Windows Update Error Code 80072F8F – Easy Solution At Your Fingertips

Windows update error code 80072F8F is a common problem for all Windows users. Every 1 out of the 5 devices faces the error 80072F8F during a system update. This problem mainly occurs at the time when the Date and Time settings of your computer are incorrect. There are some common reasons behind the error 80072F8F. This error notification indicates that there is something wrong with the SSL or Secure Sockets Layer attachment between WU and the Microsoft Server.

Further, when there are more than one problem occurs with the SSL certificate which is applied by the server, at that moment, the error 80072F8F message appears.  Here, in this article, we are going to discuss all about the facts of Windows could not search for new updates 80072F8F. So, keep your eyes on this article to know the details.

The Reasons Behind Windows Could Not Search For New Updates 80072F8F

We have provided total guidance on Windows update error code 80072F8F in this article. So, before knowing the solutions of this problem, let’s learn the reasons behind this error. Now, here, we are going to discuss some of the common reasons behind error code 80072F8F.

The Problem With Incorrect Date And Time

One of the major reasons behind this error is incorrect Date and Time settings in your system. If the Date and Time settings of your computer did not match with the Microsoft Update server then, the SSL connection might stop. The SSL connection needs a correct date and time before discovering the connection is protected or not.

COMS Battery Issue

The problem might happen due to the weak CMOS battery. A weak battery can hamper your system and this could be the reason for error code 80072F8F.

Problem With Buggy Hardware Or RAM

One of the common reason behind the Windows update error code 80072F8F is bad RAM or buggy hardware. This problem might lead you to trouble with updating the Windows system.

Lost Root Certificate Update

If there is any problem with the SSL certificate which is connected with the Microsoft server then, the error might occur. A bad connection can be causing the error code 80072F8F. If the Date and Time settings are not the reason for this problem, then the problem is related to the lost Trusted Authority certificate.

Third-Party Firewall Blocking The SSL Connection

When the WU is working adequately through the Windows Firewall, then that could be related to the external firewall. Firewall might create a problem with the security settings that can denote the SSL connection is not secure.

Invalid Proxy Settings

There are many hijacking malware that is able to change internet connection settings. This might end up with the red flags at the time when the SSL connection is landing. At that moment, the Microsoft server will hold it. This might cause the error code 80072F8F.
This was all about the probable reasons behind the Windows update error code 80072F8F. Now, it is the time to discuss the symptoms of this error.

The Symptoms Of Error Notification 80072F8F

While updating the Windows system, you might receive an error message like Windows update error 80072F8F. This means the date and time are incorrect. The computer and the service do not require to have an equal date and time. But, if they change too much then, this will stop you from the installation of updates.

Now, here, we are going to discuss some of the quick and efficient solutions to resolve the error. Read the article to know the details.

Solution 1: Change The Date And Time Settings Of Your System

The problem might resolve by resetting the date and time of your system. When SSL connection needs an installation, at that time, the Windows server begins with confirming the PC’s time and date. This might happen while activating Windows as well as every Windows update.

If the time is different from the server’s time and date, then the server might be the reason of error notification 80072F8F which can create a problem with the SSL connection. At that moment, you have to reset the date and time of your device. If the procedure is unknown to you, then follow the procedure given below.

Step 1

• At first, tap the Windows key + R from your keyboard. This will help you to launch the Run window.
• After that, type ‘timedate.cpl’ into the Run dialog box.
• And then, hit the Enter button from the keyboard.
• After that, there will open the Date and Time settings on your computer’s screen.

Step 2

After, completing the above-mentioned steps you need to follow the steps written in the below section.

• Open the Date and Time option.
• Then, go to the Start option.
• And then, click on Control Panel.
• After that, select the Clock, Language and Region option.
• Then, click on the Date and Time.
• After, opening the Date and Time option, click on Change Date and Time.
• After that, you need to set the exact date and adjust the right time.
• Then, click OK to complete the procedure.

Here is a brief discussion to set the date and time to your system. Keep in your mind the following steps.

How To Change The Date In Your Computer?

To change the date of your computer, follow the steps written below:

• At first, you have to select the Date and Time option from your system.
• Under the Date, section click on the left or right arrows. This will help you to find the current month from the calendar.
• After that, select the current date and set it on your computer.

How To Change The Time On Your Computer?

If you need to change the time on your computer, then follow the steps given below:

• At first, go to the Date and Time section from your computer.
• Under the Time section, you will find the time changing settings option double click on it
• And select the hour, minute or seconds that you want to change.
• After changing that, you need to click on the arrows. This will help you to increase or decrease the value.
• While finishing all the previously mentioned steps, click OK.

Whenever you return back to the Date and Time window, click on the Change time zone option. You have to be sure that you have selected the appropriate UTC for your location. You can select the location with the help of the drop-down menu. After that, check the dialog box which is next to you. This will help you to Automatically adjust clock for Daylight Saving time and click OK.

After completing the previously mentioned steps go back to the Date and Time Window. Then, move on to the Internet Time tab and select the Change settings option.

After that, you need to check the box which is next to Synchronize with an Internet time server. Then, go to the drop-down menu below that, will help you to set the server time.windows.com. After that, tap to Update now option and then, you need to wait for the Internet Time Settings option to update it. Then, click OK to save and close the window.

Additional Note

If you receive any messages saying “The clock was successfully synchronized with time.windows.com“, then this means the Time and Date settings are accurate and you should not block the SSL connection from occurring.

You should reboot your system and try to update the computer with the help of WU. If you failed to do the above-mentioned steps, then you can try the next one.

Solution 2: Check The Invalid Proxy Settings

Invalid Proxy Settings is another reason for error 80072F8F. If you are using the proxy server, then you should disable it as fast as possible. Then, restart your computer and try to update it again. If you did it successfully, then you have to look for some other Proxy Server or any other VPN provider. You should always double check it as there is a lot of malware capable of redirecting the traffic through the Proxy Server. Here is the quick and easy steps to disable the proxy settings on Windows:

• At first, tap the Windows + R button from your keyboard to launch the Run dialogue box.
• After that, type ‘inetcpl.cpl’ in the appearing dialogue box.
• Then, press the Enter button to launch the Internet Properties window.
• Now, click on the Connection tab and select the LAN settings.
• Disable the Proxy Server and hit the OK button.
• After that, click Apply from the Internet Properties menu.
• Now, reboot your computer and apply the Windows update again.

Additional Tips

If you failed to do both the previous steps, then here we are giving you some additional tips to fix the issue.

• You can install the Root certificate update to resolve the issue
• Disable the third party firewall to fix the issue

Conclusion

Through this article, we have discussed about the possible solutions regarding the problem with Windows update error code 80072F8F. Hope you fixed the problem with this article. If you have more queries about the topic, then you can leave a note in the comment section.