Fix Guide0x80073712Windows Update

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073712 – Windows 11 2026

Error 0x80073712 occurs when Windows Update files are missing or corrupted, commonly affecting Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 systems. Fixed through component store repair, update troubleshooter, or manual update installation.

April 6, 2026 12 min —

0x80073712Windows Update 5 methods 12 min

Instant Solution

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update. If this fails, execute DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth followed by sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt to repair corrupted system files.

Understanding Windows Update Error 0x80073712

Error 0x80073712 is a critical Windows Update failure that indicates missing or corrupted update files in the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) store. This error became particularly prominent in March 2026 when Microsoft's optional update KB5079391 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 caused widespread installation failures across enterprise and consumer systems.

The error manifests when Windows Update cannot locate essential files required for the update installation process, typically due to corruption in the CBS store, damaged system files, or interrupted previous update installations. Microsoft addressed this specific issue by releasing out-of-band update KB5086672 on March 31, 2026, which includes comprehensive fixes for the underlying component store corruption.

This error significantly impacts system administrators managing Windows 11 deployments, as it can prevent critical security updates from installing properly. The issue affects both automatic and manual update installations, making it essential to understand the various repair methods available. Modern Windows 11 systems include enhanced diagnostic capabilities that make troubleshooting this error more straightforward than previous Windows versions, though advanced scenarios may still require manual intervention using DISM, SFC, and registry modifications.

Diagnostic

Symptoms

Windows Update displays "Some update files are missing or have problems" message
Update installation fails with error code 0x80073712
Windows Update gets stuck at downloading or installing updates
System shows "We'll try to download the update again later" notification
Update history shows failed installations with 0x80073712 error
Windows Update service may become unresponsive during update attempts

Analysis

Root Causes

Corrupted Windows Update components or system files
Damaged Component-Based Servicing (CBS) store
Incomplete or interrupted previous update installations
Insufficient disk space in the Windows directory or system reserved partition
Third-party antivirus software interfering with update processes
Registry corruption affecting Windows Update service functionality
Network connectivity issues during update download

Resolution Methods

Solutions

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to resolve update-related issues.

Press Windows + I to open Settings
Navigate to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters
Locate Windows Update and click Run
Allow the troubleshooter to scan for problems and apply automatic fixes
Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the repair process
Restart your computer when prompted
After restart, go to Settings → Windows Update and click Check for updates

Verification: Navigate to Settings → Windows Update → Update history to confirm the previously failed update now installs successfully.

Repair System Files with DISM and SFC

Use Windows built-in repair tools to fix corrupted system files and component store issues.

Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
Run the DISM command to repair the Windows image:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
Wait for the process to complete (this may take 15-30 minutes)
After DISM completes, run the System File Checker:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Allow SFC to scan and repair corrupted files (typically 10-15 minutes)
Restart your computer

Clear the Windows Update cache by running:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Verification: Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth to confirm no corruption is detected, then attempt Windows Update again.

Reset Windows Update Components

Completely reset Windows Update components to resolve persistent update issues.

Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin)

Stop all Windows Update related services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
net stop appidsvc

Delete the corrupted update cache folders:

rmdir /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
rmdir /s /q C:\Windows\System32\catroot2

Re-register Windows Update DLL files:

regsvr32 /s atl.dll
regsvr32 /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32 /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32 /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 /s browseui.dll
regsvr32 /s jscript.dll
regsvr32 /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32 /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32 /s msxml.dll
regsvr32 /s msxml3.dll
regsvr32 /s msxml6.dll
regsvr32 /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 /s softpub.dll
regsvr32 /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s cryptdlg.dll

Restart the Windows Update services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
net start appidsvc

Restart your computer

Verification: Check Windows Update service status with sc query wuauserv and attempt to install updates through Settings.

Manual Update Installation via Microsoft Update Catalog

Download and install the specific update manually to bypass Windows Update issues.

Open your web browser and navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog website
Search for the specific KB number causing the error (e.g., KB5086672 for the March 2026 issue)
Download the appropriate update package for your Windows 11 version:
- For Windows 11 25H2: Look for build 26200.xxxx
- For Windows 11 24H2: Look for build 26100.xxxx
Locate the downloaded .msu file in your Downloads folder
Right-click the .msu file and select Run as administrator
Follow the installation wizard prompts
Allow the system to restart when prompted
After restart, verify the installation by checking Settings → Windows Update → Update history

Pro tip: You can also install the update via command line using wusa.exe "path\to\update.msu" /quiet /norestart for automated deployments.

Verification: Check the installed update in Settings → Apps → Installed apps → Show system components or run systeminfo to verify the new build number.

