The article includes step-by-step instructions for quickly resolving Windows Update Error 80072efe. The error usually comes after a clean install of Windows 7 or while attempting to update or search for the most recent Windows updates. This error occurs due to an interrupted or faulty connection between the Windows Update server and the PC. The error code 80072EFE occurs not only on Windows 7 but also on Windows 10 and 11. So, if you are experiencing the error, follow the fixes provided. Let’s get started!
How To Fix “Windows Update Error 80072efe”?
80072efe is the error code. Windows 7 often emerges due to a faulty network configuration, creating barriers or difficulties when updating the operating system. So, try the fixes listed below to get beyond the error.
1. Install The KB3138612 Update Patch
Many people resolved the 80072efe error by installing the most recent update; thus, the steps to do so are provided below.
1 – Go to https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB3138612.
2 – Also, download the KB3138612 fix for your Windows 7 system.
3 – Click the Download Package link.
4 – Go to Downloads, open the folder where you saved KB3138612, and double-click it to install the most recent update.
Restart the computer to see whether the error has been resolved.
2. Run Inbuilt Update Troubleshooter
It is suggested that you run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter to fix error code 80072efe on your Windows system. To do so, follow these steps:
1 – Press Win+S and type troubleshoot in the search option.
2 – Select Troubleshoot settings and then Additional troubleshooters.
3 – Select Windows Update and then click on Run the troubleshooter.
4 – Finally, go over the troubleshooter solutions that have been suggested.
3. Delete CatRoot2 Folder
The CatRoot2 folder is one of the Windows System folders required during the window updating process. When we attempt to update through Windows Update, the rootkit2 folder is responsible for storing Windows Update package signatures. Also, delete the contents of the catroot2 folder to remove the corruption and resolve the Windows Update issue. So you must stop the Cryptographic service because it depends on the CatRoot2 folder.
1 – Press the Win+R keys together to launch the Run dialogue box.
2 – In the Run box, type services.msc and press Enter.
3 – Double-click Cryptographic Services to launch Windows.
4 – Click the Stop option from the Cryptographic Services menu.
5 – Select the Apply option and press OK to quit or exit Windows.
6 – Press the Win+E keys to open the File Explorer on the keyboard.
7 – Execute the specified instruction C:WindowsSystem32
8 – Right-click on the catroot2 folder and click Delete.
9 – Open or launch Cryptographic Services.
10 – Click Start to restart the services, and then click Apply.
11 – Select OK to close or exit the Window.
Check whether you still have the 80072EFE Update Error in Windows OS, and then go to the next fix.
4. Delete Rootkit File
The rootkit from a window.32 tdds is strongly tied or linked with the Windows 7 error code 80072efe. This rootkit aids in the prevention of security updates and reduces the capabilities of Windows Defenders. Removing or terminating the destructive or poisonous rootkit files is quite easy. You may remove the rootkit by downloading the executable file from the web, then download the Kaspersky tdsskiller program to test if the rootkit has been eliminated. Then, you can install the update without encountering the error.
5. Disable 3rd Party Antivirus
Remove or disable third-party antivirus and firewall suites since they can fail and disrupt the Win Update connection. As a result, the Windows operating system will be unable to update and apply the required updates. So, try temporarily stopping the antivirus app and then installing the update. To disable antivirus, right-click the antivirus icon on the taskbar and set a time limit. If this approach works for you, switch to a new antivirus program or entirely uninstall the present antivirus program. Then, follow the steps outlined below:
1 – Open the Programs and Features using the Win+R button and type ‘appwiz.cpl’, then Enter.
2 – Under Programs and Features, look for overprotective suites (antivirus programs).
3 – Navigate to the Overprotection uninstall page. Then select the Uninstall option.
4 – Follow the instructions on your desktop screen to uninstall or remove the security apps.
5 – Finally, restart the system or device.
6. Reset Windows Update Components
You cannot install the update in many circumstances because the update files are damaged or corrupted. As a result, it is suggested to terminate the linked services and delete any Windows updates that may be causing a conflict. To do so, follow these steps:
1 – Run Command Prompt and Run it as administrator.
2 – Now, one by one, write or copy-paste the commands listed below and press Enter after each.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
3 – Press Windows + E to launch File Explorer.
4 – Finally, go to the folders and delete the whole contents.
C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2
C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution
5 – Reopen the Command Prompt and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
6 – Exit the command prompt and restart your system when the process is complete.
7. Run A Clean Boot
Clean boot your system to remove any faults or background programs that interfere with the Windows update and stop it from executing. However, in this case, you must log in as an administrator and follow the steps outlined below:
1 – Type MSConfig into the Search box.
2 – Next, open the System Configuration window.
3 – Select the Services tab and the “Hide all Microsoft services” option.
4 – Click Disable all.
5 – Click the Startup tab and then click Open Task Manager.
6 – Right-click on each process and select Disable.
7 – Click OK to close the Task Manager.
8 – Restart the PC.
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Final Words:
It’s finally time to wrap things up! We have given you the necessary fixes in this article to assist you in resolving the Windows Update error 80072efe. The fixes listed above are straightforward, effective, and simple to implement. In addition, it is believed that one of the methods suggested was successful in eliminating the error.
