Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073712 (Missing or Corrupted Files)

Published 2026-02-10 by TechNet New England

Error code 0x80073712 appears when Windows Update can't install an update because required files are missing or corrupted. You might see messages like "Some update files are missing or have problems" or "We'll try to download the update again later."

This error has become more common with recent 2026 updates. Here's how to fix it.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Start with the built-in troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot
2. Click "Other troubleshooters"
3. Find "Windows Update" and click "Run"
4. Follow the prompts and let it complete
5. Restart your computer
6. Try Windows Update again

Fix 2: Run DISM and SFC

These commands repair Windows system files:

1. Open Command Prompt or Terminal as Administrator
2. Run DISM first:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for it to complete (can take 15-30 minutes)
4. Then run SFC:

   sfc /scannow

5. Wait for completion
6. Restart your computer
7. Try Windows Update again

Fix 3: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Sometimes corrupted cached files cause the error:

1. Open Services (press Win+R, type services.msc, press Enter)
2. Find "Windows Update" service
3. Right-click it and select "Stop"
4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
5. Delete everything inside the "Download" folder
6. Go back to Services and start the Windows Update service
7. Try Windows Update again

Fix 4: Reset Windows Update Components

For persistent issues, reset all Windows Update components:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run these commands one at a time:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

3. Restart your computer
4. Try Windows Update again

Fix 5: Download Update Manually

If a specific update keeps failing, download it directly:

1. Note the KB number of the failing update (e.g., KB5077181)
2. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog: catalog.update.microsoft.com
3. Search for the KB number
4. Download the version matching your system (x64 for most modern PCs)
5. Run the downloaded .msu file to install manually

Fix 6: Check Disk Space

Windows needs free space to download and install updates:

• You need at least 10-20 GB free on your system drive
• Open Settings > System > Storage to check
• Run Disk Cleanup or delete unnecessary files if needed

Fix 7: In-Place Upgrade Repair

If nothing else works, an in-place upgrade repairs Windows while keeping your files and apps:

1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's website
2. Run it and select "Upgrade this PC now"
3. Choose to keep files and apps
4. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade/repair

This reinstalls Windows system files fresh while preserving your data and applications.

Common Causes of 0x80073712

• Previous update interrupted or failed
• Corrupted Windows component store
• Antivirus interfering with update files
• Insufficient disk space
• System file corruption

Having persistent update problems? Contact TechNet New England for professional Windows support.