12 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80073712

What Is Error Code 0x80073712?

If you see Windows update error 0x80073712, it usually means that Windows Update cannot find or access the files required to complete an update installation.

The error is commonly associated with:

• Missing or corrupted Windows Update files
• Damaged system components
• Interrupted update installations
• Corrupted component store data
• Incomplete servicing packages

When the issue occurs, Windows may fail to download, prepare, or install updates. In some cases, the update process reaches a certain percentage before stopping and displaying an error message.

For users experiencing a Windows 11 update error code 0x80073712, the cause is often linked to corrupted servicing components inside the Windows Component Store (WinSxS), which Windows uses to manage updates and repairs.

Because updates depend on these files, any corruption can prevent Windows from completing the installation process until the damaged components are repaired.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80073712 in Windows 10/11?

Several different factors can trigger this update failure. The methods below target the most common causes and should be performed in order, starting with the simplest fixes.

Method 1: Verify Disk Space and Network Stability

Windows updates require enough storage space to download and unpack installation files. A slow or unstable internet connection can also interrupt update downloads and cause failures.

• Open "File Explorer" and select "This PC".

• Check available space on the system drive (C:).

• Free up storage if less than 20 GB is available.

  

• Restart your modem or router and switch to a wired connection if possible.

• Pause large downloads running in the background, then retry Windows Update.

Method 2: Run Built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a dedicated troubleshooting tool that can automatically identify and repair common update-related problems.

• Press "Windows + I" to open Settings and go to "System" to select "Troubleshoot."

• Choose "Other troubleshooters" and locate "Windows Update," then click the "Run" button against it.

  

• Allow Windows to complete the diagnostic process and apply any suggested fixes.

• Restart your computer to check for updates again.

Method 3: Restart Core Windows Update Services

Update services manage downloads, installations, and communication with Microsoft servers. Restarting these services can clear temporary failures.

• Type "cmd" in the Windows search box. Right-click "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".

• Run the following command: "net stop wuauserv."

• Then run: "net start wuauserv."

  

• Close the Command Prompt and restart the PC to try updating Windows again.

The first command stops the Windows Update service, while the second command restarts it with a fresh session.

Method 4: Disable Third-Party Security Software Temporarily

Some antivirus and endpoint protection applications may block update components or interfere with installation processes.

• Open your antivirus program, then locate the protection settings and disable real-time protection temporarily, and run Windows Update.

• After testing, re-enable antivirus protection after the update is complete.

Note:

Only disable security software temporarily for troubleshooting purposes.

Method 5: Adjust Microsoft Update Settings and Install Updates Sequentially

Windows can download updates for Microsoft Office and other Microsoft products. Occasionally, these additional updates contribute to installation conflicts.

• Open "Settings" and click "Windows Update".

• Select "Advanced options" then locate "Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows".

  

• Uncheck this option and restart the computer, then retry the update.

Tip:

Installing updates individually can help identify which package is causing the failure.

Method 6: Boot Windows in Clean Mode

A clean boot loads Windows with only essential Microsoft services, making it easier to identify software conflicts.

• Press "Windows + R" and type: "msconfig" then press "Enter".

  

• Open the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services" and click "Disable all".

  

• Open the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager".

  

• Disable all startup programs and restart Windows, then run the update again.

Method 7: Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted update caches are one of the leading causes of Windows update error 0x80073712.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

• Stop update services by running the following commands: "net stop wuauserv" and "net stop bits."

  

• Open: "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution" to delete all files inside the folder.

• Go to "C:\Windows\System32\catroot2" and rename this folder to something like "catroot2.old".

• Return to the Command Prompt and restart services with the commands: "net start wuauserv" and "net start bits."

• Restart Windows and check for updates.

Windows automatically rebuilds these folders and downloads fresh update files.

Method 8: Repair System Files Using SFC

Corrupted system files can prevent updates from installing correctly. System File Checker scans and repairs protected Windows files.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then type: "sfc /scannow" and press "Enter".

  

• Wait for the scan to finish, then analyze the result and restart the PC.

It compares system files against cached copies and replaces damaged files automatically.

Method 9: Restore Windows System Image via DISM Tool

If SFC cannot repair all corruption, DISM can repair the underlying Windows image used for updates and system repairs.

• Launch Command Prompt as Administrator and type: "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" then press "Enter".

  

• Wait for the process to complete, then restart the PC and run Windows Update again.

It repairs the Windows component store and replaces damaged servicing files needed by Windows Update.

Method 10: Upgrade System Using Windows Update Assistant

Windows Update Assistant can install the latest Windows version outside the normal update process.

• Visit Microsoft’s Windows download page to download "Windows Update Assistant".

• Launch the assistant and click "Update Now".

  

• Allow the process to complete while you follow the on-screen prompts and restart when done.

Method 11: Manually Install Cumulative Updates via Microsoft Catalog

If Windows Update cannot install a specific update, downloading it manually often bypasses the problem.

• Open "Settings" to go to "Windows Update" and note the "KB" update number for the update that failed.

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website to download the same update version that matches your system.

  

• Run the installer, then follow the installation instructions and restart the computer after installation.

Tip:

Ensure you download the updated version that matches your system architecture (x64 or ARM64).

Method 12: Roll Back System Using System Restore Point

If the problem began after a recent system change, restoring Windows to an earlier state may remove the source of the issue.

• Press "Windows + R" and type "rstrui.exe" then hit "Enter."

• Click "Next" then select a restore point created before the update issue started.

• Click "Next," then click "Finish," and let Windows restart normally after the restore is complete.

  

Note:

Personal files remain untouched, but recently installed software may be removed.

How to Recover Lost Files After Fixing Error Code 0x80073712?

Although the methods above can repair the update process, some users may discover that files become missing or inaccessible after performing system repairs, update rollbacks, or restore operations.

When important documents, photos, videos, or work files disappear during troubleshooting, it is best to check for recovery immediately. 4DDiG file recovery is designed to help recover files that become lost after failed updates, system repairs, or unexpected Windows issues. The steps are quite simple and it’s easy to use for even beginners.

Steps to Recover Lost Files due to error code 0x80073712:

• Download and install 4DDiG. Launch the software and select the drive from where you lost the files due to the error code 0x80073712.

  

• 4DDiG automatically scans your drive, and you can quickly find the desired results by using the "File Type" filter option.

  

• After the scan is complete, click a file to preview recoverable files. Check its review and click "Recover" if you want to save it.

  

• Select a safer location for saving the recoverable files and click "Save Now" to save them.

  

Tip:

Avoid recovering files to the same partition where the data was originally lost.

Conclusion

Error code 0x80073712 usually indicates corruption within Windows Update components or servicing files required for installation. Fortunately, most cases can be fixed by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, resetting update components, repairing system files with SFC and DISM, or installing updates manually.

If troubleshooting causes files to disappear, 4DDiG Windows data recovery helps recover important data. By following the solutions above, you can resolve Windows update error 0x80073712 and restore normal update functionality on your system.