How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 80072F78

Windows Update helps keep your computer secure and reliable by installing security patches, bug fixes, drivers, and feature improvements. However, the update process can sometimes fail and display an error code.

Windows Update Error Code 80072F78 can prevent Windows 10 or Windows 11 from downloading or installing updates correctly. Network problems, corrupted system files, security software, and Windows Update components can all contribute to update failures.

Fortunately, you can try several troubleshooting methods before considering a Windows reset.

What Causes Error Code 80072F78?

The exact cause can vary from one computer to another. Common factors include:

• An unstable internet connection
• Antivirus or firewall interference
• Corrupted Windows system files
• Problems with Windows Update services
• Damaged update cache components
• Incorrect Windows Update configuration

Start with the simpler solutions first. If the problem continues, move on to the advanced troubleshooting steps.

Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Third-party security software can sometimes interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disabling its real-time protection can help determine whether it is causing the problem.

However, do not leave your security software disabled longer than necessary.

How to Temporarily Disable Antivirus Protection

The exact procedure depends on the antivirus application. In most cases:

1. Open your antivirus program.
2. Go to Settings or Protection.
3. Find Real-time protection.
4. Temporarily turn off the protection.
5. Check Windows Update again.
6. Re-enable the antivirus after testing.

If updates work while the protection is disabled, review your antivirus settings for features that may be blocking Windows Update.

Run SFC to Repair System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can interfere with Windows Update. The System File Checker can scan Windows and repair supported system-file problems.

Follow these steps:

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

4. Press Enter.
5. Wait for the scan to complete.
6. Restart your computer.

After restarting, open Windows Update and check for updates again.

If SFC cannot repair the problem, continue with the DISM commands below.

Use DISM to Repair Windows

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool can repair problems with the Windows component store.

Open Terminal (Admin) and run these commands separately:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Next:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Finally:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for each command to finish before entering the next one. Once all commands are complete, restart the computer.

If Windows Update continues to fail because of corrupted system files, our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x800F0900 covers another update problem associated with damaged or missing system files.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can identify common update problems. The steps differ slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Other troubleshooters.
5. Find Windows Update.
6. Click Run.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Additional troubleshooters.
5. Choose Windows Update.
6. Click Run the troubleshooter.

After the troubleshooter finishes, restart your computer. Then check for updates again.

Check the Windows Update Service

Windows Update depends on background services to download and install updates. If the required service is stopped, the update process may not work correctly.

To check the service:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Windows Update.
5. Double-click the service.
6. Set Startup type to Automatic.
7. Click Start if the service is stopped.
8. Select Apply and then OK.

You can also check Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services.

Restart your computer after making the changes.

Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is important when Windows downloads update files. A weak or interrupted connection can cause downloads to fail.

Try restarting your router or connecting to another network. Also check whether other websites and online services work normally.

If Windows Update is having network or connection problems, our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x8024402C covers related network, proxy, firewall, and update-service issues.

Reset Windows Update Components

A damaged update cache can prevent Windows from downloading or installing updates. Resetting the Windows Update components can rebuild these temporary files.

Open Terminal (Admin) and enter the following commands one at a time:

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

Next, rename the update folders:

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

Now restart the services:

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

Restart the computer after completing the commands. Then open Windows Update and check for available updates.

Check Available Storage

Windows may also need sufficient free storage to download and install updates. Remove unnecessary files if your system drive is nearly full.

You can check available space through Settings > System > Storage in Windows 11.

If insufficient storage is preventing updates from installing, see our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 for another storage-related Windows Update problem.

Reset Windows as a Last Resort

If the error continues after trying the troubleshooting methods above, you can consider resetting Windows.

Before doing so, back up your important documents, photos, and other personal files. Depending on the option selected, applications and settings may be removed.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Choose Recovery.
4. Click Reset PC.
5. Follow the instructions on screen.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Choose Recovery.
4. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
5. Follow the instructions provided by Windows.

Use a reset only after trying the less disruptive solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Update Error Code 80072F78 mean?

It indicates that Windows Update has encountered a problem during the update process. Network issues, system-file corruption, security software, or damaged update components may contribute to the problem.

Can SFC fix this error?

SFC can repair certain corrupted Windows system files. If it cannot resolve the problem, DISM can help repair the Windows component store.

Should I permanently disable my antivirus?

No. Disable third-party security protection only temporarily while troubleshooting. Turn it back on after testing Windows Update.

Do I need to reset Windows?

Not usually. Try checking your connection, running SFC and DISM, checking Windows Update services, and resetting the update components first.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error Code 80072F78 can prevent Windows 10 or Windows 11 from completing the update process. Fortunately, several troubleshooting options are available.

Start by checking your internet connection and security software. Next, run SFC and DISM, check the Windows Update service, and use the built-in troubleshooter. If the problem remains, resetting the Windows Update components may resolve damaged cache files.

A Windows reset should be considered only as a final option. Back up your important data before using it.