- Software and digital services
- Operating system
0x80073712
0x80073712 in Windows Update: a file the update needs is missing or damaged
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Medium
Quick answer
A file Windows Update needs is likely damaged or missing. Microsoft says to repair system files with DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and then try the update again.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- If DISM cannot download repair files because Windows Update is not working either, do not fetch system files from third-party sites: ask IT support for help.
Safe checks you can perform
- Repair files with DISM
- Windows Update troubleshooter
- Space, external hardware and restart
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Full system repair
- Do not attempt this professional task: Rename the software distribution folders
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Full system repair
What they doThe technician repeats DISM with full output, runs sfc /scannow, repairs disk errors and performs a clean boot before retrying.
They must show youDISM, SFC and disk check output.
In writingwhat was repaired and whether the update completed.
Rename the software distribution folders
What they doThey stop the Windows Update services, rename the software distribution folders and download the update again.
They must show youthe renamed folders and service state.
In writingthe result of the new download.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Repair files with DISM
- Who:
- you, with an administrator account.
- How:
- open Command Prompt as administrator, run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth, wait for it to finish and restart.
- Result that matters:
- whether DISM finishes without errors.
- If it finishes cleanly:
- run Windows Update again; if it installs, the damaged file was the cause.
- If DISM returns an error:
- note its code and hand the case to IT support.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshot of DISM's final message.
Type the command exactly; do not combine it with DISM options you do not know.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Windows Update troubleshooter
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- run the Windows Update troubleshooter and retry the update.
- Result that matters:
- whether the update installs.
- If it installs:
- the problem was in the Windows Update state.
- If not:
- continue with space and restart.
- Evidence to keep:
- screenshot of the troubleshooter.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows Update troubleshooting
Space, external hardware and restart
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- free up space, unplug unneeded external hardware, run Windows Update again and use Update and restart.
- Result that matters:
- whether the update completes.
- If it completes:
- one of those factors was blocking it.
- If 0x80073712 returns:
- IT support should review the component store.
- Evidence to keep:
- the failing KB and free space.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows Update troubleshooting
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Software and digital services
- Brand
- Microsoft Windows
- Product type
- Operating system
Known code variants
- error 0x80073712
- 0x80073712 DISM
- 80073712
- Windows Update 0x80073712
What it means
Microsoft describes 0x80073712 as a file needed by Windows Update being likely damaged or missing, and recommends repairing system files with the DISM tool (DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth). It is also listed among the Windows 10 errors for which Microsoft gives the general Windows Update troubleshooting steps. The code does not say which file is missing: it means the update did not find something it needed in good condition.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
If DISM cannot download repair files because Windows Update is not working either, do not fetch system files from third-party sites: ask IT support for help.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Damaged or missing Windows Update fileCommon
This is Microsoft's explanation. Confirmed if DISM reports repairs and the update then completes.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
- Windows Update state or cachePossible
If DISM finds nothing, the troubleshooter and general Windows Update steps are the next route.
Evidence: Microsoft Windows Update troubleshooting
Virtual technician
Does 0x80073712 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
Microsoft Windows upgrade and installation errors
Microsoft · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
Microsoft Windows Update troubleshooting
Microsoft · 2026 · official_doc
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