{"id":15161,"date":"2025-02-17T05:18:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T05:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/?p=15161"},"modified":"2025-03-20T08:58:10","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T08:58:10","slug":"windows-update-error-80072efe-fix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/","title":{"rendered":"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Windows_Update_Error_80072EFE\"><\/span>What is Windows Update Error 80072EFE?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to the Windows Update Service and can appear with different error messages, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some updates were not installed: Error(s) found: Code 80072EFE<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Windows update encountered an unknown error<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This error doesn\u2019t happen at a specific time\u2014it can show up when starting or shutting down the PC, reinstalling Windows, updating an app or driver, or installing Microsoft-related software. When it happens, the users might be left with botched updates, system freeze or slowdown, crashes, or application crashes. The accompanying error messages could be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If you&#8217;re dealing with Microsoft related errors, you might also want to check out our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-microsoft-store-error-code-0x80072f8f\/\">How to Deal with Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80072F8F<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>ERROR_WINHTTP_CONNECTION_ABORTED \u2013 The connection with the server was terminated abnormally.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>ERROR_INTERNET_CONNECTION_ABORTED \u2013 The connection with the server has been terminated.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>WININET_E_CONNECTION_ABORTED \u2013 The connection with the server was terminated abnormally<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of Windows phones, this error may also occur due to problems at the server side or corrupt network settings. Try waiting, use a VPN, or perform a hard reset if need be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes_of_Error_80072EFE\"><\/span>Causes of Error 80072EFE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main cause of error 80072EFE is issues with the internet connection either on the user end or Windows servers. It may also be caused when third-party firewalls or antivirus software are too restrictive, and in some cases, corrupted system files of Windows. If the issue is on the server end, then there is nothing one can do but wait. Otherwise, repairing the local connection could work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the error tends to happen in association with the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>poor or unstable internet connections;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>corrupted Windows files;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>malware viruses, including rootkits;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>overactive antivirus or firewall programs;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>network misconfigurations or system drivers that need updating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2.webp\" alt=\"windows update error 80072efe\" class=\"wp-image-15165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2.webp 960w, https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Solutions_to_Fix_Error_80072EFE\"><\/span>Solutions to Fix Error 80072EFE<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before trying to fix this error, here are a few basic steps you may want to try as a way to troubleshoot the problem first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, make sure your internet connection is stable. Restart your modem\/router and, if possible, try switching networks. If the problem remains, then proceed to the next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clean up your computer. Junk files may cause such an error; clean up your computer and resolve issues that could be causing this error. Junk files interfere with your system and reduce its speed. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/software\/pc-repair\/?m=site_blog_article_pcr_pplink&amp;utm_source=outbyte&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=article_pcr_pplink&amp;utm_term=Outbyte+PC+Repair&amp;utm_content=\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outbyte PC Repair<\/a> to clean up temporary files and optimize your PC performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Run_the_Network_Adapter_Troubleshooter\"><\/span>1. Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In case everything is okay with your connection, and you still get this error:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press the <kbd>Windows<\/kbd> + <kbd>I<\/kbd> hotkey to open Settings, then click on <strong>Update &amp; Security<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click on Troubleshoot, then run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After that, restart your system.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"499\" height=\"241\" src=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Network-Adapter-Troubleshooter.png\" alt=\"Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter\" class=\"wp-image-15167\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Network-Adapter-Troubleshooter.png 499w, https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Network-Adapter-Troubleshooter-300x145.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 499px) 100vw, 499px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Run_the_Windows_Update_Troubleshooter\"><\/span>2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To address issues related to updates, Windows has a troubleshooter to solve these problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to Update &amp; Security &gt; <strong>Troubleshoot <\/strong>and click on the Windows Update Troubleshooter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow the on-screen instructions thereafter and restart your PC.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Clear_the_Software_Distribution_Folder\"><\/span>3. Clear the Software Distribution Folder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder may help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <strong>Command Prompt<\/strong> as an administrator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Run these commands:&nbsp;<br><code class=\"inline\">net stop wuauserv<br>net stop bits<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Navigate to <strong>C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution<\/strong> and delete all contents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restart the services:<br><code class=\"inline\">net start wuauserv<br>net start bits<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"255\" src=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Distribution-1.png\" alt=\"Clear the Software Distribution Folder\" class=\"wp-image-15169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Distribution-1.png 600w, https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Distribution-1-300x128.