Resolving “You’ll Need the Internet for This” Error 0x800704cf in Windows 10
As avid Windows users, we’ve all encountered our fair share of frustrating error codes. One of the more common ones is the ambiguous 0x800704cf accompanied by the message "You’ll need the internet for this." Never fear – while vague, this error is fixable with a few targeted troubleshooting techniques.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the core causes of error 0x800704cf and actionable solutions to get your Windows 10 device back online.
What Triggers Error 0x800704cf?
The "you’ll need the internet" 0x800704cf error tends to rear its head in these core scenarios:
- Attempting to access a networked Windows PC
- Initiating a workgroup connection
- Logging into a Microsoft account
- Launching or installing apps from the Microsoft Store
Essentially, this error suggests your Windows 10 device can’t communicate properly with Microsoft servers to verify licenses, profiles, or retrieve data.
How do I fix a faulty Ethernet adapter?
Method1. Use the Network troubleshooter Go to Update & Security, and select Troubleshoot. Click on Internet Connections. Go to Run the Troubleshooter. Follow further on-screen instructions and let the process finish. Restart your PC. Method 2. Change the adapter settings:
Why does my computer say no Internet secured?
If your computer relies on the same network card or driver, you might see it occur regardless. Other conditions can cause the appearance of the “No Internet, secured” error, too. Several fixes are available for this ambiguous error. Unfortunately, these depend on your computer setup and network adaptor. As such, not all these fixes will work.
While frustrating, a handful of tweaks can typically resolve this tempestuous error. Let’s explore the top fixes.
Run Microsoft’s Connection Troubleshooters
Our first line of attack is leveraging Windows’ built-in troubleshooting tools. Buried in the Update & Security section are two key troubleshooters:
- Internet Connections
- Network Adapters
Here’s how to find and run them:
- Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select either "Internet Connections" or "Network Adapters" depending on your issue.
- Click "Run the troubleshooter" and follow the on-screen instructions.
These automated troubleshooters will analyze your network configuration and attempt common fixes like renewing the IP address or resetting winsock settings.
While the troubleshooters don’t always resolve 0x800704cf, running them is a good first step before attempting manual tweaks.
Repair or Reset Problematic Microsoft Apps
If Microsoft’s troubleshooters come up empty, our next move is resetting any problematic Store apps tied to the error.
How do I Fix my internet connection problems Windows 10?
So if you use a cabled connection, connect using WiFi and see if that works for you. Open the Troubleshoot page in Windows Settings and Run the Internet Connections Troubleshooter and Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter and see if that helps. The Internet Connections troubleshooter to fix any internet connection-related problems.
How do I troubleshoot a network adapter?
First you should run Internet Connections / Network / Hardware & devices Troubleshooter and then execute Microsoft recommended troubleshooting steps. Update me once done. 1. Click Internet Connections > Run the Troubleshooter 2. Click Network adapters > Run the Troubleshooter 3. Click Hardware & Devices > Run the Troubleshooter
The Microsoft Store app is most frequently connected to 0x800704cf. Here’s how to repair or reset it:
- Open Settings and navigate to Apps > Apps & features.
- Locate the Microsoft Store app, select it, and choose Advanced options.
- Select "Repair" or "Reset" depending on the severity of issues. Repair will refresh app files while Reset will factory reset it – useful if corruption is present.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the repair or reset process.
The same process applies to other Microsoft apps like Xbox if you encounter the error when opening them specifically. Resetting the app typically resolves any corruption that could be preventing proper authentication.
Modify Network Adapter Settings
If you’re still seeing error 0x800704cf, low-level network adapter settings may need attention.
Let’s modify two key configurations related to this error:
Public Network Profile
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or the network you’re connected to).
- Select "Network profile" and confirm it’s set to Public.
The public profile optimizes connectivity for public networks and may resolve any conflicts with Microsoft servers.
How do I fix a network problem in Windows 11?
