Meta Description:
Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073712 in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Learn how to repair corrupted system files and restore Windows Update functionality.
What Is Windows Update Error 0x80073712?
Error 0x80073712 usually means:
A file needed by Windows Update is damaged or missing.
In technical terms, this error is related to corrupted Windows component store (WinSxS).
When this happens:
- Updates fail to install
- Windows may roll back changes
- Update process stops unexpectedly
This error is often connected to:
What Causes Error 0x80073712?
Common causes include:
- Corrupted system files
- Interrupted update process
- Sudden shutdown during update
- Disk errors
- Malware infection
Unlike 0x80072ee2 (network issue) or 0x80070005 (permission issue), this error is system file corruption related.
Quick Fix Checklist
Before advanced repair:
✔ Restart PC
✔ Ensure 20+ GB free disk space
✔ Disable antivirus temporarily
If error persists, continue below.
Fix 1: Run SFC Scan
This is the first and most important fix.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
Wait for completion.
If it finds and fixes errors → Restart PC and try updating.
Fix 2: Run DISM (Most Important Fix)
If SFC doesn’t fix it, run DISM.
Open Command Prompt (Admin):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This repairs the Windows component store.
⚠ This may take 10–30 minutes.
After completion → Restart PC → Try updating again.
This fix resolves most 0x80073712 cases.
Fix 3: Check Disk for Errors
Disk corruption can damage system files.
Run:
chkdsk C: /f /r
Press Y if prompted and restart PC.
Let disk check complete.
Fix 4: Clear Windows Update Cache
If update files are corrupted:
Stop update services:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver
Delete contents inside:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Restart services and reboot.
This also fixes issues similar to Windows Update Error 0x80070002.
Fix 5: Perform Windows Repair Install
If error persists after DISM:
Use Windows 11 Installation Assistant:
- Choose “Upgrade this PC now”
- Keep files and apps
This repairs system files without deleting personal data.
Fix 6: Reset This PC (Last Resort)
If nothing works:
Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC
Choose:
✔ Keep my files
Use only if severe corruption exists.
Why Does 0x80073712 Keep Coming Back?
If the error keeps returning:
- Your disk may be failing
- SSD/HDD health may be degraded
- System files may be repeatedly corrupted
Consider checking drive health or upgrading to SSD if still using HDD.
Slow storage also causes issues like:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 0x80073712 serious?
It can be serious if caused by deep system corruption, but usually fixable with DISM.
Will I lose files?
No — unless you perform full reset without keeping files.
Can malware cause 0x80073712?
Yes. Run a full system scan if corruption keeps happening.
Final Thoughts
Windows Update Error 0x80073712 is almost always caused by corrupted system components.
Start with:
✔ SFC
✔ DISM
✔ Disk check
In most cases, DISM fixes it.
Only consider repair install if problem persists.