How to fix
Windows update error 80072EFE
on Windows

Hi, I am constantly getting 80072EFE errors when trying to update Windows. I have been trying for a couple of weeks now, but the problem does not go away. Is there anything that can be done about this?

Windows updates are very important to any operating system version, despite the popular belief that they are not. First of all, they fix bugs,[ref en-1] stability issues and implement new features regularly. The most important characteristic, however is the fact that Microsoft patches important software vulnerabilities[ref en-2] that could otherwise be exploited by cybercriminals and improve the overall security of the system.

As long as the updates were shipped via the internet connection, there have been problems that many users had to deal with. In fact, the 80072EFE update error is just one of many that people can encounter when trying to update Windows. In some cases, users can see it when trying to upgrade from an older OS version to the newest one.

This error code can usually be seen on Windows 7 machines, although it can also be encountered on Windows 10 in some cases. Those affected might also see a code ERROR_INTERNET_CONNECTION_ABORTED when facing this issue.

In most cases, the main cause of the error is internet connection problems, which, in itself, can be caused by numerous reasons. If you are facing this issue on Windows 10, the problem likely relates to malware[ref en-3] infection. Therefore, in order to fix the 80072EFE error code, you should first scan your device with antivirus software and then proceed with the other solutions we provide below.

Fix 1. Perform a full system scan with anti-malware

You can use any antivirus software you like, although Microsoft Defender should be able to find and remove malware for your effectively. For that, perform the offline scan:

• Type Windows Security in the search bar and press Enter
• Go to Virus and threat protection section

• Select Scan options
• Pick Microsoft Defender offline scan and click Scan now

• Your PC will restart and deep scan will begin.

If the scan found the virus and deleted it for you, don't forget to take care of the damage that could have been caused by it. We highly recommend you use [d1] after malware elimination, as it can find and replace damaged DLLs, registries, and other corrupted system files.

Fix 2. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings
• Go to Update & security section
• Pick Troubleshoot from the left menu
• On the right, you should see troubleshooters listed (if not, click on Additional troubleshooters)
• Select Windows Update and pick Run the troubleshooter.

Fix 3. Check system file integrity

Check whether Windows system files are not corrupted with the help of SFC:

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator
• If User Account Control shows up, pick Yes
• In the new window, copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each (let each of the scans to complete before you do):
  sfc /scannow
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 4. Reset Windows update components

Damaged or corrupted Windows update files might be the root cause of the problem. When dealing with Windows update errors, it is best to terminate related services and then delete the cache:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Press Win + E to open File Explorer
• Delete the contents of the following folders:
  

  C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2
  C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution

• In Command Prompt, paste the following commands (press Enter each time):
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
  
• Restart your PC.

Fix 5. Reset your internet connection

• Open Command Prompt as admin once again
• Paste in the following command lines:
  ipconfig /flushdns
  ipconfig /registerdns
  ipconfig /release
  ipconfig /renew
  netsh winsock reset
• Restart your PC.