Windows Update error 0x80073712 usually appears when Windows cannot find or use a file required to install an update. Microsoft describes the likely cause as a damaged or missing update file, while its current troubleshooting guidance also groups the code with corrupted system files or an incomplete download.
The safest approach is to start with the built-in troubleshooter, repair the Windows component store, and move to stronger recovery options only if the error returns. The steps below apply to Windows 11 and Windows 10, although Microsoft ended free support for most Windows 10 editions on October 14, 2025.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter, restart the PC, and try the update again. If error 0x80073712 remains, open Terminal (Admin) and run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. When DISM finishes successfully, run sfc /scannow, restart, and check for updates. If those repairs fail, reset the update cache or use Windows 11’s Fix problems using Windows Update recovery option.
Error 0x80073712 means a file Windows Update needs is likely missing, damaged, or unavailable. The problem can sit in the component store—the protected source Windows uses to service the operating system—or in an incomplete update download.
You may see the code beside a cumulative update, feature update, or failed upgrade. It does not identify one bad driver or one specific KB. Record the failed update’s KB number because that helps you test the same update after each repair.
Before changing anything, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and note the failed update and date. If many unrelated Windows features are also failing, make a current backup before continuing.
1. Restart Windows and Check the Basics
A pending servicing task, interrupted download, or temporary network problem can produce an update error without permanent corruption. Start with the reversible checks:
- Save your work and restart Windows normally.
- Keep a laptop connected to power and confirm the internet connection is stable.
- Disconnect nonessential USB storage, docks, and other recently added hardware.
- Temporarily disconnect a VPN, then retry the update.
- Open Settings > System > Storage and make sure the system drive is not nearly full.
- Return to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
If the same KB fails with the same code, continue rather than repeatedly selecting Retry.
Use the broader Windows error guide if the PC also shows blue screens, app crashes, disk warnings, or startup errors.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
In Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. You can also open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run beside Windows Update.
- Run the troubleshooter and allow it to complete its checks.
- Apply a recommended repair if one is offered.
- Restart the PC after the troubleshooter finishes.
- Check Windows Update again.
Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter page provides the current route. On older Windows versions, the labels may differ.
3. Repair the Windows Component Store With DISM
DISM repairs the Windows image and component store that supplies files for servicing and system-file repair. Microsoft specifically recommends DISM for error 0x80073712.
- Right-click Start and open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- Run the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Leave the window open even if the percentage appears to pause. When you see The operation completed successfully, restart Windows and retry the update. DISM normally uses Windows Update to obtain repair files, so keep the computer online.
Type the DISM command exactly as shown and wait for it to finish. Do not close the terminal, force a shutdown, or run several servicing commands at the same time.
4. Run System File Checker After DISM
System File Checker scans protected Windows system files and replaces damaged copies. Microsoft’s documented order is DISM first, followed by SFC.
- Open Terminal (Admin) again.
- Run:
sfc /scannow
Do not close the window until verification reaches 100 percent. If Windows Resource Protection repaired files, restart and test Windows Update. If it found no integrity violations, the update cache may be the next likely issue. If it could not repair some files, rerun DISM once, restart, and run SFC again.
Microsoft explains the command order and result messages in its DISM and System File Checker guide.
5. Reset the Windows Update Download Cache
If system files are healthy but the same update still fails, clear the local update download cache. This does not uninstall installed updates, but Windows will download pending update files again.
- Open Terminal (Admin).
- Stop the Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services:
net stop wuauserv net stop bits
Rename the download cache:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Then start the services again:
net start bits net start wuauserv
Restart Windows and check for updates. Windows creates a fresh SoftwareDistribution folder automatically. If a command says a service is not started, continue to the next command.
Resetting the cache can make the visible update-history list appear incomplete, but it does not remove installed updates. Avoid third-party “Windows Update repair” tools that make broader changes without explaining them.
6. Install the Failed Update Manually
If only one cumulative update fails, use its KB number to obtain the correct standalone package from the official Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and copy the KB number.
- Search that exact number in the Update Catalog.
- Choose the package that matches your Windows version and system architecture, normally x64 on current PCs.
- Download and run the Microsoft Update Standalone Package.
- Restart and check Update history.
A manual package can bypass a broken download, but it will not solve damaged servicing components. If the installer also returns 0x80073712, move to a repair reinstall.
7. Reinstall the Current Windows 11 Version
Windows 11 includes a recovery option designed for update and component problems. It reinstalls the same Windows version, repairs system files and components, and preserves apps, files, and settings.
- Back up irreplaceable files and connect the PC to power and the internet.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
- Follow the prompts and restart when installation completes.
Microsoft notes that the option may be unavailable on managed work or school PCs and on older Windows 11 installations. See Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows for current requirements.
8. Perform an In-Place Repair Install
If the Windows Update recovery option is missing or cannot complete, an in-place repair install is the final nondestructive software repair before a reset or clean installation. Download Windows installation media only from Microsoft, start Setup from inside the running Windows desktop, and choose the option to keep personal files and apps.
Match the installed Windows edition, language, and architecture. Back up first, suspend third-party disk encryption if its vendor requires it, and keep the PC connected to power. A repair install replaces Windows system components while retaining the selected data, but it cannot fix failing storage or memory.
For Windows 11, use Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. Windows 10 reached end of support for most users, so consider moving supported hardware to Windows 11 instead of repeatedly repairing an unsupported installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix error 0x80073712 without reinstalling Windows?
Yes. Start with the Windows Update troubleshooter, DISM, SFC, and a fresh update cache. Many cases are resolved before a repair reinstall is necessary.
Should I run DISM or SFC first?
Run DISM first, then SFC. DISM repairs the Windows component source that System File Checker may need to replace damaged protected files.
How long should DISM RestoreHealth take?
The time varies with system speed, component damage, and the repair source. It may appear to pause for several minutes. Leave the administrator terminal open unless Windows reports an error.
Does resetting SoftwareDistribution delete installed updates?
No. Renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder clears the local update cache and causes Windows to create a fresh folder. It does not uninstall updates already installed.
Will Fix problems using Windows Update erase my files?
Microsoft says the Windows 11 recovery option reinstalls the same Windows version while preserving apps, files, and settings. Keep a separate backup anyway before any operating-system repair.
Get Windows Update Working Again
Error 0x80073712 usually needs repair, not repeated retries. Run the troubleshooter, use DISM before SFC, and clear the update cache only if the safer checks do not work. Keep the failed KB number so you can verify the result after every step.
If component repair still fails, Windows 11’s repair-reinstall option is the cleanest next step because it preserves apps, files, and settings. A recurring error after a repair install can point to storage, memory, or management-policy problems that need separate diagnosis.