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Clear_the_Windows_Update_Temporary_Cache\"><\/span>4. Clear the Windows Update Temporary Cache<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Corrupted files in the Software Distribution folder can cause the <em>Windows Update error 80072EFE<\/em>. To fix this, clear the temporary cache:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press <kbd>Win<\/kbd> + <kbd>R<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type <code class=\"inline\">%windir%\\SoftwareDistribution\\DataStore<\/code> and press <kbd>Enter<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select all files (<kbd>Ctrl<\/kbd> + <kbd>A<\/kbd>) and delete them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>This should remove the corrupted files and resolve the update issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Remove_Rootkit_Malware_with_Tdsskillerexe\"><\/span>5. Remove Rootkit Malware with Tdsskiller.exe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the error is related to the rootkit infection:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download tdsskiller.exe from Kaspersky.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perform a full system scan and remove whatever threats are found. Restart your PC afterward, and then try updating Windows again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Disable_Firewalls_and_Antiviruses\"><\/span>6. Disable Firewalls and Antiviruses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Overprotective third-party firewalls or antivirus programs can block Windows updates. Disable them temporarily, then retry the update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"575\" height=\"419\" src=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Firewall-and-Network-Protection.webp\" alt=\"Disable Firewalls and Antiviruses\" class=\"wp-image-15171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Firewall-and-Network-Protection.webp 575w, https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Firewall-and-Network-Protection-300x219.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Delete_the_Catroot2_Folder\"><\/span>7. Delete the Catroot2 Folder<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <code class=\"inline\">Services.msc<\/code> and stop <strong>Cryptographic Services<\/strong> &#8211; Scroll down and double-click on Cryptographic Services. Select the General tab in the Cryptographic Services Properties window. From there, click the <strong>Stop <\/strong>button to turn the service Off if it\u2019s already enabled..<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to <strong>C:\\Windows\\System32<\/strong> and delete the <strong>Catroot2<\/strong> folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restart <strong>Cryptographic Services<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restart your computer and attempt to apply the Windows update again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Reset_the_Local_Group_Policy_of_Windows\"><\/span>8. Reset the Local Group Policy of Windows<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, custom group policies can block updates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <code class=\"inline\">gpedit.msc<\/code> and navigate to <strong>Local Computer Policy &gt; Computer Configuration<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set all policies to <strong>Not Configured<\/strong> and restart your computer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Troubleshooting_Windows_Update\"><\/span>9. Troubleshooting Windows Update<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The troubleshooting procedure can be used to solve error 80072EFE and other update-related issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press the <kbd>Win<\/kbd> + <kbd>X <\/kbd>and open Control Panel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Search for <strong>Troubleshooting<\/strong>, click View All, then select Windows Update.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Follow the on-screen instructions to see if the error is resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Remove_Junk_Files\"><\/span>10. Remove Junk Files<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time junk files build up and cause conflicts. Removing them may fix the error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press <kbd>Win<\/kbd> + <kbd>X<\/kbd> and open Command Prompt (Admin).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Write <code class=\"inline\">cleanmgr<\/code> and press <kbd>Enter<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select the files you do not need, including the Temporary Files, and click OK to delete them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>After that check whether the error has gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Update_System_Drivers\"><\/span>11. Update System Drivers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdated or damaged drivers can be one of the causes of such errors as 80072EFE. Updating them may fix an issue:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Right click on &#8216;My Computer&#8217; and select properties. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the Property window select Device Manager. Here, under &#8216;Device manager&#8217; look for the devices with a yellow exclamation. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Right click on the device and click on &#8216;Update driver&#8217;. Restart computer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>In our Driver library you can find the most suitable <a href=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/drivers\/search\/?search=System\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">System Drivers<\/a> for your OS and a short guide on how to install it.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Run_the_System_File_Checker\"><\/span>12. Run the System File Checker<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The System File Checker can repair corrupt files causing the error:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click <strong>Start<\/strong> and type cmd.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press <kbd>Ctrl<\/kbd> + <kbd>Shift<\/kbd> + <kbd>Enter<\/kbd> to open as an administrator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type <code class=\"inline\">chkdsk\/f\/r<\/code> and press <kbd>Enter<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type <code class=\"inline\">Y<\/code> when prompted and restart your computer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Let the disk check complete, then check if the error is fixed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Reset_Windows_Update_via_Command_Prompt\"><\/span>13. Reset Windows Update via Command Prompt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To fix Windows Update errors by resetting components, follow these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open <strong>Command Prompt<\/strong> as administrator.