Fix Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe
Dinah Lianes
I have a HP PC. Recently, I have reset it, and it downgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 7. After the reset, I am trying to install windows updates. But when I try to search for new updates, I get the following error:
Download and install KB3125574 the so-calledconvenience rollup for Windows 7 SP1,which is a misnomer for the never-arriving SP2 service-pack.
Even if Windows Update is working after the previous step,installing this roll-up is equivalent to a service-pack in thatit clears up all the previously installed updates, just the sameas a service pack, with a net gain in disk space. It will also be faster than installing separately all the updates that it contains.
Might I suggest that you use a program called WSUS offline to download all the Win7 updates and install them offline. I have used this program for a number of years, just to solve the sort of problem you're having. On first run, tell it which version of Win you use and it will access MS and download all the appropriate updates. When it is finished, run the update installer and it will do its thing, rebooting as necessary. YMMV, but it has always worked like a champ for me, even when I was having to update dozens of machines.
If windows 10 was activated on that machine previously you can just re-install Windows 10 and it will activate online as Microsoft will have recorded that motherboard in their database of valid Windows 10 machines. Since Windows 7 support has ended, MS may cut off their update servers for Windows 7 at any time. There are certainly not regular updates being supplied for Windows 7, and have not been for some time.
If you need installation media you can download it from -us/software-download/windows10You may even be able to just directly update your Windows 7 to Windows 10 with an in place upgrade, keeping any of your existing files, and even most of your programs.
Many Windows 7 users have encountered the same error, causing their system updates to come to a screeching halt. However, we're here to help you with the guide to fix this issue. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the depths of the Windows 7 update error 80072efe and provide you with different methods to fix it.
So, fasten your seat belts and get ready to get rid of this error once and for all. By the end of this article, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to overcome this frustrating issue and resume the smooth operation of your Windows 7 system. Let's get started!
Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe is an issue that occurs when the Windows Update service fails to search for new updates or install them on your computer. This error typically indicates a communication problem between your computer and the Windows Update servers.
There are several common reasons behind this error. It can be caused by network connectivity issues, such as a weak or unstable internet connection, firewall settings blocking communication, or proxy server configuration problems. Malware or virus infections can also interfere with the Windows Update process and trigger this error.
If none of the above methods works for you, this means that you will have to update the driver manually. The KB3138612 update addresses known issues with Windows Update and is specifically designed to fix error 80072efe. By downloading and installing this update from the Microsoft Update Catalog, you can resolve the problem.
Corrupted Windows Update cache files can also trigger error 80072efe. Deleting the Catroot2 folder, which stores these cache files, forces Windows to rebuild the cache from scratch. This will help you get rid of the Windows 7 update error 80072efe.
Disabling these firewalls temporarily can help eliminate any potential interference and allow Windows Update to function properly. This process may vary depending on the specific firewall program you are using.
By disabling the third-party firewalls temporarily, you create a clear path for Windows Update to communicate without any hindrances, increasing the chances of resolving the error. Once the error is resolved, you can enable the firewalls again to maintain the security of your system.
Resetting the Windows Update components can resolve various update-related issues. By stopping the relevant services, deleting the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders, and restarting the services, you can effectively reset the Windows Update components.
Step 3: Now press Windows + E keys simultaneously until you see the File Explorer. Here you will have to search "CatRoot 2 and Software Distribution" and delete all the data inside these folders.
So if you have also experienced data loss as a result of attempting to fix Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe, there is a reliable solution to recover your lost files. We recommend using 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery Tool. This is a powerful and user-friendly data recovery tool that will help you recover all the lost data on your computer. You can follow the below steps to recover your lost data using the 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery.
First of all, download and install the 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery tool and launch it. On the main interface, choose the local disk where you have lost the data and hit the Start button. You can also choose the file type by clicking on the Scan All File Types in the upper right corner if you are looking for a specific data file.
Click on "Scan" to start scanning for lost data. The software will display a list of recoverable files once the scan is complete, and then you can select the files you want to recover and hit the Recover button.
So this is how you can fix Windows 7 update error 80072efe. All you have to do is carefully follow the methods given above, and you will end up fixing the issue within a few minutes. Besides, if you have lost any important files due to Windows 7 update error 80072efe, you can use 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery Tool and quickly recover it by yourself.
The error code 80072efe occurs when there are update problems due to a missing internet connection or unreachable Windows servers. Another possible cause is attempting to update Windows 7, which is no longer supported. We present suggested solutions including the Windows 7 update patch, checking your internet connection, and making exceptions in your firewall.
Sometimes, patience is the best solution, and this can also be the case with error 80072efe. If the primary issue is a server-side problem with Windows, waiting for about 10 to 20 minutes and then restarting the update search can resolve the problem. In some cases, Windows will successfully complete the update without any issues.
