[6 Solutions] Fix Windows Update Error 80072EFE Without Data Loss

User case: I encounter Windows update error 80072EFE

What is Windows Update error 80072EFE? It is a common issue experienced by users across various Windows versions, with a notable occurrence on Windows 7. The error code 80072EFE generally means there's a communication issue between your computer and the Windows Update servers. Specifically, this happens when the Windows 7 Update service can't find or install new updates on your computer.

The communication issue may also manifest as both the error code 80072EFE and 0x80092004, a situation commonly observed in both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008(R2) at times. But no need to worry! Today, we're here to share how to deal with the situation when you come across error code 80072EFE.

6 solutions for solving Windows update error 80072EFE

This error may arise from common issues like network connectivity problems, malware, incorrect date/time settings, or conflicts with hardware/software. Now, let's see how to efficiently resolve the Windows update error 80072EFE issue with the solutions.

Preparation: Back up your important Windows data

To fix Windows error code 80072EFE may involve in some system changes. As a precaution against unforeseen events leading to system crashes and data loss, it is highly recommended to back up your essential Windows data in advance.

Consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant, an excellent choice for this purpose. Its Clone Disk function enables users to create an entire copy of their Windows PC, including all files, programs, and even the operating system. In the event of accidents, this backup allows for a quick restoration if you encounter Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 update error 80072EFE, ensuring a swift return to normalcy.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click "Clone" in the main interface and select "Clone Disk".

Step 2. Choose the hard disk that you need to clone as the source disk and click "Next".

Step 3. Select the destination disk to store the data on the source disk, and then click "Next".

Step 4. Then, you can check the source and destination disk in the next window or change to “Sector to Sector clone”, and click the "Confirm" button to continue if there is no problem.

Here, you can also click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disk or tick "4k alignment" to improve the reading and writing speed of SSD if the target disk is an SSD drive.

Step 5. At last, click "Apply" and "Proceed" in the main interface to start cloning the hard drive.

Solution 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows provides a built-in tool designed to address errors, including Windows error code 80072EFE. This program can troubleshoot various issues and guide you through the process of resolving them, helping you restore your device to optimal functionality. Let’s see how to run the Windows Update troubleshooter step by step to fix Windows 7 update error 80072EFE as well as Windows 11, 10, and 8/8.1.

Step 1. Navigate to the Start Menu and search for "Troubleshoot". Click on "Troubleshoot Settings" and open "Additional troubleshooters".

Step 2. Choose "Windows Update" and run the Troubleshooter.

Then, this tool scans for errors and provides suggested solutions for you to follow.

Solution 2: Delete CatRoot2 Folder for Windows Update

Error 80072efe can be caused by corrupt Windows Update cache files. To solve this problem, you can delete the corrupted or affected files by deleting the CatRoot2 folder. Follow the steps outlined below to delete this folder.

Step 1. Press the Windows button and R key simultaneously. Type services.msc in the box, then tap "OK".

Step 2. Locate "Cryptographic Services" and double-click to launch it.

Step 3. Choose "Stop", then click "OK" to exit. Simultaneously press the Windows button with the E key. Then type "C:WindowsSystem32", right-click on CatRoot2, and delete it.

Remember, to follow these steps carefully to delete a file from the system folder.

Solution 3: Run Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Poor network or network interruptions are also the major factors of causing Windows update error code 80072EFE. To identify issues affecting the seamless operation of a designated network, Windows provides a built-in troubleshooter.

Step 1. Go to the Start menu, search for "Troubleshoot", and open "Troubleshoot Settings". Browse "Additional Troubleshooters".

Step 2. Look for "Network Adapter" and run the Troubleshooter.

Step 3. Select "Run the troubleshooter" to begin the examination.

Solution 4: Install KB3138612 Update Patch

To address the Windows error code 80072EFE, a patch has been introduced by Windows. By downloading and KB3138612 update patch from the Microsoft Update Catalog, you can solve the issue. This method is especially useful for users meeting the Windows 7 update error 80072EFE.

