Troubleshooting Windows 7 Update Error Code 80072efe: Solutions and Fixes
by Kowsalya
Updated Apr 17, 2024
Error Code 80072efe for Windows 7 Update
Error Code 80072efe is an error that occurs when Windows Update is unable to locate or install all updates on your systems. This error usually happens as a communication drop between your computer and also a Windows Update.
The error code 80072efe can be carried by a variety of issues, such as network problems, firewall arrangement, malware infection, incorrect system configuration, or a clash with third-party software. All of these issues are required to be fully analyzed to find and resolve the source of your error code.
Fixes for Windows 7 Update Error Code 80072efe
If you are dealing with Error Code 80072efe can make you feel annoyed. However, there are several ways to fix Windows 7 update. Here are the steps you can take to fix this error code:
Method 1: Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Select the Windows key, and type the "control panel," and hit Enter.
- In the Control Panel, choose "Troubleshooting" and then move on to the "View all" in the left panel.
- Double-click on "Windows Update" and follow all provided instructions.
Method 2: Network Adapter Troubleshooter
- Choose the Windows key, type "control panel," and then select Enter.
- In the Control Panel, choose "Troubleshooting" and click on "View all" in the left pane.
- Double-click on "Network Adapter" and follow the troubleshooter's guidance.
Method 3: Install KB3138612 Update
- To do this, open your browser and go to the Microsoft update catalog website.
- Look for KB3138612 and choose the right download for your computer.
- Please follow the instructions to download and install the latest update.
- After installation, restart your computer.
Method 4: Delete Catroot2 Folder
- Press Windows + R, and enter services. msc, and press Enter.
- In the Services window, find and stop the "Cryptographic Services" service.
- Open File Explorer, go to "C:WindowsSystem32catroot2."
- Delete all contents of the "catroot2" folder (excluding the folder itself).
- Restart the "Windows Update" service.
Method 5: Disable Third-party Firewalls
- Temporarily disable any third-party firewalls or security software.
- Note: Procedures may vary depending on the firewall program.
Method 6: Reset Windows Update Components
- Press the Windows key + R, type "cmd," and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
- In Command Prompt, enter these commands (pressing Enter after each):
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- Move to "CatRoot2" and "SoftwareDistribution" folders in File Explorer, and delete contents.
- Repeat step 2 commands.
- Close the Command Prompt, and restart Windows.
Steps to Retrieve Lost Data Caused by Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe
Follow these steps to recover lost data caused by Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe:
- First, download and install the 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery tool.
- Open the tool and go to the location on the local disk where you lost the data.
- Click on the Start button to start the scanning process.
- Pick some specific file types or choose "Scan All File Types."
- Once the scanning process is completed, then go through the list of files that can be recovered.
- Select the files you want to recover and click the Recover button.
- Select the location, where you want to store the restored files, not on the same partition.
- Once the files have been saved, make sure to backup them as often as you can to avoid losing data in the future.
Windows Update Error Code 80072efe - FAQs
It can happen due to network issues, firewall settings, malware, system configuration problems, or conflicts with other software.
You can try running Windows Update Troubleshooter, Network Adapter Troubleshooter, installing KB3138612 update, deleting Catroot2 folder, disabling third-party firewalls, or resetting Windows Update components.
Recover with a tool like 4DDiG, store in a different place, and back up regularly.