How to Fix Windows Update Error 80073712?

Windows update error 80073712 is quite common and irritating. Most of the times, you might encounter this error code when you are trying to update your system. Once, this error code appears on the screen, the updating procedure will fail. However, this does not happen with any specific updates. Moreover, with any application, it can happen.

So, you have to troubleshoot this issue immediately. Therefore, if you want to know how to resolve the problem, then you should read this article. Here, we are going to discuss some easy and effective solutions which will surely assist you to get rid of it.

Solutions to Solve Windows Update Error 80073712

You can troubleshoot the Windows update error 80073712 easily. Here, for your help, we have highlighted some of them.

Solution 1 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

This is the first method that you should try before going further. Windows has an inbuilt troubleshooting tool which is used to fix many problems. Therefore, we strongly advise you to apply this solution. Well, this is not a difficult task. Here are the steps that you should follow:

Step 1

In the beginning, you need to press the Windows key. After that, you should type Troubleshooting in the given field.

Step 2

Now, a new window will pop up on the screen. From there, navigate to the System and Security. Under this section, you have to drop down until you see the link that says ‘Fix problems with Windows Update’.

Step 3

Once you found it, then click on it. Next, you should wait sometimes until the procedure is completed. Once done, then reboot your computer and if you fail to resolve the error code 80073712, then don’t panic. Here is another alternative at your rescue.

Solution 2 – Use the DISM Tool

DISM tool is an inbuilt tool and used to service a Windows image. Sometimes, with the help of it, you can solve a lot of issues. error 80073712 is one of them. So, you must apply this solution on your device. To do so, you need to go through the undermentioned steps.

Step 1

In the beginning, you need to press the Windows key and right click on the result. Then, you need to click on the Run as Administrator. If you are a Windows 10 user, then at first, you should press the Windows + X keys together. Next, navigate to the Command Prompt. Thereafter, you need to navigate to the  Run As Administrator.

Step 2

Now, you need to type the following commands hit the Enter button after each command.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Once the second command has been successfully executed, then you have to exit from the page. Finally, restart your computer and run the Windows update again to check if the Windows update error 80073712 has been resolved or not. If unfortunately not, then look at the solution 3.

Solution 3 – Run the System File Checker

So, are you still dealing with the Windows update error 80073712? Then, don’t worry. Here, we have provided another easy solution for you.

Sometimes, due to the corrupt system files, this error can create trouble for you. In your case, if this is the root cause, then we recommend you to run the system file checker and see the result. To run it, at first, you should go to the Home Screen of your PC and tap on the Start menu.

Now, type ‘cmd’ in the search field and hit the Enter button. Alternatively, you can press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together. After that, press OK to open a Command Prompt.

Once the Command Prompt is opened, then you should type ‘sfc/scannow’ in the given field and press the Enter button.

Now, the scanning procedure will be started. It will detect and remove all the corrupt files which are responsible for the appearance of this error code.

Once done, then again reboot your machine and if the error code still persists, then have a look at the next solution.

Solution 4 – Remove the Cache Data

Millions of users noticed that sometimes due to the cache data you might encounter this error code on your device. In that case, you have to remove all the cache data. In order to apply this solution on your machine, take a look below.

1. At first, you should press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Then, type ‘services.msc’ in the given field and click on the OK button.
3. Next, a new page will show on the display. From there, you should scroll down until you see the Windows Update option. Once you found it, right-click on it and tap on the Stop button.
4. Next, again you need to open another Run dialog box and type the following command:

‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download’.

Thereafter hit the Enter button.

1. Then, hold the Ctrl and A  keys simultaneously. Next, you have to right-click on the pop-up menu and tap on the Delete option.
2. After that, you have to check the dialog box next to ‘Do this for all current items’ option.
3. Click Next to continue the process. Then, you need to go back to the Service window and again right-click on the Windows Update and this time click on the Start button.

Finally, restart your computer and try to update your machine via Windows Update. If you fail, then check out the next solution.

Solution 5 – Reset Windows Update Components

Occasionally, faulty Windows update components can cause the Windows update error 80073712. Therefore, you need to reset the components. For that, have a look at the undermentioned steps.

Step 1

At first, navigate to the Start Menu and after that you have to click on it to open the WinX menu.

Step 2

Next, you should type ‘cmd’ in the required field and hit the Enter button. Next, you should right click on the CMD and select Run as administrator.

Step 3

Now, again go to the WinX menu and choose the Command Prompt. Then, the Command Prompt will pop up on the screen.

Step 4

Next, you need to write the following command within the Elevated Command Prompt section and hit the OK button after every command.

• net stop bits
• net stop wuauserv
• net stop appidsvc
• net stop cryptsvc
• ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
• ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
• net start bits
• net start wuauserv
• net start appidsvc
• net start cryptsvc

Finally, you have to close the Elevated Command Prompt window and restart your machine. However, if you are still unable to troubleshoot the error 80073712, then look at the next solution.

Solution 6 – Reset your Device

If none of the above solutions work for you, then we advise you to reset your computer. For resetting your system, at first, navigate to the Settings option. Within the Settings, you have to click on the ‘Change PC Settings’ which is located on the top left corner of the device.

Next, you should right-click on the Update and recovery option. Next, a new window will open. Here, you should tap on the Recovery option. Now, you can see an option which says ‘Refresh your PC without affecting your files’ you have to left click on it and then click on the Get Started option.

Next, you have to read the online instructions carefully and then click on the Apply button.

Wait until the reset process is completed. Once done, then reboot your machine and check if any changes have been made or not.

That’s it. We believe with the help of the above six methods, you can resolve the Windows update error 80073712 on your own. However, those solutions are complicated and if you think you don’t have that knowledge to apply those solutions on your own, then we advise you, don’t take any risks and rely on an expert.