flow of data into and out of your computer. In Windows 10, most programs cannot install as long as the Windows Firewall is turned off. Windows updates will most definitely not install when the firewall is turned off.
A firewall can help prevent hackers or malicious software (such as worms) from gaining access to your computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop your computer from sending malicious software to other PCs.
Method 1: Turn Windows Firewall On
Here is how to turn on the Windows Firewall in Windows 10.
NOTE: You cannot do this if you are not logged into the computer as an administrator.
Log into the computer using Administrator credentials.
Hold the Windows Key and Press X. Choose Control Panel and type Firewall in the search bar. Click on Windows Firewall. On the appearing window or box, click “Turn Windows Firewall On or Off”.
If you are not logged in as an administrator, here you will be prompted to enter the Administrator User name and Password: proceed to do so. Now reboot the PC, after it has been rebooted check if the firewall has stayed on and re-do the update.
Method 2: Rename Windows Update Folders
Previously failed updates can also trigger this error. It would be best to rename the old stores, so windows can re-attempt updates in a fresh/clean folder. To do this, Hold the Windows Key and Press X. Choose Command Prompt (Admin). In the black command prompt window, which opens up type the following:
ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Then type the following, commands and then press ENTER after each command:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
Once done, now test to see if the updates work.
29/08/2016 User Suggested Method 1:
I was not able to turn on the Windows FireWall because it is blocked by Network Administrator, I solved this problem by only turning ON the “Windows Firewall” service. Now I can install the updates on my computer.
