How to Fix Windows Update Error 80072efe – 8 Easy Fixes

Windows Update Error 80072efe can be a big problem. It can prevent you from installing updates, and that can leave your computer vulnerable to attack.

The error 80072efe primarily occurs in Windows 7 and Windows Vista but can also occur in Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. In the latest Windows versions, it is usually caused by rootkits.

In this blog post, we will show you how to fix this error. We will walk you through the steps that you need to take in order to get your computer up-to-date again.

What Causes Windows Update Error 80072efe

Windows Update Error 80072efe is a common error that can occur while attempting to initiate Windows Updates. It usually occurs due to the following reasons:

• Interrupted or insufficiently secured internet connection: A poor or slow connection can lead to timeout errors while fetching updates.
• Rootkit infection: Rootkits are malicious software that can hide in your system and interfere with Windows Update.
• Incorrectly configured proxy settings: If you use a proxy server to connect to the internet, incorrect settings might prevent the update process from completing properly.
• Corrupted system components: Some system files may be corrupted, leading to this error.
• Incompatible software installed on the computer: Outdated or incompatible third-party security programs and other applications may interfere with the process and cause this Windows update error.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 80072efe

Now let us take a look at different ways to fix Windows Update Error 80072efe.

Fix 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first step to fixing this error is to check your internet connection. Make sure that you have an active and stable connection. If you are using a proxy server for your internet connection, make sure it is configured properly.

Fix 2: Temporarily Disable the Windows Firewall

Sometimes the Windows firewall can block Windows Update from downloading files or accessing the necessary network resources. To fix this, temporarily disable the Windows firewall and try updating again.

To turn off the Windows Firewall, follow these steps:

1. In the Search Section of your Task Bar, search defender firewall and select Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Locate and click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option on the left side.
3. Disable Windows Defender Firewall temporarily under private and public network headings and click the OK button.
4. Try to update again.

Fix 3: Disable Windows Defender or Any Other Third-Party Antivirus

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with the Windows Update process and cause this error. To solve this issue, temporarily disable your antivirus program and try updating again.

If disabling the Windows Defender resolves the problem, you can either exclude the Windows Update folder from scanning or reinstall a compatible version of your antivirus software.

To disable the in-built Windows Defender scan, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button and select Settings from the Start Menu.
2. Under the Settings window, select Update & security.
3. Switch to the Windows Security tab on the left and select click Virus & threat protection on the right.
4. Look for the “Virus & threat protection settings” heading and click the Manage settings option below.
5. Temporarily disable the following options by toggling the button:
   • Real-time Protection
   • Cloud-delivered Protection
   • Automatic sample submission
   • Tamper Protection

Fix 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the above methods don’t work, you can try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. It is a built-in tool that can automatically detect and fix common update issues.

To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

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 5: Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder contains all the necessary files for downloading and installing updates. If this folder is corrupted, Windows Update may struggle to access or download the required files and cause Windows Update Error 80072efe.

To fix this issue, you will need to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder and let Windows create a new one. To do this, follow these steps:

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 6: Delete the Catroot2 Folder

The Catroot2 folder is used by Windows Update to store its associated files. If this folder is corrupted, it can also cause the error 80072efe. To fix this issue, you will need to delete the Catroot2 folder and let Windows create a new one.

To do so, follow these steps:

1. Launch Windows Services Windows
2. Locate the Cryptographic Services service.
3. Right-click on it and select Stop
4. Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\Catroot2 folder
5. Delete the Catroot2 folder or the content inside it.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Launch Windows Services again.
8. Look for Cryptographic Services.
9. Right-click on it and select Start.

Once you have completed the steps above, try updating Windows again.

Fix 7: Run System File Checker

System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that can scan and repair corrupted system files. If any of the core system files are corrupted, it can lead to Error 80072efe while updating Windows. To run SFC, follow these steps:

1. Search for the “Command Prompt” on the Windows search box, right-click on its icon, and select Run as administrator.
   
2. Type SFC /scannow in the command prompt window and press Enter to execute it.
3. Wait for the scan to finish. It might take a few minutes.
4. Once the scan is completed, you should be able to install updates properly.

Fix 8: Reset the Windows Update Components

If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This will delete all temporary files and settings related to the update process and automatically fix any corrupted or missing system files.

To reset Windows Update, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator
2. At the command prompt, type wuauclt /resetauthorization /detectnow
3. Wait for the command to finish running
4. Restart your computer and try updating Windows again.

If the error persists, you may need to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Summing Up

Error 80072efe can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but it is usually caused by an unstable connection or corrupted system files. To fix this error, you can try checking your internet connection, temporarily disabling the Windows Firewall, disabling third-party antivirus software, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and System File Checker (SFC). If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting the Windows Update components.

If these tips weren’t helpful, contact Microsoft Support for further assistance. You can also talk to a certified technician if you need help troubleshooting Windows Update Error 80072efe.