Windows update is failing with error 0x80073712

-- -- 872 Reputation points
2021-03-08T09:49:37.63+00:00

Hi

Windows Server 2016 standard.

Windows update is failing with error 0x80073712.

I have tried the obvious steps; restart windows update service , rebooting server, SFC and DISM (both succeeding), windows update troubleshooter, rename SoftwareDistribution folder, but no luck.

What can I do to fix this?

Thanks

Regards

Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016
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Windows Server
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Accepted answer
  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-03-09T14:51:48.077+00:00

    You can also try a repair install by running setup.exe from the root of the install media but time may be better spent standing up a new one, patch fully, migrate roles over, nd move on.

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    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-03-08T13:24:06.187+00:00

    Something here may help.
    http://hs.windows.microsoft.com/hhweb/content/m-en-us/p-6.3/id-987667a2-ac0b-48fc-8d65-099ae7939d23/

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  2. Rita Hu -MSFT 9,626 Reputation points
    2021-03-09T07:44:20.657+00:00

    Hello,

    I found the following error information to share with you:
    75746-9.png

    It is recommended to run the below commended to repair the damaged system files and reset the windows component as the below script:
    commands one by one: 

    sfc /scannow   
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

    Remember to run the script on the PowerShell as a administrator:
    75725-reset-the-windows-update.txt

    Hope the above will be helpful. Please feel free to inform me if there are any updates of this case.

    Regards,
    Rita

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  3. DSM 1 Reputation point
    2022-02-07T13:35:46.177+00:00

    I currently have the same problem with a Server 2019 Standart, and have also tried all the solutions found here and more.
    Does anyone have any other suggestions for solutions?
    I would be very grateful, a new installation of the server would unfortunately be very costly.

    Thanks to all who can help!

  4. Sanket Patil 1 Reputation point
    2022-07-27T07:53:07.22+00:00

    Scan the computer for malware. Viruses or other malware issues are often the sources of ongoing Windows Update errors. Scan your computer for viruses and other malware and then attempt the update or installation again.

    Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Microsoft provides this free tool that could resolve a problem causing the 0x80073712 error code while downloading and installing Windows updates. When the Troubleshooter concludes, restart the computer and check for updates. To launch it, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, select Windows Update under Get up and running, then select Run the troubleshooter.

    Run the built-in Windows troubleshooter. Windows 10 includes several automatic troubleshooters, which are available in the Update & Security section of Windows Settings. One of these options specifically addresses Windows Updates errors.

    Regards,
    J Wick