Windows Update Error 80072EFE - FIXED - Download Update Link

Question

Hi, I ran into the Windows Update problem, Error 80072EFE, that I'm sure many of you have encountered when fresh installing Windows 7 (my version is Professional) or Windows Server 2008. It's an issue that prevents the software from contacting the Microsoft Servers for updates and transfers including activating the Windows Key. I resolved my issue by installing this update and then restarting the computer:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-update-client-for-windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-march-2016-31422d0a-8818-cfdd-140e-e27883c7a2c5

I cannot take credit for the fix, another user had found the solution but I do not know his name or pseudonym. I thank him and hope passing this information helps all of you!

Please note: this may not fix all users issues especially if user edits or deletes files in their registry so if unstable I would suggest a fresh install and then this solution if needed.

Answer 1

FYI, the source was Volume Z. He is probably the leading expert on Windows Update.

Answer 2

Thank you so much! installed a fresh W7 and windows update keep having issues to run. Glad I found this thread.

Answer 3

Hi, I ran into the Windows Update problem, Error 80072EFE, that I'm sure many of you have encountered when fresh installing Windows 7 (my version is Professional) or Windows Server 2008. It's an issue that prevents the software from contacting the Microsoft Servers for updates and transfers including activating the Windows Key. I resolved my issue by installing this update and then restarting the computer:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/windows-update-client-for-windows-7-and-windows-server-2008-r2-march-2016-31422d0a-8818-cfdd-140e-e27883c7a2c5

I cannot take credit for the fix, another user had found the solution but I do not know his name or pseudonym. I thank him and hope passing this information helps all of you!

Please note: this may not fix all users issues especially if user edits or deletes files in their registry so if unstable I would suggest a fresh install and then this solution if needed.

If Windows 7 hasn't been updated in a long time another issue is it gets stuck and won't download certain pre-requisites. I fins downloading and manually installing KB3020369 & KB3125574 (https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx) Install them in that order then reboot. That will fix 0x80072EFE Errors in that situation