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How to Fix Windows Update error 0x80072efd in Windows 10

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Sep 23, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Windows Updates is the safeguard of Windows 10 to get the applications, programs, and the whole system to run properly by sending updates in real-time and ensuring optimal health for the PC. However, there are cases wherein this service fails and causes errors to appear, such as the error code 0x80072efd.

This error occurs when the user checks for updates that interrupt the connection between the PC and Windows Updates servers. You can try the Windows Update Troubleshooter to give you a guiding wizard that automatically detects the problem. However, this sometimes cannot guarantee that the issue will be fixed.


OVERVIEW OF THE ERROR

The error 0x80072efd may be caused by an interference of the firewall of the computer or the local network while connecting to the Windows Updates server. It could also be that your PC has lost its internet connectivity, or that the network has limited access.

Aside from the error occurring due to network issues, it could also be that the proxy configuration is incorrect, causing the system to be confused and ultimately giving the error code. Another reason may be that antivirus is blocking the connection. Another known reason for this error is that the MTU setting for the router is either too low or too high.

If any of these happen while the Windows Updates program is running, then it would most likely give the 0x80072efd error.


HOW TO FIX THE ERROR

Before proceeding, ensure that a backup of the hard drive is available and that you have a system restore point on the ready. These are quick ways to ensure that you do not lose any important data or system files that might corrupt and crash the whole system once modified.
Also, you can try refreshing the Windows Store first and see if the problem resolves by itself. If not, proceed with the following methods.

Method 1: Using Basics

If you have Windows 10 and are trying to fix the Windows Update error 0x80072efd, every time you are updating the windows on your system, you should start by looking at some basic measures. These include-

Click on the “Remove files” button. After you’ve made additional space, try resuming your Windows update to check if it runs without triggering the error 0x80072efd code.

If the above basic methods fail to fix the Windows Update error 0x80072efd on Windows 10, you can check the following advanced methods to solve the issue.

Method 2: Checking the Date and Time

The Windows Time service should be configured properly to avoid the 0x80072efd error.

  1. On the search box, type in Services and select the top result.
  2. The Services window will then appear. On the right side of the window, locate Windows Time and double click on it.

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  3. Locate the Startup Type in the General tab and choose Automatic on the dropdown menu.

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  4. On the Service Status selection, click on the Stop button, wait a few seconds, and then select Start. It should indicate the status that it is Running.
  5. Click on the Apply button and then press OK.

Method 3: Disabling the Proxy

An enabled proxy might prevent the Windows system from being able to access the Windows Store which also holds the Windows Updates.

  1. Press Win + R at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Type in cpl and choose OK.
  2. This opens the Internet Properties Settings popup window. In the Connections tab, select LAN Settings.
  3. Tick the box that says Automatically Detect Settings and then untick the box below that is labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN.

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  4. Click on OK and then go to Windows Store and try checking for updates again.

Method 4: Removing the Windows Updates Entries from the HOSTS File

The Windows HOSTS is located in the system drive C: and needs administrative control to be edited.

  1. On the Start menu, type in Notepad on the search box and right-click on the top result.
  2. Choose Run As Administrator.

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  3. On the File menu of the Notepad window, select Open.

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  4. Select All Files found beside the file search box.
  5. Type in this file destination on the search box beside Filename: C:\Winnt\system32\drivers\etc
  6. Double click on the host's file and select Open.

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  7. Remove the lines that have the Windows Update entries: http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com.
  8. Select the File menu and click on Save.
  9. Close the Notepad window.

Method 5: Running the Troubleshooter for Windows Updates

The Windows Updates Troubleshooter can detect any errors in updating by automatically scanning the program. This needs internet access to work, so make sure that your computer is connected to the internet.

  1. On the Start menu, click the cogwheel icon to open the Settings window.
  2. Proceed to Update & Security, and then navigate to Troubleshoot.
  3. A troubleshooting wizard will appear. Click on Windows Update and then select Next to start the service.

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  4. After the system starts scanning for errors, it will prompt a troubleshooting report and it will show whether the issue has been fixed automatically.

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  5. Restart the PC and try running Windows Updates again to see if the error has been fixed.

Method 6: Renaming the Software Distribution Folder

The Software Distribution folder temporarily stores files that are needed in installing new updates that contain the latest improvements and fixes for the system. It is safe to  clear this folder  if the update is successful, or if Windows Updates is not running properly and turning up the 0x80072efd error.

  1. Press Win + X and find Command Prompt (Admin) to open the elevated Command Prompt that has administrative privileges.

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  2. On the command line, type each one of these and hit Enter after each entry:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
  3. Type this next command on the vacant line and hit Enter: ren X:\Eindows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old (replace X with the corresponding drive letter where Windows is installed, which is usually C:)
  4. On the next command line, type each one of these and hit Enter after each entry:
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver

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  5. Type in Exit on the next command line and then hit Enter key to close the Command Prompt dialogue box.
  6. Reboot your PC and check on Windows Updates whether the issue is resolved or not.

Method 7: Clear the Windows Store Cache

Sometimes the error 0x80072efd may also occur while updating Windows 10 due to a damaged Windows Store Cache. To fix it, you have to clear the Windows Store cache. For that, type wsreset in the Start Search bar and click “Run as administrator.” After a command prompt, a confirmation message will display saying: “The cache for the Store was cleared. You can now browse the Store for apps”.

This implies you have cleared the cache. Now start the update and check if the 0x80072efd error is resolved.


CONCLUSION

The error 0x80072 is one of the many Windows Updates issues that can be fixed by following the methods above. However, proper caution should be taken when configuring and modifying system files or folders because this can potentially harm your computer and cause it to crash. To make sure that the right step is taken, you can contact an expert to perform the troubleshooting for you.

Recoverit author

David Darlington

staff Editor

Home > Resources > Windows Computer Solutions > How to Fix Windows Update error 0x80072efd in Windows 10