Error code 0x80072efe is a Windows Update error that occurs when the Windows Update service is unable to connect to the update server. This can happen for a number of reasons, including network connectivity issues, firewall settings, or the Windows Update service itself is not running.
1. Restart your computer and try again
- Power down your computer.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of your computer.
- Hold down the power button for about 15 seconds.
- Plug in the power cord.
- Turn on your computer.
- When you see the startup menu, choose the option to start up from the last known good configuration.
- If your computer starts up in the operating system you were using before the problem occurred, try to fix the problem using the instructions that came with your software. If the problem cannot be fixed using the software that came with your computer, try to find the latest version of the software from the manufacturer's website or from a friend or colleague.
- If the problem still cannot be fixed, you can try to restart your computer by following the steps listed below.
- After restarting your computer, try to fix the problem again.
2. Check your internet connection and try again
- Open the "CMD" window and type "ping google.com"
- If the ping returns an error, then your internet connection is probably not working.
- Try connecting to google.com using a different browser or device.
- If you are still having trouble connecting, try resetting your router.
- If you are still having trouble connecting, try contacting your ISP or router manufacturer for help.
3. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and scan your computer
- Open your antivirus software and click on the "Scan" tab.
- On the "Scan Type" drop-down menu, select "Full System Scan."
- On the "Scan Options" tab, select the "Check for Updates" option.
- Click on the "Scan" button to start the scan.
- If the scan results show that your computer is infected with malware, then you will need to remove the malware from your computer. For more information, you can visit the malware removal website.
- Once the malware is removed, you can continue the scan by clicking on the "Scan" button again.
- If the scan results show that your computer is not infected, then you can close the antivirus software and continue with the following steps.
- Click on the "Settings" button.
- On the "General" tab, click on the "Update" button.
- Click on the "Check for Updates" button to update your antivirus software.
- If the update is successful, then the "Update" button will change to a "Update Completed" button.
- Click on the "OK" button to continue.
- If the update is not successful, then you will need to try to update your antivirus software again. For more information, you can visit the antivirus software website.
4. Temporarily disable your firewall and try again
- Open the Control Panel.
- Under System and Security, click Firewall.
- In the Firewall section, click the Enable button.
- In the Security Level section, click the Custom Level button.
- In the Firewall Settings dialog box, click the Disable button.
- Click OK.
- Try to connect to the Internet again. If the error persists, contact your system administrator.
5. Clear your browser's cache and cookies and try again
The first step is to clear your browser's cache and cookies. This will help to remove any leftover information from previous visits that may be causing the error code. Next, you should try to access the page again. If the error still occurs, you can try to clear your browser's cookies and cache again, or contact customer support for more assistance.
If you didn't find success with an option above, then try:
- Try using a different browser.
- Contact your ISP or network administrator.
- Try the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- Run a malware scan of your computer.
- Reset your Windows Update components.