What Is Windows Error Code 80072efe?
You’re likely to get the Windows error code 80072efe while installing a patch or a system update as it’s related to the Windows Update Service. A word about this service now before we understand the error.
The Windows Update Service, a critical component of Windows security, automatically downloads and installs any Microsoft-created software patches and updates. The idea behind this service is to keep your PC updated, so the chances of a cyberattack, vulnerability, or crash are relatively less.
Moving on to Windows error code 80072efe, you get this error when there’s a problem with the Windows Update Service. What’s frustrating about this error is that it’s hard to pinpoint the cause and timing. Also, this error can cause your device to freeze or even some apps to crash.
So, how do you fix 80072efe? The first step is to identify the cause, and that’s what we’ll talk about next.
Cause of Error Code 80072efe
Windows error code 80072efe is often caused when your Internet connection is disrupted on the client or server-side. Unfortunately, if the Internet connection was aborted at the server end, there’s nothing much you can do about it. But if it happens on your computer, it’s time to see what’s going on because the connection can get disrupted due to many reasons.
Here are some reasons that can disrupt your Internet connection and through it, cause the Windows error code 80072efe when your system is in the middle of an update.
Malware/Virus Infection
If you face this problem on a Windows 10 device, it could be due to a malware or virus infection. Depending on the level of infection, your system could even crash during the update process.
Antivirus or anti-malware solutions can also cause this error. This software can prevent your Windows from downloading and installing updates, that in turn, can cause the Windows 80072efe error.
Network Configuration
If any configuration settings are changed or if you have a new router, there may be Internet problems. Likewise, server or connectivity problems in your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can lead to configuration changes. In turn, this will cause Internet disruptions in general and Windows error code 80072efe if your system is installing updates.
Outdated System Drivers
A related cause is outdated or corrupted system drivers that can prevent your device from connecting to the Internet. If the driver develops problems right when your PC is downloading or installing updates, it can cause the 80072efe error.
Corrupt Registry Files
Windows registry files contain information about software programs and hardware components. This critical information will be used by your operating system for performing critical functions including downloading and installing patches.
If this information becomes corrupted, your device’s critical operations will be impacted. Since downloading and installing updates is also a critical function, that can get impacted as well.
Program Downloads
A cause that’s unrelated to an Internet connection is program downloads. If you try to download a program and install it while your computer is running the Microsoft update/patch, it can throw this error. This is to tell you that you must wait for sometime
Thus, these are some of the common reasons. Note that there could be other unknown causes too.
Let’s now look at the possible solutions to fix the Windows error code 80072efe.
Solutions To Windows Error Code 80072efe
How do you fix Windows error code 80072efe?
Below are some possible solutions. Start with a simple restart as this can fix problems related to temporary caches. Otherwise, run through this list until you resolve the error.
Run The Network Troubleshooter
Sometimes, there can be network issues even if your Internet seems to be running fine. A good way to catch and fix such errors is through the network troubleshooter. This built-in utility can point out many problems such as outdated network drivers, misconfigurations, changes in your network connectivity, and more.
To run this tool,
- Click the Start button and select Settings. Go to Updates and Security > Troubleshoot
- Look for the Network Adapter troubleshooter from the list and run it.
- Restart the system after the troubleshooter finishes.
Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is another powerful built-in utility that checks for problems with Windows updates and tries to fix the same. Even if the issue is not fixed, you can know the cause of the problem. Accordingly, you can fix the problem.
Use the same process as the network troubleshooter, but choose the Windows Update troubleshooter instead.
Run Antimalware Software
If you don’t have an antivirus installed, consider running one to see if any malware is preventing your system from connecting to the Internet.
If you already have one installed, disable it for a few minutes to see if that’s the cause of the problem.
Use System Restore
Restore your system to a previous stable version if none of the above solutions work. But before that, make sure to backup your personal files.
We hope one of these solutions fixes your Windows error code 80072efe.
