How to Fix Windows Error 0x80072EFD

What Causes This?

Windows error 0x80072EFD usually means your PC cannot reach a Microsoft service because the network connection is being blocked, interrupted, or misrouted. It often shows up in Microsoft Store, Windows Update, Xbox, or account sign-in screens when DNS settings, proxy settings, firewall rules, or a corrupted network cache prevent a successful connection. In some cases, the issue is caused by a temporary outage, but local network settings are the more common reason.

Common Symptoms

• Microsoft Store will not open or download apps
• Windows Update fails to check for or install updates
• Xbox or Microsoft account sign-in does not work
• You see messages about being unable to connect to the server
• Internet works in a browser, but Microsoft services still fail

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check that your internet connection is actually working

   1. Open your browser and visit a few websites.
   2. If pages do not load, restart your router and modem.
   3. If websites work but Microsoft services do not, continue with the steps below.

2. Turn off any VPN or proxy connection

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to Network & internet > Proxy.
   3. Turn Use a proxy server to Off if it is enabled.
   4. If you use a VPN app, disconnect it completely and try again.

3. Reset the Windows network cache

   1. Click Start, type cmd.
   2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   3. Run these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

      ipconfig /flushdns
      netsh winsock reset
      netsh int ip reset

   4. Restart your PC after the commands finish.

4. Check date, time, and region settings

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to Time & language > Date & time.
   3. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
   4. Incorrect time settings can block secure connections to Microsoft servers.

5. Temporarily test your firewall or antivirus

   1. Open your antivirus or firewall app.
   2. Temporarily disable web protection or firewall filtering for a minute.
   3. Test Microsoft Store or Windows Update again.
   4. If it works, re-enable protection and add Microsoft services or Store traffic to the allow list.
   5. Do not leave security software disabled.

6. Reset Microsoft Store if that is where the error appears

   1. Press Windows + R to open Run.
   2. Type:

      wsreset.exe

   3. Press Enter.
   4. A blank Command Prompt window may appear for a moment, then Microsoft Store should reopen.

7. Run the built-in network troubleshooter

   1. Open Settings with Windows + I.
   2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Run Internet Connections and Network Adapter.
   4. Apply any fixes Windows suggests, then restart the PC.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

Kudu can automatically detect broken network settings, invalid proxy entries, DNS cache issues, and other common causes of error 0x80072EFD. Instead of checking each Windows setting manually, you can run Kudu to clean up connection-related problems and apply safe fixes in one place.

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