windows update error 80072efe

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The 80072EFE Error is primarily a Windows Vista and Windows 7 issue. But it’s also known to seem on Windows 10 (often caused by malware belonging to the rootkit family). If you follow the first documentation, the error code hints towards a connection interruption. This will mean a flaky line or a cable interruption, but it also can be a red flag that a malicious rootkit that’s interfering together with your internet connection. However, this issue also can be caused by 3rd party firewalls or antivirus suites that are overly protective when overseeing your data exchanges. Another potential culprit is corruption in those Windows files liable for updating your OS.

Note: If you’re encountering the 80072EFE Error when performing an OS update on Windows phones like Nokia Lumia, the difficulty is either server-side, or it’s a faulty network setting. In any case, wait a few hours and see if the update is in a position to finish. If the difficulty persists, try employing a proxy server or a VPN app and parse your internet connection through it. Finally, if the update still doesn’t install, perform a tough reset and check out again.

If you’ve only discovered this issue, you should start your troubleshooting quest by ensuring your internet connection is functioning properly. Then, wait a few hours and check out to perform the update again. While you wait, it’s a simple idea to restart your router/modem to force it to re-assign your DNS settings. If the difficulty was indeed server-side or a network misconfiguration, it should automatically be fixed, and therefore the update should install successfully.

Once you’re sure that the difficulty isn’t server-side, there are a few steps you’ll follow to urge obviate the 80072EFE Error. First, follow the methods below so as until you discover a fix that works for you.

Method 1: Using tdsskiller.exe to get rid of rootkit files

Since malware interference can do tons more damage than preventing you from updating, we’ll start with it. The 80072EFE Error is usually linked with a family rootkit malware belonging to the win.32 TDDS family. This rootkit is understood to stop security updates from getting through and can also severely limit the reactionary capabilities of Windows Defender.

Luckily, removing the malicious rootkit files is extremely easy. Kaspersky Labs released an executable that will remove the rootkit files with a couple of simple clicks. Here’s a quick guide to using tdsskiler.exe:

Note: Running the tdsskiller executable on systems without malware problems won’t hurt your computer. Albeit you think your system isn’t infected, it’s recommended that you don’t skip this first method.

1. Download tdsskiller.exe from the official link.
2. Run the executable and click on Start Scan.
3. If TDSSKiller finds any treats, it’ll automatically proceed to kill them. Once the method is complete, restart your system.
4. Check for updates again in Windows update and see if they manage to put incorrectly.

Method 2: Disabling firewalls and antiviruses 

If you used tdsskiller.exe without results, let’s determine if your 3rd party antivirus suite or firewall isn’t acting up. Third-party firewalls or antivirus suites can malfunction and determine that the Windows update connection is unsafe. This may find yourself preventing your Windows OS from applying the required updates. There are tons of conflicts between Windows Defender and 3rd party security solutions, which will produce the 80072EFE Error. Here’s an inventory of firewalls that are known to cause this issue:

• Norton Internet Security
• Panda Firewall
• Zone Alarm Firewall
• McAfee firewall
• AVG firewall

If you’ve got one among the above 3rd party firewalls, disable them, restart your system and check to outperform the update again. Albeit you’ve got a special firewall software, try disabling it before performing the Windows update.

Method 3: Deleting the CatRoot2 folder

The catroot2 folder may be a Windows system folder required by the Windows Update process. Whenever you update through Windows update, the catroot2 folder is liable for storing the Windows Update package signatures. Because it seems, deleting the contents of the catroo2 folder will remove corruption and fix several Windows update problems, including the 80072EFE Error.

Note: Deleting the catRoot2 folder won’t cause any malfunctions to your system.

If you opt to follow this method, you’ll get to disable the Cryptographic service first since it uses a file located inside the CatRoot2 folder.

Here’s a quick guide to disabling the Cryptographic Services and deleting the CatRoot2 folder:

1. Press Windows key + R to open a Run window. Type Services.msc and press Enter to open the Services panel.
2. Scroll down and double-click on Cryptographic Services. Next, select the General tab within the Cryptographic Services Properties window. From there, click the Stop button to show the service Off if it’s already enabled. If it’s disabled, you’ll advance to the subsequent step.
3. Navigate to C:\ Windows \ System32 and locate the Catroot2 folder. Right-click thereon and choose Delete. You’ll need administrator privileges to finish this operation.
4. Return to the Cryptographic Services Properties window within the General tab and click on the beginning button to restart Cryptographic Services.
5. Restart your computer and plan to apply the Windows update again.

Method 4: Resetting the Local Group Policy of Windows

If you’re working with a custom Windows Group Policy, your settings might prevent Windows Update from performing the required updates. Some users have reported that resetting their local group policy settings eliminated the 80072EFE Error and allowed Windows to update normally.

Here’s a quick guide reverting the default local group policy:

1. Press Windows key + R to open a Run window. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Browse to Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates and click on All Settings to pick it.
3. Now, use the panel on the right-side to spot the entries that are either Enabled or Disabled. You’ll make it easier for yourself by clicking the State button at the highest of the column. This may sort the entries and assist you in spotting modified policies more easily.
4. Double click every policy that’s either Enabled or Disabled and set the state to Not configured. Confirm every entry is about to Not configured when you’re done.
5. Once you’ve reverted to the default group policy, restart your machine and force the Windows Update again.
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Conclusion

We certainly hope that the methods above are successful in helping you get past the 80072EFE Error and update your Windows. However, if you’re still having this issue on a legitimate Windows license, you should contact a Microsoft Customer care representative. Some users have reported that this particular error code (80072EFE) was fixed after Microsoft rectified their Product Code. 

If a Microsoft technician confirms that your license code is valid, you should turn your attention towards your hardware. As stated above, the error message signals a network interruption. this might alright mean a faulty internet adapter or a nasty cable. If you’ve got a dynamic IP, you’ll also attempt to call your ISP and ask them to line up a static IP for your machine.

User Questions:

1. Windows Update Error 80072EFE

I’m currently running Windows 7 Pro x64 and recently started receiving the error code 80072EFE when updating Windows.

– I’m running Webroot Security and turned off its firewall and windows firewall with no success.

– I even have performed a system scan with Webroot with 0 problems found.

– I even have run TDSSKiller with 0 problems found.

2. windows update error 80072efe

I’m getting this error message: windows update error 80072efe. The OS is windows server 2012 R2.

Some people proposed stopping cryptographic services and deleting the catroot2 folder. the matter is that I can not stop cryptographic services in any way.

Whenever I stop it and check out to delete catroot, it automatically restarts the service! Are there any thanks for solving this problem?

I also tried TDSSKiller, as mentioned in other threads, but found no virus.

3. Error 80072EFE when checking out updates for Windows Server

The server may be a node during a 2008 R2 Hyper-V cluster. All others updated fine, but this one cannot look for updates after multiple reboots and troubleshooting that I’ve done. I can not seem to seek out anything online that helps either. The Error is 80072EFE once I attempt to update via Windows Update. once I attend the Event Viewer, this is often what’s shows:

4. Windows Update Error 80072EFE and 80244019