Registry Repair and Advanced Component Store Reset

Perform advanced registry repairs and component store operations for persistent issues.

Warning: Always create a system restore point before modifying the registry. Incorrect registry changes can cause system instability.

Create a system restore point via Control Panel → System → System Protection
Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate
Delete the WindowsUpdate key (this will be recreated automatically)
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update
Delete the Auto Update key if present
Close Registry Editor and open an elevated Command Prompt

Reset the component store with advanced options:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\Windows\WinSxS

Force rebuild the Windows Update database:

net stop wuauserv
attrib -h -s -r %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb
del %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb
net start wuauserv

Restart the computer and test Windows Update functionality

Verification: Run Get-WindowsUpdateLog in PowerShell to generate a readable update log and check for any remaining errors.

Validation

Verification

To confirm the error 0x80073712 has been resolved, perform these verification steps:

Navigate to Settings → Windows Update and click Check for updates
Verify that updates download and install without displaying error 0x80073712
Check the update history by clicking Update history to ensure no failed installations
Run the following PowerShell command to verify Windows Update service health:
```
Get-Service -Name wuauserv, cryptsvc, bits | Select-Object Name, Status
```
Confirm your Windows 11 build number has updated correctly by running winver or checking Settings → System → About
Generate a Windows Update log to verify clean operation: Get-WindowsUpdateLog in PowerShell

If it still fails

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the above methods didn't resolve error 0x80073712, try these advanced troubleshooting steps:

Check Disk Space: Ensure you have at least 20GB free space on your system drive. Use cleanmgr to clean temporary files and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase to remove superseded components.

Disable Third-Party Antivirus: Temporarily disable real-time protection in third-party antivirus software, as it may interfere with update installations. Windows Defender will automatically provide protection during this time.

Boot into Safe Mode: Restart in Safe Mode with Networking and attempt the update installation. This eliminates potential software conflicts.

Check Windows Update Service Dependencies: Verify that Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic Services, and Windows Update services are running. Use sc config wuauserv depend= rpcss to reset service dependencies.

Perform In-Place Upgrade: As a last resort, download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool and perform an in-place upgrade while keeping files and applications. This replaces corrupted system files while preserving user data.

Check Event Logs: Review Windows Logs → System and Applications in Event Viewer for additional error details that might indicate hardware issues or specific file corruption patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Update error 0x80073712 specifically mean?+

Error 0x80073712 indicates that Windows Update cannot find or access essential files required for update installation. This typically occurs when the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) store is corrupted, system files are damaged, or previous update installations were interrupted. The error message usually displays as 'Some update files are missing or have problems' followed by the error code. This is a CBS-related error that affects the Windows servicing stack's ability to properly install updates and maintain system integrity.

Why did this error become common in March 2026 with Windows 11?+

The error became widespread in March 2026 due to Microsoft's optional update KB5079391 for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, which contained corrupted components that damaged the CBS store on affected systems. Microsoft acknowledged this issue and pulled the problematic update, then released out-of-band update KB5086672 on March 31, 2026, to specifically address the corruption. The issue affected both enterprise and consumer installations, prompting Microsoft to expedite the fix through Windows Update and provide standalone packages for manual installation.

Can I prevent error 0x80073712 from occurring in the future?+

While you cannot completely prevent this error, you can minimize its likelihood by maintaining good system hygiene. Regularly run DISM and SFC scans monthly, ensure adequate free disk space (at least 20GB), avoid interrupting update installations, keep third-party antivirus software updated with latest definitions, and create regular system restore points before major updates. Additionally, consider using Windows Update for Business policies to delay feature updates and test them in a controlled environment before widespread deployment.

Is it safe to manually install updates when getting error 0x80073712?+

Yes, manually installing updates via Microsoft Update Catalog is safe and often the most effective solution for this error. Download the specific update package (.msu file) for your Windows 11 version and architecture, then install it with administrator privileges. This bypasses the corrupted Windows Update components while still applying the necessary security and feature updates. Always verify the update source is the official Microsoft Update Catalog and ensure you download the correct package for your system architecture (x64 for most modern systems).

How long do the repair methods typically take to complete?+

Repair times vary significantly based on system specifications and corruption severity. The Windows Update Troubleshooter typically completes in 5-10 minutes. DISM RestoreHealth operations can take 15-45 minutes depending on internet speed and system performance. SFC scans usually require 10-20 minutes. Complete component store resets may take 30-60 minutes including service stops, file deletions, and restarts. Manual update installations are generally fastest at 5-15 minutes. Plan for extended repair times on older hardware or systems with extensive corruption.