[7 Solutions] Fix Windows 7 Update Error 80072EFE Without Data Loss

Searching for what Windows 7 Update Error 80072EFE is and how to fix it? Normally, this error manifests when there's a connection issue between your PC and the Microsoft update servers. On some occasions, corrupted system files can also be the cause.

If you're vying to get past this error and install system updates, don't worry. You're in the right place. Here, we'll briefly share what causes error code 80072EFE and talk about simple, effective methods to fix it, step by step. Don't stop scrolling!

Part 1: Common Reasons Behind Error Code 80072EFE in Windows 7

There are several potential causes for Windows 7 Update Error 80072EFE, and understanding these can help you find the right fix quickly. Some common ones include:

• Poor or unstable internet connectivity

• Firewall or antivirus interference

• Corrupted Windows update files

• Outdated or missing system files

• Incorrect date and time settings

• Virus attack

Part 2: Recover Data Lost Due to Windows Update Error 80072EFE

Losing data while attempting to fix the Windows 7 update error 80072EFE can be incredibly frustrating. Many users have faced this issue, but the good news is that recovering your missing files is often possible. For those in need of a reliable and user-friendly solution, we recommend 4DDiG, a free data recovery tool that supports the recovery of over 1000 types of files, including photos, videos, documents, emails, and more. With a 98.6% success rate, 4DDiG guarantees to deliver the best results in different data loss situations.

The following steps are how to use 4DDiG to recover data lost due to code 80072EFE:

Step 1: Start by downloading and installing the 4DDiG Free Data Recovery tool on your computer. Once installed, run the program and select the disk where your data was lost. Next, click the "Scan" button to begin the recovery process.

Step 2: Once the scan is complete, you'll be presented with a list of recoverable files.

Step 3: Preview and select the files you need. If they are intact, hit the "Recover" button in the lower right corner. It's important to save the recovered files to a different location (e.g., OneDrive or Google Drive) to avoid data overwriting.

Part 3: Methods to Fix Error Code 80072EFE in Windows 7

Option A: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

One potential solution to resolve error code 80072EFE is to run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool is designed by Microsoft to automatically detect and fix common problems that prevent your system from updating properly. To do so:

Step 1: Click on the Windows icon, and then select "Control Panel."

Step 2: Click "Troubleshoot." Then, click "View all" in the left panel.

Step 3: In the list of troubleshooters, find and click on "Windows Update." Finally, tap "Next."

Option B: Run the Network Adapter Troubleshooter

Network-related issues can sometimes interfere with Windows Update, causing errors like 80072EFE. In such cases, instead of running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, it's often more effective to use the Network Adapter Troubleshooter. All you need to do is follow the same steps as in the first method, but in Step 3, pick Network Adapter from the list of troubleshooters.

Option C: Disable Antivirus or Firewall

If you see the error message 'Code 80072EFE: Windows Update encountered an unknown error,' try temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall. Security software is meant to protect your PC, but occasionally it becomes too aggressive and mistakenly interferes with Windows Update.

If you're using a third-party antivirus, right-click its icon in the system tray and look for an option like "Pause protection" or "Disable temporarily." For Windows Defender Firewall, open the Control Panel, go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall, then select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off from the sidebar.

Option D: Start Windows Update Services

Windows relies on several background services to download and install updates. If any of these services are stopped or stuck, you might encounter error 80072EFE in Windows 7/8. To fix this issue, here's what you should do:

Step 1: To begin, press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, then type "services.msc" and press Enter.

Step 2: Scroll down to find Windows Update in the list. Right-click on it and select "Start" if it's not already running. If it's running, try selecting "Restart" to refresh the service.

Step 3: After that, do the same for the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and the Cryptographic Services.

Option E: Run SFC and DISM Tool

As already noted, missing or corrupted system files can trigger error 80072EFE in Windows 7/8. To resolve this issue, you can use two built-in tools—SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool)—to repair any corrupt system files and restore the integrity of your operating system.

Step 1: Start by pressing Win + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2: Type and run the "sfc /scannow" command.

Step 3: Input the "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" command and press Enter.

Step 4:After the DISM scan completes, restart your PC and attempt to run Windows Update again to see if the error is fixed.

Option F: Reset Windows Update Components via CMD

If you've tried the above-mentioned methods and the error 80072EFE persists, manually resetting the Windows Update components can often do the trick. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt app with administrator privileges.

Step 2: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

• net stop wuauserv

• net stop bits

• net stop cryptsvc

• net stop msiserver

Step 3: Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E, then search for and open the following folders:

• C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

• C:\Windows\System32\catroot2

Delete all the contents inside these folders.

Step 4: Go back to the Command Prompt and re-enter the same four commands from earlier to restart the services. After that, restart your computer.

Option G: Install Updates Manually

As we all know, Microsoft ended support for Windows 7 back in January 2020. While businesses and organizations could obtain extended security updates (ESU) through a paid service, this service was also terminated in 2023. Therefore, if you encounter the Windows update error 80072EFE, you will need to visit the official Microsoft website and manually install the necessary patch for the update. There is no definitive conclusion yet on which specific patch will effectively resolve error code 80072EFE.

On the Microsoft official forums, some users have reported that installing the following patches has been helpful, including:

• KB3020369

• KB3125574

• KB3138612

• KB4490628

• KB4474419

Be sure to select the 32-bit or 64-bit version based on your Windows version.

Conclusion

Overall, Windows update error 80072EFE is usually caused by internet connectivity problems, firewall restrictions, or corrupted system files. Dealing with this error is no easy feat, but we hope this guide helped you fix it without too many problems. If you experience data loss during troubleshooting, give 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery a try. This powerful tool is designed to retrieve lost, missing, or deleted files from Windows PCs or Windows-based devices with no tech skills required.