Applies to Windows 7

Windows Update error 80072efe or 80072f76

If you receive Windows Update error 80072efe or 80072f76 while checking for updates, it might be caused by a connection interruption between your computer and the Windows Update servers. Close Windows Update, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and then run Windows Update again. You can also wait for Windows Update to run at its next scheduled time.

If you still receive one of these errors, you can run an automatic troubleshooter that will automatically find and fix some common problems with Windows Update.

To run a Windows Update troubleshooter

Click this button:
Fix this problem
In the File Download dialog box, click Run, and then follow the steps in the wizard.
Open Windows Update, and try to install the update again.

If the troubleshooter didn't help, verify that you have an Internet connection. For more information about Internet connection problems, see Why can’t I connect to the Internet?

If you still receive this error after checking your Internet connection, it might mean that a program running on your computer is preventing Windows Update Services from accessing the Internet. Programs that might do this include firewalls, antispyware software, web accelerators, Internet security or antivirus programs, or proxy servers.

For steps you can take to fix this problem, see the connection-related update errors article on the Microsoft website.

If you continue to see this error, see this automatic troubleshooter on the Microsoft Support website, or go to the Microsoft Answers website for more assistance.

Error codes this applies to: