Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80073712: How to Fix It

Medium 45-90 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x80073712
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
45-90 minutes
Error code 0x80073712 means Windows has detected corruption inside its Update component store — the hidden database Windows uses to track and install updates. This usually happens after a sudden shutdown during an update, a failed install, or disk errors that scrambled system files. The good news is that Windows includes built-in command-line tools (DISM and SFC) that can scan, repair, and restore the damaged files without reinstalling the entire operating system.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80073712

  1. Restart Your Computer First

    Make sure to save all open documents and close all programs before restarting to avoid losing unsaved work.

  2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  3. Open an Elevated Command Prompt

    Do not close the Command Prompt window while commands are running. Interrupting a DISM or SFC scan mid-process can cause additional problems.

  4. Run the DISM CheckHealth Command

  5. Run the DISM ScanHealth Command

    The progress bar may appear to freeze near 20% for several minutes — this is normal. Do not interrupt the process.

  6. Run the DISM RestoreHealth Command

    Your computer must be connected to the internet during this step so DISM can download repair files from Microsoft's servers. Do not disconnect from the internet or shut down during the process.

  7. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

  8. Run Windows Update Again

  9. Manually Reset Windows Update Components (If Error Persists)

    Type each command carefully. Renaming the wrong folder can cause problems. If you are not comfortable with Command Prompt, consider asking a technician to perform this step.
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When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional technician or Microsoft Support if: (1) DISM RestoreHealth fails with errors even with a working internet connection, (2) SFC reports it 'could not perform the requested operation' after multiple attempts, (3) your hard drive is showing signs of failure (clicking noises, frequent errors, slow performance) and may be causing the file corruption, (4) the error persists after all steps above and you are uncomfortable attempting an in-place Windows upgrade repair, or (5) your system is a managed corporate or enterprise device where Group Policy may be blocking Windows Update access — in that case, contact your IT department.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x80073712?
Error 0x80073712 is caused by corruption in the Windows Update component store — a system database Windows uses to manage update packages. Common causes include a sudden power loss or forced shutdown while an update was installing, a failing or bad-sector-affected hard drive corrupting system files, malware that modified protected Windows files, or a previous failed update that left the component store in an inconsistent state.
How long does DISM RestoreHealth take to run?
DISM RestoreHealth typically takes between 15 and 45 minutes, but can occasionally run up to an hour or more on slower internet connections or heavily corrupted systems. The progress percentage may appear to stall for extended periods, particularly around 20% — this is completely normal. Do not close the Command Prompt window or restart your computer while it is running.
What should I do if SFC says it could not repair all files?
If SFC /scannow reports 'Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them', first make sure you ran DISM RestoreHealth successfully before running SFC. If you did, try running SFC a second time after restarting. You can also check the SFC log for details by running: findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log >%userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt — which saves a readable log to your Desktop. If specific system files are consistently unrepairable, consider performing a Windows in-place upgrade repair using a Windows ISO downloaded from Microsoft's official website.
Can I use DISM with a local Windows ISO instead of downloading from the internet?
Yes. If your internet connection is slow or DISM fails to connect to Windows Update servers, you can use a local Windows ISO as the repair source. Download the correct Windows ISO from Microsoft's official website using the Media Creation Tool, mount it by double-clicking the ISO file, then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:X:\Sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess — replacing 'X' with the drive letter of the mounted ISO. This forces DISM to use the local files instead of the internet.
Will fixing error 0x80073712 delete my files or programs?
No. Running DISM and SFC only repairs system files in the Windows component store — your personal files, documents, photos, installed programs, and settings are not affected or deleted. These tools work on the underlying Windows system files only. The only step that modifies anything outside of system files is Step 9, which renames (not deletes) the Windows Update download cache folders, which Windows automatically rebuilds. A full Windows reinstall is not required for this error in the vast majority of cases.

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