How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80073712 Easily

Encountering Windows Update error code 0x80073712 can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to keep your system secure and up to date. This error typically indicates that some system files needed for updates are missing or corrupted, preventing Windows from installing updates properly. Fortunately, there are straightforward steps you can take to resolve this issue and restore your update process to normal. This guide will walk you through the necessary preparations and detailed steps to fix error 0x80073712, ensuring your Windows system remains current and secure.

What You’ll Need

• Administrator access to your Windows PC
• An active internet connection
• Some patience, as some steps may take time to complete
• Optional: a backup of your important files, in case of unforeseen issues

Step-by-Step

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
   – Click on the Start menu and select Settings (gear icon).
   – Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
   – Find and select Windows Update, then click Run the troubleshooter.
   – Follow on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will attempt to detect and fix common update problems, including missing or corrupted files.
2. Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool
   – Open Command Prompt as Administrator: right-click on the Start button, select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   – Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   – Wait for the scan to complete. This process will check for and repair corrupted or missing system files.
   – If the SFC tool finds issues it cannot fix, proceed to the next step.
3. Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool
   – Still in the elevated Command Prompt, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   – Press Enter and wait for the process to finish. This can take several minutes.
   – DISM repairs the Windows image, which can resolve deeper corruption issues that SFC cannot fix.
4. Clear the Windows Update Cache
   – In the Command Prompt, stop the Windows Update service by typing: net stop wuauserv
   – Then, stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service: net stop bits
   r>
   – Navigate to the SoftwareDistribution folder by typing: cd %windir% emp
   – Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder: del /s /q %windir% emp\*
   – Restart the services: net start wuauserv and net start bits
   – This clears the update cache, which can resolve issues caused by corrupted update files.
5. Manually Download and Install the Update
   – Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
   – Search for the specific update that is failing (using the update KB number).
   – Download the standalone installer.
   – Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to manually install the update.
   – This bypasses the Windows Update process and can fix issues with specific updates.
6. Restart Your PC and Check for Updates Again
   – After completing the above steps, restart your computer.
   – Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
   – Click Check for updates and see if the error persists.
   – If the update installs successfully, your issue is resolved.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the step to run the troubleshooter, which can fix many common issues automatically.
• Using an account without administrator privileges during system repairs.
• Forgetting to restart your PC after performing system file repairs or clearing cache.
• Manually deleting files from system folders without understanding their purpose, which can cause further issues.
• Ignoring error messages during the process and proceeding without addressing specific problems they indicate.

Tips

• Ensure your system is fully backed up before making major changes, especially if you’re unfamiliar with system files.
• Keep your drivers and BIOS up to date to prevent compatibility issues that may interfere with Windows Updates.
• Run the above steps in a clean boot environment to minimize interference from third-party software.
• Regularly maintain your system with disk cleanup and defragmentation to keep it running smoothly.
• If the problem persists, consider performing a repair install of Windows to fix corruption without losing data.

Troubleshooting

If the above steps do not resolve error 0x80073712, consider the following troubleshooting options:

• Check for Disk Errors: Run chkdsk /f /r in Command Prompt (Admin) to scan and repair disk issues that might be corrupting files.
• Disable Antivirus Temporarily: Some third-party antivirus programs can interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disable them and try updating again.
• Perform a System Restore: Restore your system to a previous point when updates were working correctly. Access this via Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
• Reset Windows Update Components Manually: Use a batch script or manually reset the Windows Update services if issues persist.
• Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, a clean install can fix deep system corruption but should be considered only after backing up all data.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes error 0x80073712 in Windows Update?

This error is usually caused by missing or corrupted system files that Windows needs to complete updates. It can also result from incomplete previous updates, disk errors, or interference from third-party software.

2. Can I fix error 0x80073712 without reinstalling Windows?

Yes, most cases can be resolved by using the built-in troubleshooters, system file repair tools (SFC and DISM), clearing update caches, or manually installing updates. Reinstalling Windows is only necessary in extreme cases.

3. Is it safe to run system repair tools like SFC and DISM?

Yes, these tools are built into Windows and are designed to repair system files safely. However, always back up important data before making significant system changes.

4. How long does it typically take to fix this error?

The time varies depending on the issues present. Basic troubleshooting can take 15-30 minutes, while more in-depth repairs like DISM scans or manual updates may take longer.

5. Will fixing this error delete my files?

No, the steps outlined here focus on repairing system files and update components without affecting personal data. However, always back up before making system changes.

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