Step 1. Search for "Windows Update Client for Windows 7 Page" in your web browser. Tap "Download Package Link" and confirm the download.

Step 2. Open the downloaded folder and install KB3138612 using the installer.

Step 3. After downloading, open the folder and install KB3138612 using the downloaded installer.

Solution 5: Disable 3rd Party Firewall and Antivirus Software

Third-party programs like antivirus software may cause conflicts, contributing to error 80072EFE. You can disable them with these steps.

Step 1. Go to your device's Control Panel and select "Programs and Features".

Step 2. Find the third-party antivirus program, click to choose, and tap "Uninstall". Please confirm the uninstallation.

Step 3. Reboot the system after uninstalling to check if the Windows error code 80072EFE persists.

Solution 6: Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update components is a common troubleshooting step to resolve update-related issues on Windows systems when you find Windows error code 80072EFE.

Note: It's important to note that while these steps can help resolve many update-related issues, they should be approached with caution. Ensure you have a backup of important data before making any changes to your system. Additionally, it's recommended to check for updated guidance or specific instructions from Microsoft, as procedures can change with different Windows versions.

Step 1. To open Command Prompt as an administrator

Step 2. Paste and press enter for these commands:

Commands:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Step 3. Open File Explorer, search for "CatRoot2 and Software Distribution" folders, and delete their contents. Re-run Command Prompt with the same commands and close the window. Reboot the system to save the new settings.

Step 4. This comprehensive fix resets system settings and can resolve the error.

What to do when you suffer data loss due to error 80072EFE?

Accidents can occur at any unforeseen moment. If you encounter system crashes or other unfortunate events like Windows update error 80072EFE leading to data loss, and you haven't created a backup beforehand, what should you do? Fortunately, AOMEI Partition Assistant anticipates such scenarios. In case of data loss, it comes equipped with a Recover Data feature specifically designed to retrieve lost data from a range of scenarios.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

✌ Comprehensive Recovery: Retrieve data lost due to formatting, deletion, virus attack, and other reasons from various external hard drive brands including Buffalo, WD, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, Lacie, Silicon, ADATA, and More.
✌ Multi-Functional Recovery Options: Whether your data loss is due to deletion, formatting, RAW issues, or other situations, it offers comprehensive recovery capabilities.
✌ Supports various storage devices: In addition to external hard drives, the software can also recover data from SD cards, USB flash drives, memory cards, digital cameras, and camcorders to meet the needs of different users.
✌ Wide Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 operating systems, ensuring seamless integration with modern and legacy systems alike.
✌ Extensive file type and file system support: Compatible with more than 1000 file types and file systems, including photos, videos, documents, audio, etc., ensuring no data is missed.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and navigate to "Recovery" > "Recover Data" in the main tab.

Step 2. The software will automatically start the recovery process and prepare to scan the lost or deleted files. Select the specific external drive from which you want to recover data and click on "Start Scan" to start the scanning process.

Step 3. After the scan is completed, all deleted or lost files will be displayed. Use the filter or search functions to find the files you need. Select the files you want to recover and click the "Recover ** files" button.

Step 4. Specify the path to the destination folder on your PC to store the recovered data and click "Select Folder".

Step 5. The recovery process will start and upon successful completion, the recovered data will be saved to the specified path. Click "OK" when prompted.

By following these simple steps, you can efficiently recover deleted or lost data from the external hard drive. Furthermore, in case of accidental partition loss, the software also provides the lost partition recovery solution.

Summary

Windows update error 80072EFE is not difficult to solve if you follow the comprehensive guidance. But it is advisable to create a backup beforehand in case of data loss. Even if a loss occurs, you can rely on AOMEI Partition Assistant’s Recover Data feature to retrieve them.

If you want to upgrade your device, OS Migration and Clone Disk allow you transfer the needed data within minutes. App Mover, Allocate Free Space, Delete Large Files, or Duplicate Files Finder can keep your PC clean and organized. These features are especially useful for storage expansion. For Windows Server users, please choose the AOMEI Partition Assistant Server edition.