Windows Update Error Code 0x80073712 is a common error that occurs when users try to install updates on their Windows operating systems. This error is known to occur in Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 operating systems. The error usually occurs when there is a problem with the operating system files, making the installation of updates unsuccessful. If you encounter this error, don’t worry. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step solutions on how to fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80073712.

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first solution to try is to use the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool can be used to diagnose and fix common Windows Update errors. To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

2. Click on “Update & Security”.

3. Click on “Troubleshoot” in the left panel.

4. Scroll down to “Windows Update” and click on it.

5. Click on “Run the troubleshooter”.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

Solution 2: Manually Reset the Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update Troubleshooter fails to fix the error, you can try resetting the Windows Update components manually. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

3. Once you’ve entered all the commands, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Solution 3: Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Another solution to try is to run an SFC scan. This scan will check the system files for any corruption or errors and will attempt to repair them. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

2. Type in sfc /scannow and press Enter.

3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Solution 4: Perform a DISM Scan

If the SFC scan doesn’t fix the error, you can try running a DISM scan. This scan checks for system image errors and repairs them. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Solution 5: Perform a Clean Boot

If nothing else works, you can try performing a clean boot. This will start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type in msconfig and press Enter.

3. In the System Configuration window, click on the “Services” tab.

4. Check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services”.

5. Click on “Disable all”.

6. Go to the “Startup” tab and click on “Open Task Manager”.

7. Disable all startup items.

8. Close Task Manager and return to System Configuration.

9. Click on “Apply” and then “OK”.

10. Restart your computer.

Conclusion:

Windows Update Error Code 0x80073712 can be frustrating, but it can be fixed with the solutions above. Try each solution and see which one works for you. If none of the solutions works, you can try contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.