Top 6 Fixes For Windows Update Error 80072EFE

The error code 80072EFE appears when you try to update your PC with the Windows 7 operating system. This windows update error 80072EFE occurs due to inaccessible Windows services or a missing internet connection. Microsoft ended the support for Windows 7 on 14 January 2020. You need to fix this issue if you are still using the Windows 7 operating system on your desktop or laptop. Here are some quick fixes for your assistance:

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter 

Step 1: Search for Troubleshooter after going to the Start menu. 

Step 2: Tap on Troubleshoot Settings. After that, go to the option – Additional Troubleshooters. 

Step 3: Run the Troubleshooter after selecting Windows Update. 

Remove CatRoot2 Folder for Windows Update

Step 1: Press the Windows key and the R key together to open the Run app. 

Step 2: Enter services.msc in the box and click on OK.

Step 3: Open Cryptographic Services after finding it. You may need to click two times to open it. 

Step 4: Select the option – Stop. After that, click on OK. It will make you exit from the window. 

Step 5: Now, press the Windows key with the E key. 

Step 6: Type in C:WindowsSystem32. 

Step 7: Right-click on the folder named CatRoot2.

Step 8: Click on the Delete option. 

Open the network Adapter Troubleshooter 

Step 1: Type Troubleshooter in the search bar and click on the best-matched search result. After that, launch the Troubleshoot Settings. 

Step 2: Choose additional Troubleshooters. 

Step 3: Find the Network Adapter. Click on the option to open its menu. 

Step 4: To start the check, hit the option – Run the Troubleshooter. 

Install the Update Patch – KB3138612

Step 1: Open your web browser and look for a Windows update client for Windows 7. 

Step 2: Click on the Download package Link. 

Step 3: Click on the Download option to confirm your request. 

Step 4: Expand the folder as the download process ends. 

Step 5: Use the downloaded installer to install KB3138612. 

Deactivate Third-party Antivirus and Firewall Software 

Step 1: Open the Control Panel. 

Step 2: Go to the option – Programs and Features. 

Step 3: Find the third-party antivirus and firewall program you are using on your PC.

Step 4: Tap on the program name to select a program. 

Step 5: Click on a particular third-party software program and choose Uninstall. 

Step 6: Confirm your request by clicking on OK or Uninstall. 

Reset the Components of Windows Updates 

Step 1: Type cmd in the search bar to open the Command Prompt on your computer with Windows 7. Choose the option admin to run it as an administrator. 

Step 2: Copy and paste the following four commands and hit the Enter key after each command. 

                net stop wuauserv

                net stop cryptSvc

                net stop bits

                net stop msiserver

Step 3: Now, hit the Windows and E keys together. Move to the File Explorer. 

Step 4: Look for Software Distribution and CatRoot2 folders. 

Step 5: Remove all data from these two folders. 

Step 6: Open the Command Prompt again. Type the above-mentioned commands again. Tap the Enter key and close the command window.  

Step 7: Reboot the system to save the changes you have just made.