Microsoft regularly releases updates to the Windows 10 operating system to improve its performance and security. Getting the update is quite easy as sometimes it will automatically be downloaded in the background and installed at a later time or you can also download it manually. Although the process of updating your operating system is quite easy sometimes certain issues can occur. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Windows update error 0x80073712 issue.
Fixing the Error 0x80073712 When Updating Windows 10
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
One of the main causes of this problem is a missing or corrupted file that is needed by the update. Listed below are the troubleshooting steps you need to do to fix this.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool
The Windows Update Troubleshooter tool is a built-in tool that is useful in diagnosing and fixing several update related problems.
- Type in Troubleshooting in the search bar.
- Open the result that says Troubleshooting .
- In the window that opens, find the Windows Update link with the description that says “resolve problems that prevent you from updating Windows”.
- Click on Run the troubleshooter and wait for it to finish completely.
- When it’s done, try running Windows Update and installing your updates again.
Check if the Windows update error 0x80073712 issue still occurs.
Run the DISM tool
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management or DISM is a tool designed for administrators to prepare, modify, and repair system images. You can use this tool to fix this particular problem.
- Type Command Prompt on the search bar then right click on the Command Prompt app then choose Run as Administrator.
- Inside the Command Prompt, type in the following commands, and press Enter on your keyboard after each command, in order to execute it. Make sure you wait for the first command to finish running before you start with the second one.
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Wait for the second command to finish, and close the Command Prompt by either clicking the X in the corner
- Run Windows Update again
Check if the error 0x80073712 issue still occurs.
Delete the Windows update cache
The Windows update cache contains data related to your Windows update. If this data is corrupted then it can cause this problem to occur. What you should do in this case is to delete this data.
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time.
- Type services.msc into the box and click OK.
- Scroll down to the bottom, right-click on Windows Update. Then click Stop.
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time.
- Paste C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download into the box and press Enter.
- Press Ctrl and A at the same time, then right-click to pop up a menu and click Delete.
- When asked to provide administrator permission, check the box before Do this for all current items and click Continue.
- On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key and R at the same time.
- Type services.msc into the box and click OK.
- Scroll down to the bottom, right-click on Windows Update. Then click Start.
- Restart your computer.
Check if the Windows update error still occurs.