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.
@cfieldd 
Hi, 
You could refer to the following link: 
Patch to fix update error 80072EFE on Windows 7 
 -to-fix-error-code-80072EFE.html 
It seems that your computer has not been updated for a long time. 
Windows 7 reached end of Extended Support on 14 Jan 2020. 
After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product. I strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available. 
Hope above information can help you.
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I have had this issue a few times after doing a clean install of Windows 7 w/ SP1. What I needed to download form Microsoft where different from the ones mentioned in the article by Jenny Feng. What I needed where KB3020369 & KB3125574 (installed in that order). One problem though was that you cannot go to the Microsoft catalog website with the IE that is installed with Windows 7 SP1, and you can't use Modern installers to install a different browser. I kept having to help people I know solve this issue so I eventually just made a video and posted it on Youtube ( )
If you don't have a fairly up-to-date ISO of Windows 7 use the Windows ISO Download Tool on HeiDoc.net ( -science/microsoft/67-microsoft-windows-iso-download-tool/). It downloads the ISO from the Microsoft Servers by digging into some of the hidden areas (Check the Link to verify if you are unsure).
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.
Error code 0xc00000e9 indicates an unexpected input/output error when reading or writing data in Windows systems. The error may occur randomly while the system is running and may affect only one specific drive. The error is particularly serious during the boot process because it will cause Windows to stop booting properly. What are some strategies for resolving this issue?
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.
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.