Fix Windows Update Error 80072ee2

Windows Update is a service that Microsoft provides for updating the Windows operating system and its components. These updates include security patches, bug fixes, and new features. However, sometimes users encounter errors when attempting to update their Windows system, such as the Windows update error 80072ee2.

This error typically occurs when the Windows Update service cannot connect to the Microsoft update servers. This can happen for various reasons, including the incorrect configuration of the Windows Update settings, network connectivity issues, or problems with Windows Update components. In the following sections, we will explore some common causes of the Windows update error 80072ee2 and provide some troubleshooting steps to fix it.

Why Does Windows Update Error 80072ee2 Occur?

Windows Update error 80072ee2 can occur due to various reasons, some of which are:

1. Internet connection issues: If your computer is not connected to the Internet or there are connectivity issues, Windows Update might be unable to connect to the update servers.
2. Firewall or antivirus software: Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software can block the connection between your computer and the update servers, causing the error.
3. Incorrect time and date settings: If your computer’s date and time settings are incorrect, Windows Update might be unable to authenticate the connection with the update servers.
4. Issues with Windows Update service: If it is not running or is malfunctioning, it can cause an error.
5. Corrupted system files: Corrupted system files can also cause Windows Update to fail, leading to errors.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 80072ee2?

Now let’s discuss various methods to fix this error.

Fix 1: Change the Date and Time

Check your computer’s time and date settings to ensure they are accurate. This is essential because incorrect time and date settings can cause issues like error code 80072ee2.

This is how you change the date and time:

1. Click on the Windows Start button and go to Settings.
2. Click on “Time & language“.
3. Under “Date & time,” toggle off “Set time automatically“.
4. Next, click Change under “Set the date and time manually”.
5. Enter the correct date and time in the date and time fields.
6. Finally, click Change to save the changes.

Fix 2: Editing the Registry

The recommended solution is to modify the registry by deleting specific keys to fix this update error. However, it’s important to note that this fix may not apply to all users, as those using Windows in a home-based environment may not have the necessary registry key.

Follow these steps to fix the update error:

1. First, press the Windows key + R to start the Run dialog.
2. Type “services.msc” and tap on OK to open the Services console.
3. Find the Windows Update service, left-click it, and select Stop Service on the top.
4. To make the necessary changes to fix the corruption, you must stop the “Windows Update” service first. Then, if you receive an error when containing the service, continue to the next step.
5. Press the Windows key + R again to open the Run dialog.
6. Type “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution” and click OK.
7. Delete the contents of this folder.
8. Return to the Services console, right-click the “Windows Update” service, and select Start next to the Stop sign we clicked earlier.
9. Press the Windows key + R again to start the Run dialog box.
10. Type “regedit” and click OK to unfurl the Registry Editor.
11. Go to the following way: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
12. Look for the keys named WUServer and WUStatusServer in the right pane, and right-click each one to select Delete.
13. Return to the Services console and ensure the Windows Update service is running.
14. Once these steps are completed, you can update without encountering errors.

Fix 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter examines your computer’s settings and registries, compares them with the requirements of Windows Update, and offers potential solutions to address the issue. It’s important to note that you must have an administrator account to run the troubleshooter.

Here is how to utilize the Windows Update troubleshooter:

1. Click on the Start button and choose Settings from the Start Menu.
2. Select Update & Security under Windows Settings.
3. Switch to the Troubleshoot tab on the left pane and select Additional troubleshooters on the right.
4. Look for the Windows Update troubleshooter and fix it.
5. Next, click the Run the troubleshooter button.
6. Windows will now look for the problems.
7. After troubleshooting, Windows will list the problems and possible solutions.

Fix 4: Deleting Software Distribution

The SoftwareDistribution folder, located in the Windows directory, temporarily stores files necessary for installing the latest Windows updates on your computer. This folder is managed by the WUagent, which handles read and write operations.

Note: This method will also clear your update history.

1. Launch the Command Prompt with the administrative rights.
2. On the command line window, use the net stop wuauserv command to stop the Windows Update service and the net stop bits command to stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
3. Now launch the File Explorer and navigate to the following address: “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution“
4. Delete the contents(files and folders) of the SoftwareDistribution folder.
5. Now again, launch the Command Prompt window and use the net start wuauserv command to start the Windows Update service and the net start bits command to start Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Fix 5: Re-register Windows Update DLL Files

If you are experiencing Windows update error 80072ee2, it could be due to unregistered or corrupted DLL files. To fix this error, follow these steps:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by selecting the Command Prompt icon and then selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. Paste the following lines into the Command Prompt to re-register Windows Update DLL files:
   • regsvr32 oleaut32.dll 
   • regsvr32 jscript.dll 
   • regsvr32 vbscript.dll 
   • regsvr32 softpub.dll 
   • regsvr32 msxml.dll 
   • regsvr32 wintrust.dll 
   • regsvr32 initpki.dll 
   • regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll

3. Stop the Windows Update service by pressing Win + R on your keyboard and entering services.msc.
4. Look for the Windows Update service and stop it.
5. Open File Explorer and go to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder.
6. Delete everything inside this folder.
7. Go back to the Services window and start the Windows Update service.
8. Tap to check if the error has been fixed.

How to Prevent Windows Update Error 80072ee2 From Occurring?

There are many ways to prevent the Windows update error 80072ee2 from occurring:

• Ensure your Internet connection is stable: The error 80072ee2 can occur when your Internet connection is unstable or weak. Therefore, ensure your Internet connection is durable and robust before updating your Windows system.
• Disable third-party antivirus software: Antivirus software or firewall can block the Windows Update service, causing the 80072ee2 error to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to temporarily disable any third-party antivirus software when attempting to update your Windows system.
• Check your Windows Firewall settings: The error 80072ee2 can appear if the Windows Firewall is blocking the Windows update service. To prevent this, you should ensure the Windows Firewall is configured to allow the Windows update service to pass through.
• Keep your system up to date: Keeping your system up to date can help prevent the occurrence of the error 80072ee2. Regularly check for Windows updates and install them as soon as they become available.

Final Words

In the end, Windows Update error 80072ee2 can be frustrating, but with some troubleshooting steps, it can be resolved. Checking your internet connection, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, and ensuring that the necessary DLL files are registered are all effective ways to fix the error. Additionally, keeping your computer up-to-date, regularly checking for updates, and ensuring that your system meets the minimum requirements for updates can help prevent mistakes from occurring in the future. Finally, if the issue persists, seeking help from a professional or contacting Microsoft support can also be helpful.

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