How To Fix “Windows Update Error 80072EFE”

Windows Update Error 80072EFE

The 80072efe error code In most cases, problems with updating Windows 7 to the newest version arise from a flawed network configuration. To get around this problem, use the solutions provided below to fix the windows update error 80072efe.

What Is Error Code 80072EFE

Windows Update Error 80072EFE

Error 0x80070570, error code 0xc00000e, etc., are only a few of the Windows faults that need fixing. A specific error, 80072EFE, is displayed on the screen if Windows is unable to download and install software and program updates.

Though Windows 7 was the primary OS where this problem was discovered, Windows Server has also been observed to exhibit it. Instead than just one version of Windows, this affects all of them.

Have you ever encountered a window warning that Windows was unable to check for updates? The primary cause is a connection problem between your device and the Windows Update server, which results in error code 80072EFE being detected.

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Causes of Windows Update Error 80072EFE

Windows Update Error 80072EFE can occur due to various factors, including:

  1. Network Connectivity Issues: Problems with your internet connection or network settings can prevent Windows from accessing the update servers.
  2. Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Overly restrictive firewall or antivirus settings can block Windows Update from functioning correctly.
  3. Corrupted System Files: Corrupted or missing system files can disrupt the Windows Update process.
  4. Software Conflicts: Conflicts between third-party software or applications can interfere with Windows Update.
  5. Server Overload: Sometimes, high traffic on Microsoft’s update servers can result in this error.
  6. Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can compromise system files and settings, leading to update errors.

Solve Windows Update Error 80072EFE

Every Windows user is aware that unforeseen issues can cause the system to malfunction and display an error message. The windows update error 80072efe can be fixed in a variety of ways, just like any other mistake.

Since there are numerous potential causes for this problem, there is no single best solution. We’ve compiled the fixes we’ve tested and determined to be successful in resolving this problem.

Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has an in-built troubleshooter meant to fix exactly these kinds of problems. Repairing your device and getting it back on track after a variety of issues is a breeze with this utility.

Let us walk you through the process of utilizing the Windows update troubleshooter.

Step 1: Select the Start menu and search “Troubleshooting”

Step 2: Select the “Troubleshoot Settings” option. The “Additional Troubleshooters” menu item must be activated.

Stwp 3: Following that, select “Windows Update” from the menu. After that, launch the Troubleshooter.

It will check your computer for problems and provide you advice on how to fix them. If you follow the advice given, you should be able to locate the correct answer.

Method 3: Deleting the CatRoot2 Folder

The Windows Update procedure necessitates the use of the catroot2 folder, which is a system folder. The catroot2 directory stores the Windows Update package signatures whenever an update is installed using Windows Update.

Erasing everything in the catroo2 folder appears to fix a number of Windows update issues, including the 80072EFE error, by removing corruption. It’s important to know that erasing the catRoot2 folder won’t mess up your computer.

If you choose this approach, you’ll need to first stop the Cryptographic service from running, as it depends on a file in the CatRoot2 folder.

Step 1: To access the Run dialog, use the Windows key plus R. Simply entering Services.msc and pressing Enter will bring up the Services control panel.

Step 2: Click Cryptographic Services down below. Then, in the Cryptographic Services Properties box, click the General option. If the service is already active, you can stop it there by pressing the Stop button. If it is turned off, then you can proceed.

Step 3: To access Catroot2, open C:WindowsSystem32. Select the option to delete from the right-click menu. To do this action, you must have administrative rights.

Step 4: To restart Cryptographic Services, just go back to the General tab of the Cryptographic Services Properties window and click the Start button.

Step 5: The Windows update may need to be applied again after the computer has restarted.

Method 4: Resetting the Local Group Policy of Windows

Using a customized Windows Group Policy could prevent Windows Update from installing critical patches.

Resetting local group policy settings has been reported by some users as a solution to the 80072EFE problem and allowing Windows to update smoothly. This is a simple tutorial on how to restore the factory settings for your organization’s local group policy.

Step 1: To access the Run dialog, use the Windows key plus R. To access the Local Group Policy Editor, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.

Step 2: Choose All Settings from Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates.

Step 3: Now, you may check the panel to your right to see which options are enabled or disabled. To narrow your search, select a state from the drop-down menu next to the State button. This will arrange the data and make it simpler to find where policies have been updated.

Step 4: To change a policy’s status from Enabled or Disabled to Not configured, simply double-click the policy in question. The next step is to make sure that the Not configured option is selected for each entry.

How to Reset Windows

Resetting Windows can help resolve many update-related issues, including Error 80072EFE. Follow these steps to reset Windows:

  1. Back Up Your Data:
    • Before proceeding, ensure you have backups of your important data.
  2. Open Settings:
    • Press the Windows key and click on the gear icon to open “Settings.”
  3. Go to “Update & Security”:
    • In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
  4. Choose “Recovery”:
    • In the left sidebar, select “Recovery.”
  5. Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started”:
    • You will have the option to keep your files (which reinstalls Windows but retains your personal files) or remove everything (which performs a clean installation of Windows).
  6. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

How to Clear Windows Update Cache

Clearing the Windows Update cache can resolve issues like Error 80072EFE. To clear the cache, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Press the Windows key, type “cmd,” right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
  2. Stop Windows Update Services:
    • In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
      net stop wuauserv
      net stop cryptSvc
      net stop bits
      net stop msiserver
  3. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder:
    • Type the following command and press Enter to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder:
      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  4. Restart Windows Update Services:
    • Type the following commands to restart the services:
      net start wuauserv
      net start cryptSvc
      net start bits
      net start msiserver
  5. Close Command Prompt:
    • Exit the Command Prompt window.
  6. Restart Your Computer:
    • After completing the steps, restart your computer.

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Conclusion

Contrary to common assumption, Windows updates are crucial to the success of any OS release. First, they routinely add new features and functions and correct bugs.

The fact that Microsoft fixes critical software flaws that could be used by cybercriminals to gain access to the machine is the most notable feature. This will help you to fix windows update error 80072efe.