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop Windows Update services with these commands:<br><code class=\"inline\">net stop bits<br>net stop wuauserv<br>net stop appidsvc<br>net stop cryptsvc<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type the following command to delete all the <code class=\"inline\">qmgr*.dat<\/code> files created by BITS from your PC:<br><code class=\"inline\">Del \u201c%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Application Data\\Microsoft\\Network\\Downloader\\*.*\u201d<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear the update cache:<br><code class=\"inline\">rmdir %systemroot%\\SoftwareDistribution \/S \/Q<br>rmdir %systemroot%\\system32\\catroot2 \/S \/Q<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type the following commands to reset the BITS and Windows Update services to their default security descriptor, and press <kbd>Enter<\/kbd> on each line:<br><code class=\"inline\">sc.exe sdset bits &lt;security_descriptor&gt;<br>sc.exe sdset wuauserv &lt;security_descriptor&gt;<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type the following command to move to the System32 folder and press <kbd>Enter<\/kbd>: <br><code class=\"inline\">cd \/d %windir%\\system32<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type the following commands to register all the corresponding BITS, and Windows Update DLL files on the Registry and press <kbd>Enter<\/kbd> on each line:<br><code class=\"inline\">regsvr32.exe \/s atl.dll regsvr32.exe \/s urlmon.dll<\/code><br><code class=\"inline\">regsvr32.exe \/s mshtml.dll regsvr32.exe \/s shdocvw.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s browseui.dll regsvr32.exe \/s jscript.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s vbscript.dll regsvr32.exe \/s scrrun.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s msxml.dll regsvr32.exe \/s msxml3.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s msxml6.dll regsvr32.exe \/s actxprxy.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s softpub.dll regsvr32.exe \/s wintrust.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s dssenh.dll regsvr32.exe \/s rsaenh.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s gpkcsp.dll regsvr32.exe \/s sccbase.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s slbcsp.dll regsvr32.exe \/s cryptdlg.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s oleaut32.dll regsvr32.exe \/s ole32.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s shell32.dll regsvr32.exe \/s initpki.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s wuapi.dll regsvr32.exe \/s wuaueng.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s wuaueng1.dll regsvr32.exe \/s wucltui.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s wups.dll regsvr32.exe \/s wups2.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s wuweb.dll regsvr32.exe \/s qmgr.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s qmgrprxy.dll regsvr32.exe \/s wucltux.dll<br>regsvr32.exe \/s muweb.dll regsvr32.exe \/s wuwebv.dll<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reset the network settings:<br><code>netsh winsock reset<br>netsh winsock reset proxy<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Type the following commands to restart the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services, and press Enter on each line:<br><code>net start bits<br>net start wuauserv<br>net start appidsvc<br>net start cryptsvc<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finally, <strong>restart your computer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>After this, Windows Update should be functioning correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Use_System_Restore\"><\/span>14. Use System Restore<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If all the above does not work, then restore your computer to a previous point when it was at a fine working stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Press <kbd>Win<\/kbd> + <kbd>Q<\/kbd> and click Settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click Recovery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click System Restore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a restore point where your computer was working fine.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let the tool run, then restart your computer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Check if Windows Update is now working.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"402\" height=\"176\" src=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/System-Restore-System-Protection.png\" alt=\"Use System Restore\" class=\"wp-image-15173\" srcset=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/System-Restore-System-Protection.png 402w, https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/System-Restore-System-Protection-300x131.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 402px) 100vw, 402px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Fresh_OS_Installation\"><\/span>15. Fresh OS Installation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinstallation of the OS could be the final alternative if the error persists. If the error 80072EFE still keeps on reappearing even after a fresh install of the operating system, then it is possibly a hardware-related issue. The problem may be caused by a malfunctioning or newly installed hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>What causes error 80072EFE?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>Poor internet, malware, or corrupt system files can trigger this error.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>How do I fix it?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>Run the Windows Update troubleshooter, clean your PC, and ensure your internet connection is stable.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Can antivirus software cause the error?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>Yes, overly protective antivirus programs can block updates.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Do I need to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p>Yes, clearing this folder often helps fix update errors.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Windows Update Error 80072EFE? The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to the Windows Update Service and can appear with different error messages, such as: This error doesn\u2019t happen at a specific time\u2014it can show up when starting or&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\" target=\"_blank\">Read more.