The 80072EFE error is commonly caused by connectivity problems. Since we cannot access the Windows server, we can only troubleshoot the client side.
Method 1: Removing Rootkits With the tdsskiller.exe Programme.
We’ll start with malware interference because it can cause far more problems than simply stopping an update. There is a common association between the 80072EFE error and the win.32 TDDS family of rootkit malware. This rootkit is known to block Windows Defender’s reactive capabilities and prevent security updates from being installed.
Fortunately, eliminating the harmful rootkit files is a breeze. The rootkit files may be easily removed with the new executable released by Kaspersky Labs. Read this tutorial to learn how to use tdsskiler.exe:
- exe, please.
- To initiate a scan, simply launch the programme and select the appropriate option.
- TDSSKiller is preprogrammed to automatically terminate any treatments it discovers. It’s time to restart the computer now that everything is done.
- In Windows Update, retry installing any available updates to see if they work.
Method 2: Taking Down Security Measures
In the event that running tdsskiller.exe had no results, we should check to make sure that a firewall or antivirus programme installed on your computer is not blocking the tool from doing its job.
It is possible for a third-party firewall or antivirus programme to falsely flag the Windows update connection as insecure. Because of this, Windows won’t be able to update itself. The 80072EFE issue occurs frequently due to incompatibilities between Windows Defender and alternative security software. It has been determined that the following firewalls are to blame for this problem:
- Norton Internet Security
- Panda Firewall
- Zone Alarm Firewall
- McAfee firewall
- AVG firewall
Disable any of the aforementioned third-party firewalls, restart your computer, and give the update another shot if you’re having trouble. It is recommended to disable any firewall software before updating Windows, however this is not limited to just Microsoft’s own product.
Method 3: Doing Away With The CatRoot2 Directory
The Windows Update procedure necessitates the use of the catroot2 folder, which is part of the Windows system. The signatures of the Windows Update package are kept in the catroot2 folder, which is updated whenever Windows Update is used.
It turns out that the 80072EFE error and other Windows update issues can be resolved by deleting the contents of the catroo2 folder. In order to proceed with this strategy, you must first stop the Cryptographic service from using a file in the CatRoot2 folder.
Following this brief tutorial, you can turn off Cryptographic Services and remove the CatRoot2 folder.
- You may bring up the Run dialogue by pressing the Windows key plus R. In order to access the Services window, type Services.msc and hit Enter.
- To access Cryptographic Services, please scroll down and double-click on the appropriate link. When the Cryptographic Services Properties window appears, click the General tab. If the service is turned on, you can disable it by clicking the Stop option. If it is not active, then you can proceed.
- Proceed to C: Windows System32 and look for the Catroot2 directory. Select Delete from the context menu. In order to carry this out, you must have administrative rights.
- To restart Cryptographic Services, go back to the window’s General tab and click the Start button.
- Try installing the Windows update again after restarting your machine.
Method 4: Windows Local Group Policy Reset
Windows Update may not instal critical updates if you have a custom Windows Group Policy blocking it. For other customers, restoring their local group policy settings was all it took to get rid of the 80072EFE problem and restore regular Windows update functionality.
Here is a simple tutorial on how to restore the factory-setting local group policy:
- A Run window can be accessed by pressing the Windows key plus R. To access the Local Group Policy Editor, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
- Click the All Settings button in Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates.
- To see which options are active, look at the panel on the right. To narrow your search, select a state from the drop-down menu next to the State button. This will arrange the data such that it’s easier to find recently updated policies.
- To change the configuration of a policy from Enabled or Disabled to Not configured, double-click the policy in question. When you’re finished, make sure that every option is set to “Not configured.”
- After restoring the factory settings, restart your computer and run Windows Update manually.
