Keeping the Operating Systems updated with upgraded security features is the main goal of Windows Update service. But, while trying to update, users often face the Windows update error code 80073712. It indicates that the Windows Update service requires a file that is missing or damaged. This error can also happen due to an unfinished installation/uninstallation of any software. In this situation, the Windows Update service is not able to complete the update process.
If you are dealing with the same error, for the first time, then it’s quite a difficult task for you to fix this error all by yourself. But, nothing to be worried about. Here, in this article, we are going to present some amazing tips and tricks which can help you to solve this error within a short span of time. Hence, you are advised to go through the guide given below.
There is a lot of ways to fix the Windows update error code 80073712. Follow the methods given below:
Windows Update troubleshooter is an in-built tool troubleshoot that can fix any problems associated with the Windows Operating System. To run this tool you need to follow the steps given below:
After that, try to run the Windows Update service to install the updates again. If you face the same issue, then you need to go through the next methods.
DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management is an in-built tool that comes along with Windows Operating System. It can be used to repair/service the Windows Image. It can also fix the error code 80073712. To run the DISM tool, you need to perform the steps given below. But, before going to perform the steps you need to be careful while executing the steps. Hence, a small mistake while running this tool can lead to another issue.
Try to run the Windows Update to check whether the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool have solved the error code 80073712 Windows 8 or not. If the error still persists, then you should move on to the next solution.
SFC or System File Checker is a tool of Windows that can help you to scan the corrupted system files of Windows, as well as, can help you to restore them. Now, you need to run the System File Checker to check if it can fix the error code 80073712. To run this tool, you need to perform the steps given below:
Now, check if the error still occurs or not. If you still face the same problem, then go to the next method.
Software Distribution folder is a temporary folder where Windows saves the update files until they are fully downloaded. Then, it will initiate the updating procedure. You should try to rename the folder to fix the Windows update error code 0x80073712. To rename the Software Distribution folder, you need to follow the steps given below:
1st: net stop wuauserv
2nd: net stop cryptSvc
3rd: net stop bits
4th: net stop msiserver
5th: rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution software distribution.old
6th: net start wuauserv
7th: net start cryptSvc
8th: net start bits
9th: net start msiserver
10th: exit
Damaged or Faulty components of Windows Update can also be the reasons behind Windows update error code 80073712. To fix this issue, you need to follow the steps as follows:
1st: net stop bits
2nd: net stop wuauserv
3rd: net stop appidsvc
4th: net stop cryptsvc
5th: ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
6th: ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
7th: net start bits
8th: net start wuauserv
9th: net start appidsvc
10th: net start cryptsvc
Now, exit from the Command Prompt window and check whether the error code 80073712 still persists or not. If you still face the same issue, then go to the next method.
Windows update error 80073712 can also happen due to the pending .xml files of the system. Try to remove those pending .xml file from your system. To remove this, you need to perform the steps given below:
1st: net stop trustedinstaller
2nd: cd %windir%\winsxs
3rd: takeown /f pending.xml /a
4th: cacls pending.xml /e /g everyone:f
5th: del pending.xml
Now, close the Command Prompt window. Try to run the Windows Update service to check that the error code 80073712 is still showing or not. If it still occurs, then go to the next method.
Windows Services or the services.msc are specifically used to change the Windows services that are currently running on your Computer. This service is responsible to run the available applications, as well as, managing several system resources and settings. You can adjust the security settings, troubleshooting or any performance related issues of the service. It allows the installation, download, and detection of updates for Windows. To perform this, you need to follow the steps as follows:
After that, you have to try to run the Windows Update service to check if the Windows update error code 0x80073712 is resolved.
In the above section, we have discussed some of the easiest solutions to fix the Windows update error code 80073712. We hope if you properly implement the above ways in their respective order, then it will definitely help you to put an end to this error. After successfully performing the above steps if you still face this same issue, then you need to get expert help. In addition, you can also share your queries and valuable feedback through the comment section given at the end of this post.