Windows updates are important for keeping your computer secure, improving system performance, and fixing existing bugs. However, sometimes the update process doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. You might see an error message saying “Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later. Error code: 0x80073712.”
This error can appear when you’re trying to download or install a Windows update through Settings. It can prevent pending updates from installing, interrupt the update process, and leave your computer running an outdated Windows version.
So, what causes this problem? In most cases, Error 0x80073712 is related to corrupted or missing Windows update components. Damaged system files, an incomplete update download, insufficient storage space, or problems with the Windows component store can also trigger it.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical solutions to fix Error 0x80073712 in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Why Does Windows Display Error 0x80073712?
Windows uses several system components to download, process, and install updates. These include the Windows Update service, the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) system, and the Windows component store, also known as WinSxS.
When Windows cannot locate the required update files or detects damaged components, the installation process may fail.
Here are some common reasons behind this error.
Corrupted Windows system files: Missing or damaged system files can prevent Windows from processing update packages correctly.
Damaged update cache: Incomplete or corrupted files stored in the SoftwareDistribution folder can interfere with new downloads.
Component store corruption: If the WinSxS component store contains damaged or missing files, Windows may struggle to install updates.
Interrupted update process: A sudden shutdown, power failure, or interrupted internet connection can leave an update partially downloaded.
Insufficient storage space: Windows needs enough free space to download, unpack, and install update packages.
Now that you understand the possible causes, let’s troubleshoot the problem.
Error 0x80073712: Some Update Files Are Missing or Have Problems
If Windows displays Error 0x80073712 while downloading or installing an update, try restarting your computer, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, and repairing corrupted system files.
You can also reset Windows Update components, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and run DISM and SFC scans to resolve the problem.
To fix this error, follow these troubleshooting methods:
- Restart your computer and check for updates again.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Check your internet connection and available storage space.
- Run DISM and System File Checker scans.
- Clear the Windows Update download cache.
- Reset Windows Update components manually.
- Check and repair the Windows component store.
- Install the problematic update manually.
- Perform an in-place Windows repair if the error persists.
1: Restart Your Computer and Check for Updates Again
Let’s start with the simplest solution. Sometimes, Windows encounters temporary problems while processing an update. A restart can refresh system services, clear temporary glitches, and allow Windows Update to try again.
Click the Start button, select Power, and choose Restart. Wait for your computer to reboot completely.
Once Windows loads, open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
In Windows 11, navigate to Windows Update. In Windows 10, go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available updates.
If the update downloads and installs successfully, you don’t need to try the remaining solutions. However, if you still receive Error 0x80073712, continue to the next step.
2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a troubleshooting utility that can detect and resolve common update-related problems. It checks relevant services, update settings, and other components that may prevent Windows Update from working correctly.
To run it, press Windows + I to open Settings.
For Windows 11, navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Find Windows Update and click Run.
For Windows 10, navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
Allow the troubleshooter to scan your computer. If it identifies a problem, follow the on-screen instructions to apply the recommended fix.
Once the troubleshooting process finishes, restart your PC and navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Try installing the pending update again. If the troubleshooter cannot resolve the problem, move on to the next solution.
3: Check Your Internet Connection and Available Storage
An unstable internet connection can interrupt Windows Update downloads. Similarly, insufficient storage space can prevent Windows from extracting and installing update packages.
First, check your internet connection. Open your browser and visit a few websites to confirm that your connection is working properly.
If you’re using Wi-Fi, try restarting your router. You can also switch to an Ethernet connection if one is available.
Next, check your available storage space. Open File Explorer > This PC and look at the free space available on your Windows installation drive, usually C:.
If your drive is nearly full, remove unnecessary temporary files and applications you no longer use.
You can also navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files to review files that Windows can safely remove. Check the categories carefully before deleting anything, especially your Downloads folder.
After freeing up some space and confirming that your internet connection is stable, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.
4: Run DISM and System File Checker Scans
If the previous methods don’t work, corrupted Windows system files may be responsible for the error.
You can use two command-line utilities, DISM and System File Checker (SFC), to identify and repair Windows corruption.
First, right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin). On Windows 10, you can search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Start by running the following DISM command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter and allow the process to finish. DISM checks the Windows component store and attempts to repair corruption. It may take several minutes, and the progress percentage can sometimes appear to pause. Avoid closing the window while the scan is running.
After DISM completes, enter the following command:
sfc /scannow
Press Enter and wait for Windows to verify protected system files. If corrupted files are detected, SFC attempts to repair them.
Once both scans are complete, restart your computer and check for updates again.
