How to fix error code 80072F8F?

Question

When using Windows Update in Windows 7, it doesn't check automatically for updates anymore.  It did a couple of weeks ago, but it randomly stopped doing it.  When I click "Check for Updates", it gives me a popup saying  "Windows could not search for new updates.  An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.  Error(s) found: Code 80072F8F"  My time is correct, and I used the Fix It thing Microsoft has for this problem, and it's still happening.  I haven't gotten an update for Windows since May 24th now, so I'm worried that my security is at risk, and I can't seem to fix it.  My anti-virus software (Kaspersky) says i'm currently Virus free, so I don't understand why this problem won't go away.  Please help!

Answer 1

Hi,

1. Which Fix-it have you tried?
2. Do you remember making any changes to the computer prior the issue?

How to check which update is failing:

a)    Click the ‘Start’ button then ‘All Programs’ and then click ‘Windows Update’

b)    In the left pane click on ‘View update history’.

c)    Check for which update is failing in the list.

You can try the following methods.

Method 1:

I would suggest you to run the windows update troubleshooter

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Open-the-Windows-Update-troubleshooter

Method 2:

Try the following steps, ‘Windows Update error 80072f8f’

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Windows-Update-error-80072f8f

Try to synchronize your computer’s clock with an Internet server.

Method 3:

Put the computer in ‘Clean boot’ and then try to update.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: When the troubleshooting is over do not forget to reset the computer to normal startup. Follow the step 7 in the above article.

Method 4:

How do I reset Windows Update components?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Answer 2

When using Windows Update in Windows 7, it doesn't check automatically for updates anymore.  It did a couple of weeks ago, but it randomly stopped doing it.  When I click "Check for Updates", it gives me a popup saying  "Windows could not search for new updates.  An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.  Error(s) found: Code 80072F8F"  My time is correct, and I used the Fix It thing Microsoft has for this problem, and it's still happening.  I haven't gotten an update for Windows since May 24th now, so I'm worried that my security is at risk, and I can't seem to fix it.  My anti-virus software (Kaspersky) says i'm currently Virus free, so I don't understand why this problem won't go away.  Please help! 

Check the date on your task bar. Bottom right of screen. Set the correct date and time and that should correct the issue.

Answer 3

Check your Date Setting.  I just did a clean install and was getting this error.  My date was set to May of 2013, made it current and it worked.

Answer 4

read this:   http://gavinmckay.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/howto-fixing-windows-update-error-code-80072f8f/

 and then

try this!  http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=5397