Windows Update Error 80072EFE can prevent Windows from connecting to update servers and downloading critical updates. This article examines the typical causes behind this error and outlines effective solutions to fix it on Windows. By following the methods discussed, you can address the error and ensure Windows updates install successfully.
Currently I'm running Windows 7 Pro x64 and recently started receiving the error code 80072EFE when trying to update Windows. I am running Webroot Security and turned off its firewall and windows firewall with no success. I have performed a system scan with Webroot with 0 problems found. I have run TDSSKiller with 0 problems found. I'm out of options and need your help!
- Question from George
Windows updates are essential for system security, stability, and performance. However, sometimes the update process fails with specific error codes that can be confusing and frustrating. Many users report encountering the Windows update error 80072EFE frequently when updating Windows 7/8. This usually means your Windows system cannot establish a stable connection with Microsoft’s update servers.
In simple terms, this error indicates a communication interruption during the update process. It often occurs due to network instability, misconfigured system services, firewall interference, or corrupted update components. You won’t be able to update Windows to the latest version you want until this issue is resolved. Understanding the causes why the 80072EFE error appearing helps you choose the most appropriate fix. The common reasons including:
Once the underlying causes are clear, you can now move on to practical solutions. The following methods are proposed for different causes, and you can choose the appropriate one according to your actual situation. Let's explore them one by one.
Because the Windows 7 update error 80072EFE is often network-related, start by confirming that your internet connection is stable. A stable connection is critical, as even brief interruptions can trigger Windows update failure.
Once your network connection is stable, try updating Windows again to check if the error still persists.
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix update-related issues. It can resolve configuration issues without requiring manual intervention.
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Troubleshoot", then click "Additional Troubleshooters".
Step 2. Select "Windows Update" and click on "Run the troubleshooter".
Poor network connection or sudden network interruptions are also key causes of Windows Update Error 80072EFE. You can run the network troubleshooter to diagnose problems that disrupt smooth network operation.
Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Troubleshooter", then click "Additional Troubleshooters".
Step 2. Select "Network Adapter" and click on "Run the Troubleshooter".
Some antivirus tools aggressively block update connections. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software or firewalls to prevent them from interfering with Windows Update and resolve the 80072EFE error. Be sure to re-enable them once everything is back to normal.
The Catroot2 folder stores update-related cryptographic files that may become corrupted. Corrupted Windows Update cache files can cause update errors 80072EFE on Windows 7/8, and clearing these damaged cache files will resolve the issue.
Step 1. Press "Win" + "R" and type "services.msc" in the Run dialog, then press "Enter" to open it.
Step 2. Locate "Cryptographic Services" from the lists and right click on it, then choose "Stop".
Step 3. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\Catroot2 in File Explorer, then right click on it and choose "Delete" to remove it.
Step 4. Restart Cryptographic services following the steps above.
Corrupted update components are a major cause of update failures. Resetting these components forces Windows to recreate update files, often resolving the persistent Windows update error 80072EFE.
Step 1. Locate Command Prompt in the Start menu and right click on it, then choose "Run as administrator".
Step 2. Enter the following command one by one:
Close Command Prompt and restart your PC. Check Windows Update again to verify if the error continues.
If none of the above methods stop the Windows Update error from recurring, you can also try downloading the updates manually to bypass the 80072EFE error. Follow these steps to manually install the update:
Step 1. Navigate to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update" to check the failed update's KB number.
Step 2. Visit Microsoft Update Catalog to search for the KB number.
Step 3. Choose the version that matches your system type and click "Download" to reinstall it.
Step 4. Double click the ".msu" or ".cab" file to run it in the Downloads folder.
In some cases, failed updates may lead to missing files, system rollbacks, or unexpected data loss. If important files disappear after encountering 80072EFE error on Windows 7/8, immediate data recovery is crucial. This is where professional recovery tool like MyRecover become essential. It is designed to handle 500+ complex data loss scenarios caused by system errors, failed updates, and unexpected crashes. It can scan affected drives deeply to locate lost documents, photos, videos, and system files.
Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your computer from Microsoft Store, avoid installing it on the drive with lost files.
Step 2. Launch the app and select the drive to scan for lost files, then click "Scan" to search for recoverable files.
Step 3. After the scanning completes, choose the files you intend to recover from the lists and click "Recover".
MyRecover Free offers up to 500MB of data recovery at no charge, perfect for small recoveries. If you're looking for unlimited recovery, real-time file previews, and the capability to recover data from a system that won’t boot, MyRecover Professional edition gives you everything you need to ensure your data is safe.
Step 4. Save the recovered files to a safe location (not the original one).
Once the process is done, you can access the recovered files by clicking on the destination folder path or the "Browse" button.
Windows update error 80072EFE is primarily a connection-related issue that can stem from network instability, corrupted update components, or software conflicts. While this issue can be frustrating, it can be easily resolved and normal Windows update functionality restored by following the proper methods outlined above. If the error leads to unexpected data loss, timely recovery using a professional solution like MyRecover can help restore important files.