Important: Run DISM before SFC because repairing the component store can provide healthy files that SFC needs to replace damaged system files.
5: Clear the Windows Update Download Cache
Sometimes, Windows downloads update files incorrectly or stores incomplete packages in its update cache. When Windows tries to reuse these damaged files, the installation may fail with Error 0x80073712.
Clearing the update download cache forces Windows to download fresh update files.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
In the Services window, locate Windows Update. Right-click it and select Stop.
Next, open File Explorer and navigate to:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
Select the contents of the Download folder and delete them. You don’t need to delete the Download folder itself.
If Windows asks for administrator permission, approve the request.
Return to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
Restart your computer and navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Windows should now download fresh update files instead of using the potentially corrupted cached packages.
6: Reset Windows Update Components Manually
If clearing the download cache doesn’t help, resetting the Windows Update components is another option.
This process stops the relevant services, renames the update cache folders, and allows Windows to create fresh ones.
Open Command Prompt as administrator by searching for CMD in the Start menu and selecting Run as administrator.
Enter these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each command:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
These commands stop the Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic Services.
Next, rename the update cache folders by entering:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Renaming these folders preserves the old data as backups while allowing Windows to create fresh update folders.
Now restart the services:
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv
Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Open Windows Update and check whether the problematic update installs successfully.
7: Repair the Windows Component Store
The Windows component store, located in the C:\Windows\WinSxS directory, contains files required to maintain and repair the operating system.
If this component store becomes corrupted, Windows may display Error 0x80073712 while installing updates.
To check the component store, open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
This command checks whether Windows has already detected component store corruption.
Next, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
This performs a more detailed scan of the component store.
If corruption is detected, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Allow the repair to finish without interrupting it.
Afterward, run sfc /scannow and restart your computer.
Try installing the problematic Windows update again.
8: Install the Problematic Update Manually
If Windows Update continues displaying the same error, you can try downloading the affected update manually.
Microsoft provides the Microsoft Update Catalog, where you can search for individual Windows update packages.
First, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history in Windows 11. In Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history.
Find the update that failed to install and note its KB number, such as KB followed by a series of digits.
Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website in your browser and enter the KB number in the search box.
Look through the available results and select the package that matches your Windows version, architecture, and system requirements.
Download the appropriate update package and open the downloaded MSU file to start the installation.
Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your computer if required.
This method can help when the Windows Update download process is causing the problem. However, manual installation may also fail if the underlying component store is corrupted.
9: Perform an In-Place Windows Repair
If you’ve tried all the previous solutions and Error 0x80073712 still appears, consider performing an in-place repair installation.
This process reinstalls Windows using compatible installation media while giving you the option to keep your personal files and applications.
Before proceeding, back up your important files and make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Download the appropriate Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft’s official website.
Open the downloaded installation media or ISO file while Windows is running. Locate and launch setup.exe.
Follow the installation instructions until you reach the Ready to install screen.
Select Change what to keep and choose Keep personal files and apps, if that option is available.
Review the installation settings and click Install.
Your computer will restart several times during the process. Don’t turn it off while Windows is being repaired.
Once the repair installation finishes, check Windows Update again.
Remember that keeping files and applications depends on installation media compatibility, language, and Windows edition. If the option isn’t available, don’t proceed until you’ve confirmed the correct installation media.
FAQs
1. What does Windows Update Error 0x80073712 mean?
Error 0x80073712 indicates that Windows has encountered missing or corrupted files required to complete an update. It commonly relates to problems with the Windows component store, update cache, or system files.
2. Can I fix Error 0x80073712 without reinstalling Windows?
Yes. Most users should try restarting their PC, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, clearing the update cache, and repairing system files with DISM and SFC before considering a repair installation.
3. Does Error 0x80073712 mean my Windows installation is corrupted?
Not necessarily. It indicates that Windows has encountered a problem with files required for an update. The issue could be limited to the update cache or a particular component rather than the entire Windows installation.
4. Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?
Yes, clearing or renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder’s contents is a common Windows Update troubleshooting method. However, stop the Windows Update service before modifying its contents. Previously downloaded update files may need to be downloaded again.
5. Why does Error 0x80073712 keep coming back?
The error may return if the underlying component store corruption hasn’t been repaired, update downloads continue getting interrupted, or a system component repeatedly fails during installation. Running DISM and SFC scans can help identify and repair these problems.
6. Does Error 0x80073712 occur in both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. This error can occur in both operating systems when Windows encounters missing or damaged update files. The troubleshooting process is generally similar, although some Settings menu paths differ.