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Windows Update error 0x80073712 means a file needed for the update is likely damaged or missing, or the download may be incomplete. Back up important personal files, then start with the Windows Update troubleshooter in Get Help. If the error remains, run Microsoft’s repair commands in order: DISM first, then System File Checker (SFC).
What error 0x80073712 means
Microsoft describes this code as indicating that a file needed by Windows Update is likely damaged or missing. It can also be associated with an incomplete download. The code points to a likely problem category; it does not identify the cause on every PC. See Microsoft’s Windows installation-error guidance.
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Before you troubleshoot
Back up important personal files before attempting repairs. The steps below use Windows’ built-in tools; avoid downloading replacement system files or DLLs from unofficial sites. Microsoft recommends backing up files before update troubleshooting in its Windows Update troubleshooting guidance.
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Microsoft’s current Windows 11 guidance recommends starting with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Open Get Help, search for Windows Update troubleshooting, and follow the prompts. Restart if the troubleshooter requests it, then check for updates again.
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You can also reach the troubleshooter through Settings: Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run. The available prompts and labels may vary slightly by Windows build.
Repair Windows system files with DISM and SFC
If the troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, use an administrator Command Prompt. Microsoft’s recommended sequence is DISM followed by SFC; run each command separately and let it finish before starting the next.
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Open Start, type Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, and approve the User Account Control prompt.
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Enter this command and press Enter:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestorehealthWait for DISM to complete. It may use Windows Update to obtain repair files.
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After DISM finishes, enter:
sfc /scannowWait until verification reaches 100 percent. Close the window only after the scan has completed.
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Restart if requested, then open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Microsoft’s System File Checker instructions specify running DISM before SFC. If DISM cannot obtain repair files because Windows Update is not working, Microsoft documents using a valid alternate Windows repair source. Do not use an arbitrary image or file source.
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Retry the update and use other checks only if needed
After the troubleshooter or repairs, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates, install available updates, and restart when prompted. If the same failure continues, Microsoft’s broader troubleshooting guidance also covers checking date and time, available disk space, the SoftwareDistribution cache, and possible third-party driver or security-software conflicts. These are general checks, not confirmed causes of 0x80073712 on a particular device; use them when the symptoms or guidance point to them rather than resetting services or removing software by default.
A note about the March 2026 update incident
Microsoft reported that some Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices encountered 0x80073712 while installing the March 26, 2026 preview update KB5079391. Microsoft’s March 31, 2026 out-of-band release notes say the installation issue was addressed in KB5086672, for eligible systems in that specific servicing context. This was a fix for that preview-update incident, not a universal remedy for every PC reporting the code. Check your Windows version and update history before considering any update-specific action. Details are in Microsoft’s KB5086672 release notes.
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