In Windows 11, you can go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Locate Network, and click on the Run button to run the Network Troubleshooter. If none of the above methods worked out for you, you could try resetting the network adapter to check whether it brings an end to your network problem. Here’s how:
Do I need Internet to fix Microsoft Store error?
You’ll need internet for this is a Microsoft Store error corresponding to some kind of connection error. The thing about this error is that it can appear even if your computer is connected to the internet. To fix this error, you may need to do several things, like reinstalling the Microsoft Store.
Enable IPv6
- Type "Control Panel" into the Windows search bar and press Enter.
- Visit Network and Sharing Center.
- Select "Change adapter settings" on the left panel.
- Right-click your network adapter and choose Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and check "Obtain an IPv6 address automatically."
Older routers may lack proper IPv6 support, so enabling it manually can help establish connectivity.
After making these tweaks, restart your computer and see if 0x800704cf resolves when accessing Microsoft services and apps.
Reset Network Components
If you still can’t overcome error 0x800704cf, a network component reset may be in order. This will refresh your network configurations to default settings – hopefully resolving any lingering issues.
Here are two resets worth performing:
TCP/IP reset
- Open an elevated Command Prompt.
- Run "netsh int ip reset" and press Enter.
- Restart your computer.
Winsock reset
- Open an elevated Command Prompt.
- Run the following commands:
netsh winsock reset
How do I Fix my internet connection on Windows 10?
Here’s how to use it: Press the Windows and I keys to open Windows Settings. Go to Update & Security. Choose Troubleshoot from the left-side pane. Under Get up and running, select Internet connections. Click the Run troubleshooter button. Follow the steps in the Network Troubleshooter to fix your network connection.
How to troubleshoot network connection problems on Windows 10?
The built-in tool from Microsoft for Windows could help in troubleshooting network connection issues on Windows. Here’s how to access it: Navigate and select Network and Internet. Please scroll down to find Network Troubleshooter, click on it and wait for the PC to diagnose the problems and bring out a solution.
Why do I get a TCP/IP Error when opening Microsoft Store apps?
Transmission Control Protocol involves a few rules that help organize your PC’s Internet connectivity. If something is wrong in the configuration of this utility, you may get this error when opening Microsoft Store apps. In this case, you can try resetting the TCP/IP stack and reset Winsock. If the issue persists, try the next solution.
netsh winhttp reset proxy
- Restart your computer.
Resetting TCP/IP and Winsock essentially renews your network protocols, DNS, and proxy configurations. Once the resets complete, try accessing Microsoft apps and services again to see if 0x800704cf persists.
Update Network Drivers
While not a cure-all, updating your network drivers provides a fresh start for network communications between your Windows 10 device and Microsoft’s servers.
Here’s the routine:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand "Network adapters" and right-click your Ethernet or Wi-Fi driver.
- Select "Update driver."
- Choose to automatically search for updated drivers.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
After updating your drivers, give your machine a reboot and test if error 0x800704cf is resolved.
If you encounter the error on a desktop PC, also consider reseating your network adapter card to refresh the hardware connection.
Does Windows 10 Pro support Ethernet?
My Windows 10 Pro installation is on an MSI Z170A M7 motherboard with a built-in ethernet port using the Killer E2400 ethernet controller. Sometime in late 2019, Windows decided that it no longer detected a connection to the Internet via this ethernet connection. I was still online, and have been online the entire time.
How do I fix Windows Store apps not connecting to Internet?
Try contacting your ISP and bring this to their notice. If Windows Store Apps are not able to connect to the internet, then this might have to do something with the apps itself. You can try running Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter to resolve any common errors and problems. Run the troubleshooter.
When All Else Fails, Contact Microsoft
While the above solutions resolve most cases of 0x800704cf, don’t hesitate to contact Microsoft Support if you still can’t determine the cause. They can initiate remote troubleshooting, help interpret log files, or arrange a device replacement if all else fails.
In closing, error 0x800704cf can certainly be a headache for Windows 10 users. But with a dose of patience and the right troubleshooting techniques, you can usually get Microsoft apps and services back up and running. Let us know in the comments if you encounter this error and which fixes provided the solution!
