Error code 80072EFE on Windows 7 is associated with Windows Update. It typically occurs when there is a problem connecting to the Windows Update servers or when the update components on your computer are corrupted. It can also appear after a clean install of Windows 7 or after checking for the latest updates.
This error can prevent Windows from downloading and installing updates, which may leave your system vulnerable to security risks or prevent you from accessing new features and improvements.
How to fix Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe?
To resolve the error code 80072EFE, you can try the following troubleshoots:
- Check your internet connection
- Check the system date and time
- Disable firewall and antivirus temporarily
- Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Clear Windows Update cache
- Delete the CatRoot2 Folder
- Install KB323861 update
- Reset the Local Group Policy of Windows
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you may need to consider applying the more advanced methods below:
Method 1: Disabling firewalls and antiviruses
Disabling firewalls and antivirus software temporarily is a common troubleshooting step to determine if they are causing conflicts with Windows Update. Disable both Antivirus and Windows Firewall on your Windows.
After disabling the firewalls and antivirus software, try running Windows Update again to see if the error code 80072EFE is resolved. Remember to re-enable your firewalls and antivirus software once you have completed the troubleshooting process and finished with Windows Update.
Method 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and resolve common update-related issues. To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
- Click the Start and type “troubleshoot“. Select Troubleshoot settings from the search results.
- In the Troubleshoot settings, scroll down and click on Windows Update under the Get up and Running section.
- Click on Run the Troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Method 3: Clear system update cache
Sometimes, the Windows Update cache can become corrupted, leading to update errors. To clear the cache, you can follow these steps:
- Press the Windows+R and open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
- Now scroll down and locate the Windows Update service.
- Right-click on Windows Update and select Stop from the menu.
- Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the following folder:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution- Delete all the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder.
- Go back to the Services window, right-click on Windows Update, and select Start from the menu.
Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Method 4: Delete the CatRoot2 Folder
Deleting the CatRoot2 folder is another method you can try to resolve Windows Update error code 80072EFE. This folder contains the cryptographic catalog files used by Windows Update. If any of these files are corrupted, it can lead to update errors. Deleting the CatRoot2 folder will force Windows to rebuild it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Press the Windows+R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Services window.
- Now scroll down and locate the Cryptographic Services service.
- Right-click on Cryptographic Services and select Stop from the menu.
- Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the following folder:
C:\Windows\System32- Find the CatRoot2 folder and delete it. You may need administrative privileges to perform this action.
- After deleting the folder, go back to the Services window, right-click on Cryptographic Services, and select Start from the menu.
- Restart your computer.
Once your computer restarts, Windows will automatically recreate the CatRoot2 folder with fresh cryptographic catalog files. This may take some time. After the folder is recreated, try running Windows Update again to see if the error code 80072EFE is resolved.
Method 5: Manually download & install KB3138612 Update Patch
Encountering error code 80072EFE or any other Windows Update error can be fixed by manually downloading and installing the latest cumulative update or service pack. Here are the general steps to manually download and install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website
- Search for the update
- Select the appropriate update that matches your system architecture (x86 for 32-bit or x64 for 64-bit)
KB3138612 for Windows Server 2008 R2
- Click on the Download
- Install the update & restart
Manually installing the latest update or service pack can often help fix Windows Update errors by providing the necessary bug fixes and improvements. However, it’s generally recommended to allow Windows to update automatically to ensure your system stays up to date with the latest security patches and enhancements.
Method 6: Resetting the Local Group Policy of Windows
Resetting the Local Group Policy of Windows can help resolve certain issues, including Windows Update errors like error code 80072EFE in Windows 7. Resetting the Group Policy removes any custom settings you may have configured, restoring it to its default state. Here’s how you can reset the Local Group Policy:
1. Press the Windows+R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter. This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. In the Local Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > All Settings
4. In the right pane, select the State column to sort the settings alphabetically.
5. Scroll down and look for any settings that have a customized value (denoted by “Enabled” or “Disabled”).
6. Right-click on each customized setting and select Reset from the context menu.
7. Repeat this process for all customized settings in the list.
8. Once you have reset all the customized settings, close the Local Group Policy Editor.
After resetting the Local Group Policy, try running Windows Update again to see if the error code is resolved. If the error persists or if you encounter any other issues, it’s advisable to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a qualified technician.
Note: Resetting the Local Group Policy should be done with caution as it can affect various system settings and configurations. Make sure to carefully review the settings before resetting them and ensure you have a backup of any custom configurations you may need to restore later.
If you find this method challenging then apply the next method given.
Related to this: Download Security Update for Windows 7 (KB4534310)
Method 7: Use tdsskiller.exe to remove rootkit files
Using tdsskiller.exe to remove rootkit files is another method you can try to address Windows Update error code 80072EFE. Rootkits are malicious software that can interfere with the proper functioning of various system components, including Windows Update. tdsskiller.exe is a specialized tool designed to detect and remove rootkit infections. Here’s how you can use it:
1. Visit the official website of Kaspersky Lab, or reputable download sites to obtain the latest version of tdsskiller.exe. Save it to a location on your computer.
2. Double-click on it to run tdsskiller.exe. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to grant permission. And do the installation.
4. Click on the Start Scan button to initiate the scanning process. tdsskiller.exe will search for any rootkit files or suspicious activity on your system.
5. If tdsskiller.exe detects any rootkit infections, it will display them in the scan results. Click on the Continue or Remove button (or similar) to remove the detected threats. Follow any additional prompts or instructions provided by the tool.
6. Restart your computer
Once your computer restarts, try running Windows Update again to see if the error code 80072EFE on Windows 7 is resolved. If the error persists or if you encounter any other issues, it’s advisable to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a qualified technician.
