Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80073712: 2026-02 Security Update (KB5077181) (26100.7840)

Question

Hi,

Windows Update keeps failing with the following error on my work PC (Windows 11 Lenovo):

Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80073712 2026-02 Security Update (KB5077181) (26100.7840)

This is a work device, so some settings or features may be restricted, but I do have local admin rights.

I’ve already tried several fixes found on Microsoft documentation and other online sources. For example:

• Ran DISM (CheckHealth, ScanHealth, RestoreHealth)
• Ran CHKDSK
• Manually downloaded and installed KB5077181 from the Microsoft Update Catalog

Despite these steps, the error still persists.

The only option I haven’t tried is the “Fix problems using Windows Update” feature because it’s greyed out on this device.

Aside from re-imaging the PC, are there any other troubleshooting steps or possible fixes you would recommend?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Sure. See below.

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Download the ISO file to perform the procedure:

1. Access the link below;

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

2. Under "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)", click "Select download" and select "Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices)";
3. Click "Download";
4. Choose the language and click on "Confirm";
5. Then, click "64-bit Download".
6. Wait for the download to finish and proceed to the procedure below.

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After downloading the ISO, do the following:

(Temporarily disable CrowdStrike Falcon sensor during the entire procedure.)

1. Double-click the ISO to run;

(After running the ISO, you may need to double-click the "Setup" file to start the procedure.)

2. On the "Install Windows 11" screen, uncheck "I want to help make the installation of Windows better" and select "Change how Windows Setup download updates";
3. On the next screen, select "Not right now" and click "Next";
4. Accept the terms of use;
5. On the "Ready to install" screen, select "Choose what to keep" and select what you want to keep.

(It is in this step that you must check "Keep personal files and apps" so that all your data is kept.)

6. Click on "Install" and wait for the procedure to finish. Your computer may restart several times.

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At the end of the procedure, your Windows 11 will be in the latest version (25H2), and some updates may already be installed. But check Windows Update to be sure.

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If you get any errors, please let me know.

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Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Answer 2

Thanks for the clarifications.

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The error you are receiving is usually related to corrupted system files. However, if the antivirus is inadvertently interfering with the process, it may cause the system to interpret it as if a file is corrupted.

Therefore, I suggest you temporarily disable all antivirus modules and attempt to perform the update. Refer to the support or help documentation provided by the antivirus developer for guidance on how to disable modules. Regardless of the outcome, remember to re-enable the antivirus modules after completing the process.

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If the same error occurs, I believe it's safe to say that a corrupted file is indeed causing the error. Since the "Fix problems using Windows Update" option is not available to you, an alternative is an In-place Upgrade using a Windows 11 ISO file. As you said, you have administrator privileges, I believe the process would run smoothly.

An In-place Upgrade is like a "reinstallation of Windows over what already exists". It replaces all system files with new ones, but keeps your documents, programs, and settings. It's a safe way to fix problems without losing anything.

Do you have any objections to doing this procedure? If not, I will share the step-by-step instructions.

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Let me know the result of the attempt with the antivirus modules disabled.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Answer 3

I would carry out a recovery install then try the update again. It may install the update as part of the process.

Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using windows update the select Reinstall now.

Answer 4

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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Please clarify the following:

Do you have a third-party antivirus installed? If yes, which one?

Also. What is the current "OS Build" of your Windows 11?

• Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

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I await your reply.

Answer 5

Error 0x80073712 indicates that a file needed by Windows Update is damaged or missing. Since DISM, CHKDSK, and manual .msu installation have already been tried, use the remaining supported repair paths before considering re‑imaging.

1. Repair component store and system files again in correct order Even though DISM was already run, the documented guidance for 0x80073712 is specifically:
   1. Open an elevated Command Prompt.
   2. Run:

            DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      

   3. After DISM completes successfully, run:

            sfc /scannow
      

   4. Restart the device and try Windows Update again.
   This sequence ensures the component store is repaired first, then system files, which can resolve 0x80073712 when it is strictly component‑store related.
2. Reset Windows Update’s local cache Corruption in the SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 folders can also cause repeated failures, even after DISM succeeds.
   1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   2. Stop update services:

            net stop bits
            net stop wuauserv
      

   3. Rename the update cache folders:

            ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
            ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
      

   4. Restart the services:

            net start bits
            net start wuauserv
      

   5. Restart the PC and run Windows Update again for KB5077181.
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter (if allowed by policy) On unmanaged devices, the next step would be to run the Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run. On this work device, the troubleshooter is greyed out, which indicates it is disabled by policy. That policy can only be changed by the organization’s IT admin. If possible, request that IT temporarily enable the Windows Update troubleshooter or run it for this device.
4. Check for policy or security software interference Because this is a managed work PC, update failures can also be caused by:
   • Endpoint security/AV blocking update installation.
   • Group Policy or management tools enforcing conflicting update settings.
   Recommended actions for IT (or with IT’s assistance):
   • Temporarily disable or relax third‑party antivirus/security software and retry the update.
   • Confirm Windows Update services are running and not restricted by policy.
   • Ensure there are no policies controlling Windows Installer startup type; it should be left at the default (Manual) so the OS can manage it.
5. If the error persists If DISM + SFC, cache reset, and policy/security checks do not resolve 0x80073712 for this specific cumulative update, the remaining supported options are:
   • In‑place repair/upgrade of Windows 11 using installation media or the Update Assistant (typically performed or approved by IT on work devices).
   • Full re‑image, which is the last resort but will clear any deep component store corruption that cannot be repaired.

Given that this is a corporate device with local admin but centrally managed policies, the next practical step after repeating DISM + SFC and resetting the update cache is to involve IT so they can:

• Run or enable the Windows Update troubleshooter.
• Check for update‑related policies or security tools blocking KB5077181.
• Perform an in‑place repair upgrade if needed.

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References:

• Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
• Fix Windows Update corruptions and installation failures
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
• Windows Update common errors and mitigation