How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073712 [2026 Latest Guide]

スポンサーリンク

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073712 [2026 Latest Guide]

Are you experiencing “Error code: 0x80073712” when trying to run Windows Update, causing the installation of updates to fail? This error has been particularly prevalent with the January 2026 security update (KB5074109), frustrating Windows users worldwide. This article provides a detailed explanation of the causes and solutions for this error.

What is This Error? Symptoms You May Experience

Windows Update error 0x80073712 is a common error that occurs when attempting to install Windows updates. When this error occurs, the Windows Update screen displays messages such as “Installation failed – 0x80073712” or “Some update files are missing or have problems.”

When this error occurs, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Windows Update downloads the security update successfully, but fails during the installation phase
  • Update installation stops midway and reverts to the original state after restart
  • The same error code appears repeatedly despite multiple installation attempts
  • The Windows Update history records it as “Installation failure”

Particularly with the security update KB5074109 released in January 2026 (builds 26200.7623 and 26100.7623), this error has been reported worldwide, with numerous reports flooding Microsoft community forums and support sites. Leaving this error unaddressed means critical security patches remain unapplied, potentially leaving your system vulnerable, making prompt action essential.

Causes of This Error

Cause 1: Component Store Corruption

The most common cause of error 0x80073712 is corruption of the Windows component store (WinSxS folder). The component store contains system files necessary for Windows Update to function properly. When this store becomes inconsistent, files needed for update installation are determined to be missing or corrupted, resulting in the error.

Component store corruption can be caused by unexpected shutdowns, disk errors, malware infections, or previous update failures.

Cause 2: Missing or Corrupted System Files

For Windows Update to function properly, many system files must work together. If some of these files are missing or corrupted, the update installation process is interrupted.

This error is particularly likely to occur when files in the SoftwareDistribution folder are corrupted or when previous updates ended in an incomplete state.

Cause 3: Windows Update Service Issues

If services related to Windows Update (Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Services, etc.) are not functioning properly, downloading or installing updates may fail.

Errors can occur when these services are stopped, unresponsive, or have modified settings.

Cause 4: Third-Party Software Interference

Antivirus software, VPN clients, and other security software may block Windows Update communications or file operations. This can prevent updates from downloading or installing, resulting in error 0x80073712.

Cause 5: Insufficient Disk Space

Sufficient free disk space is required for Windows Update to install properly. For large feature updates (such as upgrading to Windows 11 25H2), at least 40GB of free space on the C drive is recommended.

Solution 1: Repair System Files with DISM and SFC (Recommended)

This method is the most effective solution officially recommended by Microsoft. It uses DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) to repair corrupted system files and the component store.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Press the Windows key and type “cmd”
  2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”
  3. Click “Yes” when the User Account Control dialog appears

Step 2: Run the DISM Command

Important: Running DISM first is recommended. If the component store itself is corrupted, running SFC first may fail.

Enter the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command checks for component store corruption and downloads necessary files from Windows Update to repair it. Processing may take 15-30 minutes. Wait until “The operation completed successfully” is displayed.

Step 3: Run the SFC Command

After DISM execution is complete, enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

This command scans all Windows system files and repairs corrupted files. Processing may take 10-15 minutes to complete.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After both commands are complete, restart your computer. Restarting ensures that repaired files and service components are fully reloaded.

Step 5: Re-run Windows Update

After restarting, open Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates” to attempt the update again.

Notes

  • Internet connection is required during DISM execution (to download files from Windows Update)
  • Do not shut down the computer or close the Command Prompt during processing
  • Even if both commands report “no problems found,” restart and try updating

Solution 2: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

If method 1 doesn’t resolve the issue, use the built-in Windows troubleshooter. This tool automatically detects and fixes common issues related to Windows Update.

Steps for Windows 11

  1. Press Windows key + I to open “Settings”
  2. Select “System” from the left menu
  3. Click “Troubleshoot”
  4. Select “Other troubleshooters”
  5. Click the “Run” button next to “Windows Update”
  6. Wait for troubleshooting to complete and follow on-screen instructions

Steps for Windows 10

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot
  2. Click “Additional troubleshooters”
  3. Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter”

After troubleshooting is complete, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

Repair Install Option (Windows 11)

If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, Windows 11 has a powerful option called “Fix problems using Windows Update”:

  1. Open Settings > System > Recovery
  2. Under “Fix problems using Windows Update,” select “Reinstall now”

This method performs a repair installation of Windows while preserving your apps, settings, and personal files.

Solution 3: Manually Reset Windows Update Components (Advanced)

If the above methods don’t work, manually resetting Windows Update components may resolve the issue. This method requires executing multiple commands and is for advanced users.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Open an administrator Command Prompt using the method described earlier.

Step 2: Stop Windows Update-Related Services

Execute the following commands in order:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Step 3: Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

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

Step 4: Restart the Services

net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After executing all commands, restart your computer. After restarting, Windows Update will automatically create a new SoftwareDistribution folder and download updates from a clean state.

Additional Option: Manual Installation from Microsoft Update Catalog

If automatic updates continue to fail, you can download and install updates directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog:

  1. Access https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/ in your browser
  2. Enter the update KB number (e.g., KB5074109) in the search box
  3. Download the file corresponding to your Windows version and architecture (x64 or ARM64)
  4. Double-click the downloaded file to install

How to Prevent This Error

To prevent Windows Update error 0x80073712 from occurring, we recommend practicing the following preventive measures:

Regular System Maintenance

  • Run Disk Cleanup regularly: Deleting old update files and cache prevents the component store from becoming bloated. Search for “Disk Cleanup” and run it, checking “Windows Update Cleanup” to delete those files.

  • Regular system file checks: Running the sfc /scannow command about once a month to check system file status can help detect problems early.

Update Management

  • Maintain sufficient free disk space: Keep at least 20GB of free space on the C drive at all times, and secure at least 40GB before large feature updates.

  • Don’t shut down during updates: Turning off your computer during update installation can cause system file corruption.

Security Software Settings

  • Temporarily disable security software during updates: Third-party antivirus software may conflict with Windows Update. Temporarily disable it before updating and re-enable it after the update is complete.

Summary

Windows Update error 0x80073712 mainly occurs due to corruption of the component store or system files. While this error has been widely reported with the January 2026 security update (KB5074109), it can be resolved by taking appropriate action.

Key Points Recap:

  1. Run DISM and SFC first: This is the most effective method recommended by Microsoft. Run DISM first, then SFC.

  2. Utilize the troubleshooter: The automatic repair function can resolve many issues.

  3. Reset components if necessary: Manual reset is for advanced users but is an effective solution.

Next Steps if Unresolved:

  • Post a question on the Microsoft Q&A Community (https://learn.microsoft.com/answers/)
  • Contact Microsoft official support
  • Consider a repair installation or clean installation using a Windows ISO

Keeping security updates current is crucial for keeping your computer safe. We hope this guide helps you resolve the issue.

References

コメント

タイトルとURLをコピーしました