Applies to Windows 7

Windows Update error 80072ee2

If you receive Windows Update error 80072ee2 while checking for updates, the Windows Update servers might be experiencing an unusually high number of requests for updates. 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.

An automatic troubleshooter is available that fixes some problems with Windows Update, and it might resolve this error for you.

To run a Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Click this button:

    Picture of a Fix it buttonFix this problem

  2. In the File Download dialog box, click Run, and then follow the steps in the wizard.

  3. Open Windows Update, and try to install the update again.

If that didn't work, try the following steps.

To add the Windows Update websites to a firewall exceptions list

  • Windows Firewall ships with this version of Windows and should already include these sites in the exceptions list. If you use a different firewall, refer to the software publisher's help to see how to add these websites to your firewall exceptions list:

    • http://*.update.microsoft.com

    • https://*.update.microsoft.com

    • http://download.windowsupdate.com

For more information on firewalls, see What is a firewall? or Understanding Windows Firewall settings.

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:

  • WindowsUpdate_80072ee2

  • 0x80072ee2