Error code 80072EFE window update encountered an unknown error.

Question

My window 7 could not serch for updates and saying error code 80072EFE window update encountered an unknown error

Answer 1

Install KB3138612.

https://support.microsoft.com/help/3138612

Answer 2

Hi VIJAYA KUMAR THEPARTHI,

I understand how frustrating it is to see updates fail on Windows 7. Before we go further, I should note that Windows 7 has been out of support since 2020, and Microsoft has since updated its servers and security requirements.

It’s worth mentioning that because error 80072EFE often occurs when a PC cannot securely connect to the Windows Update servers, and one common cause is that the system itself is too outdated. That said, there are still a few steps you can try:

1 - Check system date and time

• Right‑click the clock > Adjust date/time
• Make sure the date/time/time zone are correct.

2 - Enable TLS 1.2

• Open Control Panel > Internet Options > Advanced tab
• Scroll down to Security > Check Use TLS 1.2
• Apply the changes > OK > restart PC.

3 - Reset Windows Update components

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Run the following commands one by one:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop bits
  • net stop cryptsvc
  • ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • net start cryptsvc
  • net start bits
  • net start wuauserv
• Restart your PC and try the updates again.

If nothing works, you can either skip updates altogether (proceed with caution) or upgrade to a supported Windows version. As Windows 7 is EOS service now, Windows Update may fail even if everything is correct.

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