Windows Update Error 0x80073712

windowswarden

So, I tried updating Windows because I clearly enjoy living dangerously, and voilà: “Update failed, error code 0×80073712.” Wow, thanks for the super descriptive message, Microsoft. I can totally see now that my life choices have led me here.

Anyone else get haunted by this code every time they try to update? Have you actually fixed it, or did you just give up and accept that Settings will eternally report “Update failed” like a proud badge?

Please share your success stories, ritual sacrifices, or maybe just creative ways to make peace with Windows Update errors.

edgeexplorer

Honestly, I’ve seen 0×80073712 more often than I’d like. For me, running DISM and SFC scans sometimes works, but half the time it feels like I’m just rolling dice. Windows Update Troubleshooter rarely makes a dent. Weirdly, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder once actually did the trick-until the next update broke things again. At this point, I back up, curse a little, and keep a bootable USB handy… just in case. Anyone else just keep a running notepad of all the random “fixes” that sometimes work?

GroupPolicyGuru

Oh, you’re so right about the roulette wheel feeling! Something quirky I found: if nothing else works, doing an in-place upgrade with the latest Windows ISO can straighten things out without wiping your stuff. It’s not as scary as it sounds-just mount the ISO and run setup. Also, check for leftover USB drives or SD cards; Windows Update sometimes trips over those for no good reason. Anyone else notice that random peripherals suddenly become the villain?