How To Fix Windows Update Error 80072Efe In Windows 10, 8, And 7

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first step is to check your internet connection. Make sure that you are connected to a stable and fast internet connection. Slow or unstable internet connection can cause error 80072efe while updating your Windows operating system.

Step 2: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart of your computer can fix the Windows Update error 80072efe. Restart your computer and try updating your Windows operating system again.

Step 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows operating system has a built-in troubleshooter that can help you fix various errors, including error 80072efe. Follow the steps below to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

1. Click on the Start menu and type “troubleshoot” in the search bar.
2. Select “Troubleshoot settings” from the search results.
3. Scroll down and click on “Windows Update” under “Get up and running.”
4. Click on “Run the troubleshooter.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.

Step 4: Reset Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update Troubleshooter does not fix the error, you can try resetting the Windows Update components using the steps below:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

Step 5: Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes block Windows Update from downloading and installing updates, causing error 80072efe. To fix this error, disable your firewall and antivirus temporarily and try updating Windows again.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help you identify if there are any software conflicts that are causing error 80072efe. Follow the steps below to perform a clean boot:

1. Click on the Start menu and type “msconfig” in the search bar.
2. Select “System Configuration” from the search results.
3. Click on the “Services” tab and check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services.”
4. Click on “Disable all.”
5. Click on the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
6. Disable all the startup items one by one.
7. Close the Task Manager and click on “OK” in the System Configuration window.
8. Restart your computer.

Step 7: Perform a System Restore

If none of the above steps work, you can perform a system restore to restore your Windows operating system to a previous state where the error did not exist. Follow the steps below to perform a system restore:

1. Click on the Start menu and type “system restore” in the search bar.
2. Select “Create a restore point” from the search results.
3. Click on “System Restore” and select a restore point from the available options.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system restore process.

FAQs

Q. What causes Windows Update error 80072efe?

A. Windows Update error 80072efe is usually caused by internet connection issues, corrupted files, software conflicts, or firewall and antivirus software blocking Windows Update.

Q. Can I fix Windows Update error 80072efe on my own?

A. Yes, you can easily fix Windows Update error 80072efe by following the steps mentioned in this tutorial.

Q. Will performing a system restore delete my files?

A. Performing a system restore will not delete your files, but it will uninstall the software and drivers that you have installed after the restore point was created.

Q. How often should I perform a system restore?

A. You should perform a system restore only when you encounter a serious error or issue that cannot be fixed by other methods.

Q. Will disabling my firewall and antivirus software harm my computer?

A. Disabling your firewall and antivirus software temporarily will not harm your computer, but make sure to enable them once the Windows Update is complete.