Faulty internet connections can indeed lead to issues with the update search and trigger error code 80072efe. To eliminate this common source of error, start by checking if your internet connection is functioning. You can do this by opening a web page in your browser or disconnecting and then reconnecting. If you are using a proxy server, it might also be the cause. Try disabling the proxy server and then attempt the update search again.
I manually updated with the April 2015 servicing stack (KB3020369) in the hope that would fix it - it didn't.
Realised that the root certificates had a problem so tried the Support for urgent Trusted Root updates for Windows Root Certificate Program in Windows (KB3004394 v2). It fixed access to many secure sites but not the Windows Update error.
After purchasing ESU key and activating itreboot and try.
If the connection issue still existsplease take below two methods.
Method A
Try reset windows update components
Open a command prompt with Administrative Privileges, run the following:
Open File Explorer go to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder.
Press CTRL+A and press Delete to remove all files and folders.
Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
Press CTRL+A and press Delete to remove all files and folders.
Then go to Settings >Windows Update >View Update history to find out which updates had failed, write down their KB numbers.
Entering Microsoft Catalog Website and download the standalone MSU intaller
After downloading, double click the MSU installer to proceed installation manually
This error code 80072EFE hints to connection interruptionwhich means there is a problem connecting to Windows Update. Support for Windows 7 has ended on January 14, 2020, including Software updates and Security updates or fixes. As far as my research, that is the cause of this issue.
I keep getting an 80072EFE error.
When I try to go to the microsoft update website itself, something seems to
stop me, saying "The page can not be displayed", and I have had browser
issues for a few days too, ie. when I follow a link I searched on Google, I
get sent to advertising websites, and, as mentioned before, something seems
to block the sites which could help me sort out my problem.I have already done Malware checks with Spybot Search and Destroy, Lavasoft
Ad-Aware and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, all to no avail at all.
I have also tried the Microsoft FixIt tool, which did not help in the
slightest neither.Does anyone recognise my problem?
If anyone can help me sort this out, the advice will be very gratefully
accepted.Thank you in advance,
Klauwaart.
> I have had browser issues for a few days too, ie. when I follow a link I searched on
> Google, I get sent to advertising websites, and, as mentioned before, something seems to
> block the sites which could help me sort out my problem.
The 2 most notable entries indicate that the Windows Update Agent(WUA)
is a Version behind the current one and that a proxy server is
interfering with the communication between the update servers and your
system. I suspect this is related to AVG and/or one of Spybot's protections.If AVG is set to scan incoming email, then a proxy server has been set
up. You can remove proxy settings but AVG may reset them again unless
you configure it to *not* scan incoming email. There is really no need
to scan incoming email as any reliable AV will detect malicious content
if/when you attempt to view/open it and alert you or, even more likely,
quarantine/delete said malicious content.One of Spybot's components may be causing an issue with the installation
of the latest Version of the WUA. TeaTimer and SDHelper are 2 of those
components.
The article below shows how to access the options to enable or disable
TeaTimer and SD Helper:How to enable/disable Spybot Tea timer
-to-enabledisable-spybot-teatimer.html
Suggest you configure the system to Clean boot:How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows
Vista or in Windows 7
the Clean boot, download and *save* the latest Version of the WUA:
-x86.exeYou can also obtain it from link on this MS KB:
's under " Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP, Windows
Server 2003, and Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 " but, as you see, Windows
7 is not listed as one of the OS' that it works on:
> For an x86-based computer
>
> Download the windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe package nowOnce the download completes, close *any* open programs and browsers.Click the Start orb > in the 'Search programs and files' field type in
services
Under Programs, *right* click Services and choose 'Run as
administrator'. Agree to the UAC prompt to allow the Services console to
run Elevated.
Scroll down the list of Service and Stop these 2 for now:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Windows Update
Click on each Service to highlight it and then click the Stop link to
the left.Run windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe now. If you are prompted to restart the
system, decline to do so. You can close the Services console now as when
the system is restarted, both services should start *unless* their
Startup type has been changed from their Default setting.Both services should be set to Automatic (Delayed start) but BITS can be
set to Manual if you so desire.Click the Start orb once more and in the Search field type in
cmd
Under Programs, *right* click cmd.exe and choose 'Run as admin' again;
agree to the UAC prompt.
At the prompt type in the below commands pressing Enter after *each* commandnetsh winhttp reset proxy
exitRestart the system now and, while *still* in the Clean boot state, open
Windows Update in Control Panel and see if the system can search for
updates.
If it can, decline to install the updates and configure the system to
start in normal Windows mode by UNdoing the Clean boot steps.Once the system is booted to normal Windows mode, see if it can search
for and install updates.If it can, then you're done.
If it can not, post the last 50 or so lines of the WindowsUpdate.log
into your reply.