Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 80072efe [2024]

Are you upgrading your computer for those new improvements and various safety features, and suddenly, you receive the Windows Update Error 80072efe message? This might be frustrating, right?

Moreover, an older system showing this error, such as Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe, can stop your update dead in its tracks, leaving your computer open to malware. Fortunately, we have 5 easy yet efficient ways to face this error in 2024 and sort out your system. Let’s discuss these fixes!

Part 1: What is Windows Update Error 80072efe?

Windows update error 80072efe is an error code that occurs when performing an update on Windows 8 or downloading upgraded files or software for Windows 7.

The error code causes damage to important Windows files or the wrong changes in the components responsible for Windows updates. Furthermore, Windows 7 update error 80072efe can occur as the Windows 7 updates ceased in January 2021.

As this error code 80072efe Windows 8 or 7 indicates that your computer may not operate normally, you should fix it as soon as possible.

Part 2: What Causes Windows Update Error 80072efe?

Windows update code 80072efe error occurs when there’s an issue accessing the Microsoft update servers or a network problem that cannot let you access Microsoft update servers. This error often impacts Windows 7 but can also affect other OS versions, such as Windows 8.

Here are some reasons that cause error code 80072efe and some possible solutions:

Network Connection Issues: It is possible to get an update error with an unstable or poor internet connection.
Firewall or Antivirus Interference: The update service may be blocked by security software.
Corrupted System Files: Corrupted system files get in the way of the process of Windows Update.
Microsoft Server Issues: This error may occur due to some random interruption or problem with the Microsoft Update servers.
Proxy or VPN Interference: Mobile-deceptive proxies and VPNs can interfere with the connection to the Windows Update server.

Part 3: How To Fix Error Code 80072efe On Windows 8/7?

Way 1: Wait for Windows Server

It is always wise to wait for some time in error code 80072efe sbs2011 and sbs2012. If the problem is server-side with Windows, waiting for 10-20 minutes and then trying to restart the update search will fix the issue. Sometimes, the update procedure in Windows will succeed without any problems being encountered.

Bonus Tip: Recover Data Lost Due to Windows Update Error 80072efe

If you have lost your data while updating your Windows update, we suggest using free data recovery software like Tenorshare 4DDiG. Since this software supports the recovery of 1000+ file types, you can successfully restore lost photos, videos, documents, and audio files. Here are the features of this tool:

Easily recover files lost due to accidental deletion, Windows updates/downgrades, system crashes, virus attacks, and more.
Allows Windows users to recover 2 GB of data for free.
Offers both Quick Scan (for recently deleted files) and Deep Scan (for more thorough searches on damaged or formatted drives).
No techincal knowledge required.

Follow the below steps to recover your files using this tool:

Step 1. Open the 4DDiG Data Recovery tool and choose the disk you wish to scan. After that, click on scan.

Step 2. 4DDiG tool will check your chosen selected drive for your missing files. Also, you can find your other lost data by searching it or using Filter on the right side of the panel to search them quickly.

Step 3. After finding your data, you can recover it securely. Make sure not to save data in the same place where you’ve lost them in case of disk overwriting and permanent data loss.

Way 2: Check Internet Connection

Poor internet connection can cause the update search problems and prompt the error code 80072efe. To get rid of this code 80072efe Windows 8 or 7 error, you need to check whether the connection to the Internet is correct. If you use the proxy server, it can be a problem too. In this case, turn off the proxy server option and try the update search option.

Way 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Another solution to the Windows 7 update error 80072efe is to use the Windows update troubleshooter to have the Windows automatically correct the problem.

Here are the steps that you should follow:

Step 1. Right click on the start menu, and select the control panel option at the bottom.

Step 2. Next, go to the Control Panel, and under Programs and Features, select the option marked “Troubleshooting Information.” In the opened window, click the “View all” button.

Step 3. Right click on Windows Update and activate the troubleshooting tool by following the on screen instructions.

Step 4. It will look for the problem itself and assist in rectifying it when put to use.

Way 4: Install The Kb3138612 Update

If none of the above steps prove effective for you, you will simply need to update the driver. KB3138612 contains an Update for Windows Update to resolve specific issues and is known to correct code 80072efe sbs2011 and sbs2012. The problem can be solved if you download and install this update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

For this, follow these steps:

Step 1. In your web browser, go to the Microsoft Catalog Update website.

Step 2. Type in the search bar “KB3138612”, then choose a version according to the operating system of the computer.

Step 3. A notification bar notification will appear; click on it, then follow the directions on the screen to download & install the update.

Step 4. Once this update is accomplished, make sure to reboot your computer.

Way 5: Temporarily Disable Firewall And Antivirus Software

Another cause of the Windows update code 80072efe includes a third party firewall or any security software installed in your computer, which may sometimes interfere with the Windows update process.

To completely rule out the interference by these firewalls with Windows updates, disable them for the time being. Disabling third party firewalls will temporarily resolve the issue, and you can update your Windows without interference. Once the error is cleared, you can turn on the firewalls again to maintain the security of the network.

Way 6: Reset The Update Components

We all know that most faults occur in the device due to damaged and infected files. That is why there might be Windows update error 80072efe if the updated files are corrupted. Thus, you should also examine it by resetting those files and evaluating the results of such an action.

Step 1. Open the Command Prompt on your system. Run it as an administrator.

Step 2. Copy and paste these four commands and start entering after each command in order.

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Step 3. Now, use the Windows key + E and go to File Explorer.

Step 4. Look for “CatRoot 2 and Software Distribution” folders.

Step 5. Specify it to be, then empty all these folders:

Step 6. Once more, open the Command Prompt and copy-paste the above-stated keys. Press the enter button and then close the Window.

Step 7. After making all these settings, switch off the system for it to save all the settings that have been created.

Wrap Things Up

Windows Update Error 80072efe might be an annoying error that prevents updates on your system and thus should be fixed as early as possible. If you follow these steps, the problem can be solved, and your computer can perform optimally and safely. In case you have lost data during the process, the 4DDiG Data Recovery Tool is adequate to ensure you get your files back. It is user-friendly and compatible with multiple file formats.