How to Fix Windows Error 0x80073712

Windows error 0x80073712 usually means Windows Update is trying to use files that are missing or damaged in the component store. When that happens, updates can’t install correctly because Windows no longer has a clean copy of the system files it needs. Corrupted update cache files, interrupted updates, or disk errors are the most common triggers.

Common Symptoms

• Windows Update fails repeatedly with error 0x80073712
• Updates download but won’t install
• You see messages about missing or corrupted files
• System scans like SFC or DISM report repair issues
• Feature or cumulative updates get stuck partway through

How to Fix It Manually

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Windows Update and click Run.
   4. Let Windows apply any suggested fixes, then restart your PC.

2. Repair the Windows component store with DISM

   1. Click Start, type cmd.
   2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   3. Enter this command and press Enter:

      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   4. Wait for it to finish. This can take several minutes and may appear stuck at certain percentages.
   5. Restart your PC after the scan completes.

3. Run System File Checker

   1. Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
   2. Run:

      sfc /scannow

   3. Wait for the scan to complete.
   4. If it finds and repairs files, restart your computer before checking for updates again.

4. Reset the Windows Update cache

   1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. In the Services window, right-click Windows Update and choose Stop.
   3. Also stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
   4. Open File Explorer and go to:

      C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

   5. Delete the contents of that folder. If some files won’t delete, restart and try again.
   6. Go back to services.msc, right-click Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service, then choose Start.

5. Check your drive for file system errors

   1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
   2. Run:

      chkdsk C: /f

   3. If prompted to schedule the scan on restart, type Y and press Enter.
   4. Restart your PC and let the disk check finish.

6. Try Windows Update again

   1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Click Check for updates.
   3. If the same error returns, install the latest servicing stack update or cumulative update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog using your exact Windows version.

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