The Windows Update error 0x80072ee7 can occur in both Windows 11 and Windows 10 when attempting to install a major update. It is perhaps the most common error encountered by users during a Windows Update. It can appear in all places where Windows Update could take place, such as the general Windows Update interface, the media creation tool, or the Windows update assistant.
In this post, we will go through a series of solutions to help you resolve the Windows 11 or 10 Update error 0x80072ee7. You do not have to try all of them, simply work your way down until you find a solution that resolves your issue.
See also: How to Restart Windows Update Service on Windows 11
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Check DNS settings
DNS is responsible for directing you to your destination on the internet, including Windows Update requests. If the DNS setting is misconfigured or the DNS server is inoperable, Windows Update may fail and result in the error 0x80072ee7.
By default, your PC should be using your ISP’s DNS if you haven’t ever configured your DNS settings. However, it is always recommended to use a public DNS such as the Google or Cloudflare DNS as they are faster and more secure. Follow the steps below to change your PC’s DNS to Google Public DNS.
- In Windows, go to the Start menu.
- Search for Control Panel and open it.
- Click on view network status and tasks.
- In the left panel, click Change adapter settings.
- Select and right-click the primary network adapter (Ethernet or WiFi) you are currently using.
- Select Properties.
- Scroll down to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
- Select it and then click on Properties.
- Enable Use the following DNS server addresses.
- Enter 8.8.8.8 for preferred DNS server, and 8.8.4.4 for Alternate DNS server.
- Alternatively, you can use 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 if you prefer to use Cloudflare DNS (which we highly recommend at the moment).
For a more detailed DNS explanation, which DNS to choose, and an in-depth guide on how to change DNS for your computer, read: How to Change DNS to Google or Cloudflare DNS in Windows 11/10.
Restart Windows Update Service
Restarting the Windows Update service can help resolve issues with Windows Update because it essentially resets the service and clears any potential glitches or errors that may have occurred. The Windows Update service is responsible for downloading and installing updates for the Windows operating system. If there are issues with the service, such as it becoming stuck or unresponsive, updates may not be able to install correctly.
By stopping and starting the Windows Update service, you are essentially refreshing it and giving it a chance to start fresh. This can help clear any potential errors or glitches that may have been preventing updates from installing properly. It can also help ensure that the service is running smoothly and is able to download and install updates as intended.
Overall, restarting the Windows Update service is a simple and effective solution that can often help resolve issues with Windows Update. It’s always a good idea to try this solution first before moving on to more advanced troubleshooting methods.
Run DISM Check
DISM, short for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is a built-in tool in Windows 10 and 11 that can automatically scan for Windows Update errors and fix them. Since DISM check is a command, we will have to run it from a command prompt. Follow the steps below to do so.
Go to Windows search or Cortana. Search for “CMD“. Right-click Command Prompt from the search result, then select “Run as administrator.” This is important because DISM can only be run with admin privilege. In the command prompt, enter the following command.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The scan and repair will begin now. It may take a while. When it’s completed, restart your computer, run Windows Update again, and see if the problem persists.
Run the WUReset Script
The WUReset script can reset the Windows Update Agent, thereby resolving issues with Windows Update. It’s very widely used and has proven to be useful in fixing Windows Update related issues. Since the error code 0x80072ee7 is directly related to Windows Update, running the WUReset script may help.
Download the script from here. When prompted for its license agreement, just click “I agree” to start the download. Unzip the downloaded zip file. Run the ResetWUEng.cmd in the folder.
When the process is completed, restart your PC. Run Windows Update again to see if the problem is fixed.
Run System File Check
If none of the above solutions work for you, it may indicate that something is wrong with the OS system files. You can run the System File Check command to automatically scan and repair corrupted or missing system files in the Windows OS.
To run SFC, go to Windows Search or Cortana. Search for Command Prompt. Right-click it and select “Run as administrator.” In the command prompt, enter the following command.
sfc /scannow
The scan and repair will begin now. The process may take a few hours to complete. Restart your PC when it’s done, then try running Windows Update again.
In summary, these solutions should help you fix the Windows Update error 0x80072ee7 in Windows 10 or Windows 11. If none of these solutions work for you, there may be another underlying issue with your PC that requires more advanced troubleshooting. In that case, it may be best to seek assistance from a professional.
Also, keep in mind that some third-party antivirus software may cause issues with Windows Update. If you have a third-party antivirus software installed, try disabling it temporarily and see if that resolves the issue. If it does, consider updating or switching to a different antivirus software.
