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Decoding and Troubleshooting Error Code 80072EFD in Windows

If you ever come across the error code 80072EFD using a Windows machine, you are not the only one. It is a rather frequent problem especially when trying to access several Microsoft services for instance Windows updates or the Microsoft Store. This error tends to suggest possible issues with the internet connectivity or the connection between you and the Microsoft servers.

In this article, we will explain what error code 80072EFD is, why it occurs, and how you can resolve it.

What is Error Code 80072EFD?

Error code 80072EFD usually comes up in a situation that almost all Windows devices fail to connect to the Microsoft servers. This may occur due to any of the following reasons:

Download and install Windows updates

Access the Microsoft Store

Activate Windows

Other Microsoft services.

The error message associated with this code typically reads:

Windows Update encountered an unknown error. 80072EFD

Most of the time the above error is accompanied by a statement conveying that the user may not have an active internet connection or sources preventing connection to the Microsoft servers.

Probable Causes Of The Error Code 80072EFD:

There may be several reasons for this error. Some of the prevalent reasons are listed below:

Network Connection Problems

In the event that your pc cannot reach the appropriate Microsoft servers, any attempts to carry out the update will be terminated. This could happen due to network connection issues such as a slow or intermittent connection to the internet.

Firewall or proxy settings

It is common for Microsoft servers to be inaccessible due to the Windows Firewall or any other third-party firewall installed in the system. In the same way, if you are behind a proxy and have a few settings wrong, the update process may not proceed.

Damaged Operating System Files

Corruption of the system files might equally result in complications when trying to access or upgrade Microsoft services.
Problems with Windows Update Service

For instance, you may be unable to download and install updates correctly because the Windows Update service is not functioning as expected.

Impact of Anti-Virus Software

In some cases, the antivirus software may help to block Windows updates and other Microsoft applications as they are perceived to be harmful.

Resolving Windows Fault Code 80072EFD

  1.  Verify Your Network Connection
    Before getting to advanced troubleshooting practices, make sure that your computer is able to connect to the internet, and further that the connection is reliable. You could do the following:
  2. Launch a browser and try to access any website in order to check whether internet access is functioning.
    If you are connecting on wireless wifi, attempt plugging in your laptop directly to the internet using an ethernet connection.
    Reboot the router or modem in your home to eliminate potential problems concerning the connection from your side.
  3.  Switch Off The Firewall Or Change Its Configuration
    Your Microsoft updates may not be working because of the presence of the firewall which is blocking the update and in this case it may be necessary to disable the firewall for a short time or enable the settings to allow updates.

To Disable Windows Firewall Temporarily:

Click on Control Panel.
Select System and Security and then click on Windows Defender Firewall.
Then on the left pane, click on the option Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
Select the option It’s turned off (not recommended) in both private network and public network.
Open the Firewall for the Working Ports:

For Windows update, some ports need to be kept open. These ports include:
Port 80 (for HTTP)
Port 443 (for HTTPS)
You can allow your firewall to block any other activity apart from these two ports.
Note: In case you have antivirus software installed that is not a Windows Operating System software or applies a firewall s, please refer to how to allow Windows Update to work and other Windows services from being blocked.

If proxy settings are enabled on your computer, that might cause issues while updating the software. Moreover, use the effective steps as given below:

Access Control Panel and go to Internet Options.

Click the Connections tab and then click on the LAN settings button.
Tick No proxy server for your LAN.
Click on the OK button and restart the computer.
In case you are connected to the corporate or class networks, kindly contact the IT manager regarding the appropriateness of the proxy settings.

Now run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

With Windows, users also get a free of charge troubleshooter that can repair problems associated with Windows update.

Access Settings and Select Update & Security.
In the left side menu, select Troubleshoot.
Click on Windows Update, and under the ‘Run the Troubleshooter’ section click on Troubleshoot.
Once ready, click on the on-screen prompts, and wait for the troubleshooter to resolve the issue if any issue is found.

5. Clear Windows Update Cache

Occasionally the Window Update cache might get corrupted therefore causing error messages when trying to update the device. A few steps are given below to help in clearing the update cache:

Press Win + R to open the Run box, type in services. Click on the run command and type in msc. Click OK.
Once the Services window opens, locate Windows Update from the list, and scroll down.
Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
File Explorer should be opened and go to the path C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
All the files in the Download folder should be removed.
Return to the Services screen, select Windows Update, right-click, and click Start.

In conclusion

When you have hassle in following this method, we advocate you to choose Technical support from us that will help you higher. I’m optimistic they will give you the fine answers to resolve this home windows 11/10 update error Code 80072ef absolutely. You could also go to our website for extra information.

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