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Windows error 0x80073712 usually appears while trying to update Windows or install a service pack. The error code 0x80073712 is an indication that the file required for the Windows update is damaged or missing. This might be the result of an incomplete installation, or the security software is blocking access to the file. Fortunately, the 0x80073712 error can be resolved easily by following some simple troubleshooting methods. In this blog, we will discuss common causes of the 0x80073712 error and the manual methods to follow to resolve error 0x80073712 on Windows systems.
Causes for Windows Error 0x80073712
Before learning the methods to resolve Windows error 0x80073712, it is important to understand the possible root cause of the error. The common causes include:
- Corrupt File System: The error 0x80073712 is common if the Windows system files are missing, corrupted, or damaged.
- Antivirus Interference: Third-party antivirus programs or VPN software may interfere with Windows Update and prevent the download of required files.
- Windows Update Services Conflict: If the Windows Update service is corrupt or damaged, such as the SoftwareDistribution folder, it can prevent updates from installing correctly.
- Incomplete Update Download: Sometimes the Windows update is not properly downloaded, which causes the update process to fail.
- Hard Drive Failure: Any problem with the hard drive can interfere with Windows updates. If there are corrupt registry entries or the drive is failing, it will contribute to Windows update-related errors.
In short, error 0x80073712 is the result of a missing or corrupt file that is important for Windows updates. Once the missing or corrupt file is addressed, the error should disappear.
Simple Methods to Fix Error 0x80073712
Method 1: Use the SFC and DISM repair tools
Windows has built-in DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) repair tools. These tools can check, repair, and reset corrupt system files. Here are the steps to follow:
- Click the Windows+R key, type cmd, and press CTRL+Shift+Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Once the command prompt is open, type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Next, type the commands “DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-image/Scanhealth” and “DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth” one at a time and press Enter after each command.
- Now reboot the system.
- If the DISM/SFC is successful, you can update the system, and this fixes the missing-files problem causing the 0x80073712 error.
Method 2: Run Disk Cleanup
As the error 0x80073712 is the result of damaged or incomplete update files, cleaning up the corrupted files is recommended. Follow the steps:
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu search and open the Disk Cleanup app. Windows will scan for files to remove.
- Click Clean up system files (you may need to wait a moment). A list of system file categories appears.
- Check Windows Update Cleanup in the list, then click OK to delete those files.
- Let it finish, then restart your PC.
After restarting the system, try the Windows update again.
Method 3: Use Media Creation Tool or Microsoft Update Assistant
If the error 0x80073712 appears while upgrading to the latest version of Windows, you can use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, especially designed to keep your system up to date.
- First of all, visit the Microsoft Windows download page.
- Click on the Update now button to run Update Assistant or click Download tool now under the “Create Windows installation media” option.
- Now run the downloaded tool and select the option to upgrade your PC. It will download the latest version and install it.
- The system will restart a few times before completing the installation.
Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components
The 0x80073712 error indicates there is a problem with Windows components. The easiest way to reset it is by using the command prompt.
- Open the command prompt as administrator.
- Run the following commands one at a time.net stop wuauservnet stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
- Now, as the update components in Windows are disabled. You need to restart them using the following commands :net start wuauservnet start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Restart the system.
Method 5: Manually Download and Install Updates
Error 0x80073712 is sometimes caused by a specific update, not the entire package. If you have the KB number of that update, you can download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalogue.
- Open the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Now look for the update code
- Download the update file for your system.
- Run the downloaded installer to apply the update manually.
After installing, it’s a good idea to rerun sfc /scannow and the DISM commands from Method 1 to fix any side issues.
Method 6: Disable Antivirus or VPN Software
Another common cause of the 0x80073712 error is security software or a VPN blocking the update. You can disable the Antivirus or VPN software and try to run the update again to check if it works.
- Open the Antivirus or VPN app installed on the system.
- Temporarily disable the protection.
- Run Windows Update again.
- After successfully installing the update, re-enable the protection.
Conclusion
When the error 0x80073712 appears on Windows, it is an indication that some important files required for Windows Update are missing. Fortunately, the 0x80073712 error can be resolved by repairing the damaged system files. The simplest method to resolve this error is to run SFC and DISM scans. If these methods are not enough to resolve the issue, one has to follow more advanced troubleshooting methods.