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":27183,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,11],"tags":[67,439,525,61,95],"class_list":["post-15161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fixes","category-guides","tag-error-code","tag-stepbystep","tag-windows-error","tag-windows-update-error","tag-windows-update-troubleshooter"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix - Outbyte Official Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix - Outbyte Official Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Outbyte Official Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/outbyte\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-17T05:18:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-20T08:58:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Riley Reed\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Riley_Reed460\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Riley Reed\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Riley Reed\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/59f60fe5a70df4580e27f0cb539aae48\"},\"headline\":\"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-17T05:18:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-20T08:58:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\"},\"wordCount\":1338,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"error code\",\"stepbystep\",\"windows error\",\"windows update error\",\"windows update troubleshooter\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Fixes\",\"Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\",\"name\":\"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix - Outbyte Official Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-17T05:18:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-20T08:58:10+00:00\",\"description\":\"The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to...\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp\",\"width\":960,\"height\":640},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Outbyte Official Blog\",\"description\":\"See the latest  news and research from the Outbyte team on our official blog.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Outbyte Computing Pty Ltd\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/logo-header-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/logo-header-1.png\",\"width\":682,\"height\":218,\"caption\":\"Outbyte Computing Pty Ltd\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/outbyte\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCI6brHKmaiiUCcseAlcV3tQ\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/59f60fe5a70df4580e27f0cb539aae48\",\"name\":\"Riley Reed\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d621dc336d58177c6376e31a22229af70845dfbac81186ed7869ae621df71776?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d621dc336d58177c6376e31a22229af70845dfbac81186ed7869ae621df71776?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Riley Reed\"},\"description\":\"Riley Reed is a tech writer specializing in troubleshooting Windows errors and system performance optimization. Riley enjoys helping users solve common PC problems and improve their overall computing experience. With a focus on practical tips and performance improvements, Riley ensures readers can keep their systems running smoothly and securely.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/x.com\/Riley_Reed460\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/author\/rileyreed\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix - Outbyte Official Blog","description":"The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to...","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix - Outbyte Official Blog","og_description":"The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to...","og_url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/","og_site_name":"Outbyte Official Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/outbyte","article_published_time":"2025-02-17T05:18:39+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-03-20T08:58:10+00:00","og_image":[{"width":960,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Riley Reed","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@Riley_Reed460","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Riley Reed","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/"},"author":{"name":"Riley Reed","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/59f60fe5a70df4580e27f0cb539aae48"},"headline":"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix","datePublished":"2025-02-17T05:18:39+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-20T08:58:10+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/"},"wordCount":1338,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp","keywords":["error code","stepbystep","windows error","windows update error","windows update troubleshooter"],"articleSection":["Fixes","Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/","url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/","name":"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix - Outbyte Official Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp","datePublished":"2025-02-17T05:18:39+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-20T08:58:10+00:00","description":"The Windows update error 80072EFE is a common problem that occurs during system updates on any Windows version. It is linked to...","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Software-Updating-2-6.webp","width":960,"height":640},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/windows-update-error-80072efe-fix\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Windows Update Error 80072EFE Fix"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/","name":"Outbyte Official Blog","description":"See the latest  news and research from the Outbyte team on our official blog.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Outbyte Computing Pty Ltd","url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/logo-header-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/logo-header-1.png","width":682,"height":218,"caption":"Outbyte Computing Pty Ltd"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/outbyte","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCI6brHKmaiiUCcseAlcV3tQ"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/59f60fe5a70df4580e27f0cb539aae48","name":"Riley Reed","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d621dc336d58177c6376e31a22229af70845dfbac81186ed7869ae621df71776?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d621dc336d58177c6376e31a22229af70845dfbac81186ed7869ae621df71776?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Riley Reed"},"description":"Riley Reed is a tech writer specializing in troubleshooting Windows errors and system performance optimization. Riley enjoys helping users solve common PC problems and improve their overall computing experience. With a focus on practical tips and performance improvements, Riley ensures readers can keep their systems running smoothly and securely.","sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/Riley_Reed460"],"url":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/author\/rileyreed\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15161"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15161\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outbyte.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}