Error code 0x80073712 can disrupt Windows update which is quite essential for running all the applications and programs in a proper sequence. Due to this error, users can be missing out on some necessary updates and experience various problems in Windows.
If you are also getting the same error notification, it indicates something is not right with the Windows setup or update processes. So, unless you remove this error code from your PC, it won’t allow the users to perform any task on Windows 10.
This can include installation or uninstallation of various apps and preventing them from updating their Windows. Fortunately, you can still troubleshoot this annoying Windows 10 problem with a few technical solutions. Hence, you can go through this article to know these fixes and remove this error from your Windows 10 device.
The error notification 0x80073712 is a very annoying issue. And, it can happen if there is any compatibility issue with Windows 10 installation or upgradation. Alongside OS issues, there can also be bugs which might enter into your system while updating the Windows 10.
In some versions of Windows 10 users might come across installation error and it can lead to this Windows update error. This mostly occurs if there are outdated drivers or software conflicts in the system.
Sometimes, unexpected shutdown of the Windows Update service in Windows 10 can also result in this error message. If there are corrupted or missing files in the Software Distribution folder in Windows, you can receive this error code.
There are a few troubleshooting tips to fix 0x80073712 error notification while applying updates or running any other applications on Windows 10. So, let’s take a look at some of the technical methods, which can resolve this error code 0x80073712 Windows 10.
If you are experiencing this error especially due to a Windows update problem, this method can be helpful. Hence, to run the troubleshooting tool on Windows 10, you need to apply the following steps.
First, hit the Windows logo button on your keyboard or open the Windows Start menu. Then, click on the search box and write ‘troubleshoot’ in it. This will display the System settings feature of ‘Troubleshoot’ as the best match on your screen. So, click on it and view the expanded settings window for Windows Troubleshooter.
You can also find this troubleshooting option by clicking on ‘Update & Security’ under Windows Settings. So, open the expanded setting for ‘Troubleshoot’ on Windows 10 and find ‘Windows Update’ below ‘Get up and running’.
Below this feature, you will get a tab for ‘Run the troubleshooter’, which you need to click. After this, go through the on-screen steps and apply them correctly to troubleshoot this error. Finally, restart your PC and check whether this error code shows up while you apply the Windows update.
If you can run the handy program of SFC in Windows, it can scan missing and corrupted files in your PC. Mostly, it helps to detect issues, which can lead to error code 0x80073712 in Windows 10.
To begin scanning with the SFC scan, press the Windows logo button and open the search box. Then, write ‘cmd’ in the box and wait for Windows 10 to show the best match as ‘Command Prompt’.
However, you need to right-click on this Desktop app and select ‘Run as Administrator’. In case Windows prompts you to confirm this action, click on the tab of ‘Yes’ immediately.
As the window of Command Prompt appears, write the command ‘sfc/scannow’ and hit the ‘Enter’ key. Then, give some time to your Windows to run the SFC tool and repair the corrupted system files. In case, if any of the essential files are missing, this checker program can fill it up with new ones. For some reason, if the method doesn’t work, move on to next fixes to troubleshoot this issue.
In case you can’t remove this error code by running the System File Checker or Windows Troubleshooter, this solution might work. The Deployment Image & Servicing Management (DISM) program is an effective tool for fixing corruption causing problems in Windows. Hence, you can run this application and get rid of error 0x80073712 easily on your Windows 10 device.
For running this tool, hit the Windows logo button on your keyboard and enter ‘cmd’ in the search box. Then, select the ‘Run as Administrator’ option after clicking Command Prompt on Windows 10.
When you see the black screen for command prompt window, write the command ‘DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth’ in it. Then, press the ‘Enter’ key and allow the ‘Deployment Image & Servicing Management’ tool to perform the cleanup task.
Once the entire process is completed by the DISM tool, you will have to restart your PC for the changes to take effect. Also, repeat the steps discussed in the above solution to launch the SFC scan for repairing the corrupted system files in Windows 10.
Now, you can go to the Device Manager and hit the tab for ‘Windows Update’ to check for the status of the error message. If you are still getting this error code, then apply the remaining solutions to resolve Windows Update error.
If you are wondering what else to do for troubleshooting this error code, then this fix can work. Here, you just need to clear the Windows Update cache and delete SoftwareDistribution files which are causing the issue.
So, first, open the Run dialog box by hitting both the Windows logo and R buttons altogether. Then type in the box ‘services.msc’ and hit the ‘OK’ button. This will immediately display the ‘Services’ window on your screen, where you need to locate the ‘Windows Update’ service. Hence, right-click on it and choose the option of ‘Stop’.
After this, type ‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download’ in the Run dialog box and press the ‘OK’ button. It will then take you to the ‘Download’ folder under the option of ‘SoftwareDistribution’ in Windows 10.
Now, you need to select the entire list of items present in the folder of ‘Download’ and erase it. Hence, simply press ‘Ctrl’ and ‘A’ buttons simultaneously to select all the files at once. Then, right-click on it and select the ‘Delete’ option to clear the downloads.
In case, Windows prompts you to confirm the task to delete the entire content from SoftwareDistribution, you need to click on ‘Continue’. However, make sure to tick the checkbox for ‘Do this for all current items’ and then proceed with the deletion.
Once again go back to the Windows Services window and find the service of ‘Windows Update’. Then, right-click on it and select ‘Start’ to restore normal functioning of Windows Update.
If the frustrating issue doesn’t leave your PC, it’s time to remove/uninstall the OS. However, if you still want to stick to Windows 10, you can utilize Microsoft Media Creation Tool for reinstalling it.
So, type the URL of the Microsoft Media Creation Tool website and find the tab for ‘Download Tool’. Click on this button and download the application to either your PC or a USB flash drive.
While running the Microsoft Media Creation Tool application, you will have to agree to the terms for EULA. Hence, accept the terms of installation and choose the option of ‘Create installation media for another PC’.
Then, hit the tab of ‘Next’ and select the appropriate settings for the Windows 10 version you want to install. Also, you need to mention which country you reside in and what is the configuration of your PC (64-Bit or 32-Bit).
So, you can launch the Microsoft Media Creation Tool directly from the downloaded application file. Otherwise, open the USB flash drive and run the tool by following the on-screen setup wizard.
Hopefully, this article has provided some useful information on this error code, including its causes and troubleshooting methods. But, if you are not a tech-savvy person and not sure about applying these solutions, you can get in touch with a Windows technician. However, if you have some quick fix techniques to deal with this 0x80073712 error message, feel free to share in the comment section.