Getting Windows Update Error

Question

Trying to Update windows however getting error as mentioned below

Code: 80072EFE

Couldn't find any solution on help & faq. Any suggestion to fix it?

OS: Windows 7 Ultimate

Answer 1

I ran into this issue recently (May 2022) on a brand new install of Windows 7 Ultimate (SP0).

I tried installing a few updates manually like SP1 and the Root certificate updates, but that didn't help.

Found a site that recommended installing KB3138612 manually.
After installing KB3138612 from the Catalog site mentioned above for x64, the error went away!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Hello there，

This error code 80072EFE hints to connection interruption，which means there is a problem connecting to Windows Update.

Support for Windows 7 has ended on January 14, 2020, including Software updates and Security updates or fixes.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-7-end-of-life-support-information
As far as my research, that is the cause of this issue. You can find guidance in the link upon.

Extended Security Updates are available through specific Microsoft Volume Licensing programs. Coverage is available in three consecutive 12-month increments beginning January 14, 2020. Extended Security updates are available for purchase in 12-month increments only.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/how-to-buy/how-to-buy
1.Visit the Volume Licensing Service Center and sign in
2. Select Licenses > Relationship Summary > Licensing ID > Product Keys

After purchasing ESU key and activating it，reboot and try.
If the connection issue still exists，please take below two methods.
Method A）
Try reset windows update components
Open a command prompt with Administrative Privileges, run the following:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Open File Explorer go to the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder.
Press CTRL+A and press Delete to remove all files and folders.
Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
Press CTRL+A and press Delete to remove all files and folders.

Back to the command prompt to restart all the services

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Method B）
Download the prerequisites and update manually
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#bkmk_prerequisite

Then go to Settings >Windows Update >View Update history to find out which updates had failed, write down their KB numbers.
Entering Microsoft Catalog Website and download the standalone MSU intaller
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx

After downloading, double click the MSU installer to proceed installation manually

Similar cases for your reference:
How to fix Windows update error 80072efe or 80072f76
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/how-to-fix-windows-update-error-80072efe-or/b7c34f04-d592-4fb6-a660-240141745bbd
windows update error 80072efe
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/121519/windows-update-error-80072efe.html

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If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

Best Regards,
Samson Peng

Answer 3

I'll get you started.

The error message 0x80072efe = The connection with the server was terminated abnormally

1) Run administrative command prompt sfc /scannow > post an image of the results into this thread

2) Run the Windows update troubleshooter > post an image of the detailed results into this thread

3) Run Windows 7 System Update Readiness Tool (SURT):
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-US/troubleshoot/windows-server/deployment/fix-windows-update-errors

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Answer 4

This error code 80072EFE hints to connection interruption，which means there is a problem connecting to Windows Update. Support for Windows 7 has ended on January 14, 2020, including Software updates and Security updates or fixes. As far as my research, that is the cause of this issue.

Hope this help,
John