How to Fix Windows Error 0x80073712 — Windows Update Component Missing [2026]

Windows Error 0x80073712: Windows Update Component Missing

This error typically occurs when corrupted windows component store (winsxs folder). Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.

What Causes Windows Error 0x80073712?

Windows error 0x80073712 (Windows Update Component Missing) can be triggered by several issues:

Corrupted Windows component store (WinSxS folder)
Incomplete previous update leaving components in bad state
Disk errors corrupting update component files
Windows image files damaged
Hard disk nearly full preventing component store operations

How to Fix Windows Error 0x80073712 — Step by Step

Run DISM RestoreHealth

Open CMD as Admin:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This connects to Windows Update and downloads replacement components. Can take 15-30 minutes on a slow connection.

Run SFC after DISM

After DISM completes, run:
sfc /scannow
SFC uses the repaired component store to fix system files. Run it twice if the first pass reports errors.

Reset Windows Update components

CMD as Admin — run these in sequence:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Download the update manually from Microsoft Catalog

Visit catalog.update.microsoft.com, search for the KB number of the failed update, download the standalone .msu file, and install it manually without Windows Update.

Check disk health and free up space

Run:
chkdsk C: /f
Also check free disk space — the component store needs room to operate. Open Settings > Storage and delete temporary files to free up space.

Still Getting Error 0x80073712?

IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.

Call (581) 398-1270 Book Remote Session

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 0x80073712 mean?

A file required by Windows Update is missing from the component store (WinSxS folder). Windows cannot complete the update because a prerequisite component is absent or corrupted.

Is DISM safe to run?

Yes. DISM is a built-in Microsoft tool specifically designed to repair Windows images. It downloads replacement components from Microsoft's servers without affecting your files or settings.

How long does DISM take?

Between 5 minutes and 1 hour depending on internet speed and how many components need replacement. Leave the CMD window open and do not interrupt it.

Can I ignore this error?

You can skip the specific failing update temporarily, but the component store corruption will eventually affect other updates and system features. Fix it promptly.

What if DISM itself fails?

If DISM fails with error 0x800f081f, it cannot reach Windows Update. Use a Windows ISO as the source: mount the ISO and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:E:\Sources\install.wim

How to Fix Windows Error 0x80073712 — Windows Update Component Missing