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How To Fix Windows Update Error 80072EFD In Vista SP1?

Copyright © Walker 14 May 2009 23:12
At most of the time in office, my Dell Latitude connects to Internet via proxy server and the Vista Windows Update downloads the patches directly from Microsoft servers as usual.
However, the Windows Update was not working while I was abroad and had direct access to Internet via unsecured public WIFI.

At first, there was no error or warning displayed in the program window. After a few tries, it finally displayed a red stripe, telling me “Windows could not search for new updates”, together with an error code 80072EFD.

Fix the Windows Updates error 80072EFD.

What the heck is this? I had disabled the proxy setting in IE8 and no problem to surf Internet (even the p o r n sites :-). Windows Live Messenger worked perfectly too.

Therefore, it was expected to work in no time, as I thought the Windows Update should be referring to proxy server setting of Internet Explorer.

Apparently, it’s not that case. Upon checking with Google, I learn that the Windows Update proxy server setting is independent of IE Internet Options.

Then, how to fix the error code 80072EFD, to get the Vista SP1 Windows Update works correctly, when I am connecting to Internet directly?

The answer is of course to disable proxy server of Windows Update:

1) Open an elevated Command Prompt window – click the Vista Orb (Start button), type command prompt, right click the Command Prompt shortcut in the Program list and select Run As Administrator.

2) To display the current proxy setting of Windows Update, execute this command:
netsh winhttp show proxy

3) If the proxy server is shown in the “show proxy” result, then execute this command to disable the Windows Update proxy setting:
netsh winhttp reset proxy

How to disable or configure Windows Update proxy settings?The “reset proxy” will effectively configure WinHTTP proxy server setting to DIRECT (meaning to direct access Internet and no relying on a proxy server).

After disable the WinHTTP proxy setting (in which my Vista SP1 Windows Update is referring to), it started to download the latest Windows Defender definition update and security update for Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 (KB957789). Happy now :-)


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  1. phatz May 27th, 2009 7:05 AM

    worked…im updating my windows now !

    ~thanks

  2. Barahonstilo May 29th, 2009 10:17 AM

    YOU ARE A FRVCKIN GENIUS, SOMETHING SO SIMPLE, TO SOLVE SUCH A GREAT PROBLEM/…. THX!!!!!

  3. Duzs70 June 1st, 2009 4:47 AM

    I looked into a lot of forum with no success and finally tried your tip…And it worked !!!

    Merci (Thanks)

  4. Bentos June 5th, 2009 3:02 AM

    Thanx so much! I’ve tried several things, but this was it!

  5. Michael Ahrens June 7th, 2009 2:11 AM

    Fantastic–your solution worked for me too! After 3 months of searching unsuccessfully for a fix for error 80072EFD (even contacted Microsoft Tech support), I’m currently downloading over 20 windows updates without a problem. Very happy!
    Microsoft should revise their suggestion on this problem–since their tip of placing the windows update URLs in the “exceptions list” of IE or antipyware programs obviously doesn’t work and is misleading–given that windows update operates independently of IE and uses the winhttp proxy command.

    Thanks for your help. You’ve saved the day!
    Mike

  6. Amanda June 8th, 2009 1:44 AM

    Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I’ve been pulling my hair out to find a solution for 2 months now. This was what finally worked.

  7. mike June 8th, 2009 5:24 AM

    This was f_cking awesome. I spent three days looking at other ways to fix it. And yours was the only one that worked. Thanks

  8. ACEdotcom June 8th, 2009 12:12 PM

    OMFG THIS WORKED…a real working solution…even microsoft hasnt posted this great tip yet

  9. Josh June 9th, 2009 5:08 PM

    YOU ROCK.. Was getting rather s$%tty trying to work this one out.. Your advice is greatly appreciated..

  10. sumer June 10th, 2009 2:44 AM

    what if it says ‘ direct access . tried this but in my case windows fininding updates but unable to install them . some updated were not installed .
    pls help ……

  11. taz June 12th, 2009 12:10 PM

    thanks

  12. Sonic June 12th, 2009 1:43 PM

    I completely agree – you are a effing genius!! And I can’t believe that the Windows support sites have completely overlooked this possibility.

    Thank you!!

  13. Michael Tracy June 13th, 2009 11:53 PM

    THANK YOU SO FxxKING MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    5 MONTHS I’VE BEEN STUCK WITH THIS ERROR!!!
    Now to download a fxxking hailstorm of updates….

  14. Denise Godbout June 16th, 2009 12:39 AM

    OMG!!! It works!!!!!!!!! Thank you sooooooo much. I been trying for months to fix this. Someone should send this solution to the tech at windows support who have NO clue whatsover on how to fix this. thanks again.

  15. Jonathan June 17th, 2009 3:13 AM

    I love you. I had a Trojan that redirected all my browsers through a proxy, but after I fixed the Trojan and changed all my browser options Windows update didn’t work! This did the trick!

  16. Louise Carter June 24th, 2009 6:11 AM

    UK – thanks so much for this info! Have been struggling for 1 month and MS have been no help. just literally done as you wrote and HEY PRESTO all sorted in 5 seconds!!
    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

  17. Fred June 25th, 2009 3:00 AM

    THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH !!!! :-)))

    I’ve been trying all kind of solutions in 3 whole days until i finally tried you tip and it worked :-)))

    OMG, You are the best !

    Even microsoft’s help line didn’t help :-)

  18. alaskalodi June 25th, 2009 7:08 AM

    Italy. thanks so much for this info! Have been struggling for 3 month and MS have been no help. just literally done as you wrote and all is ok in 2 minutes!!
    THANK YOU very much.

  19. DJ June 28th, 2009 3:54 PM

    Dude!!!… someone make this man a cigar!!!! it flippin worked!!

    Bless You bro!!

    R.I.P. M.J.

  20. aura July 1st, 2009 9:45 AM

    Thank you so much!!!

    I looked everywhere on the interwebz, and your solution was the only one that worked!

    Thanks again!

  21. jpw July 7th, 2009 4:59 AM

    woo hoo. i was looking in to this problem now for like 3 hours. i’m like i know it’s a connection problem but where is it. that did the trick thank you for your time and input on this you rock

  22. vrej July 8th, 2009 1:35 PM

    I was infected by a trojan and after removing it and and getting rid of the proxy, I had this update problem. Your solution worked. I love netsh.

  23. Brennan July 9th, 2009 1:26 AM

    Awesome! Thanks so much for posting this – it FINALLY solved my problem. My client couldn’t sign into Windows Live Messenger or download Windows Updates after Trend Micro Security expired. We removed Trend Micro but still no go. Tried so many different things until I stumbled upon this webpage. Disabled the proxy and now everything works! Thanks thanks thanks

  24. coco July 15th, 2009 10:02 AM

    Thank You it flippin worked THANK YOU very much.

  25. HN July 20th, 2009 1:34 PM

    this is odd its not working for me it says
    “current winHTTP proxy setting:
    Direct access (no proxy server).

  26. hippy July 22nd, 2009 8:41 AM

    woo hoo!! months and months of frustration fixed in 1 minute! awsome job you deserve a medal

  27. john July 28th, 2009 4:37 AM

    thx so much now i can install the lastest update

  28. Orion August 17th, 2009 6:02 PM

    I encountered this problem after doing a Windows Vista (no SP) recovery and then successfully downloading and installing 62 updates. A quick Internet search brought me to your website.

    After I entered the command to show proxy, the resulting message showed the status as direct access. Even so, I then entered the command to reset proxy to direct access. As a result, I was able to download additional updates.

    Thank you for posting your most helpful solution.

  29. Dave August 18th, 2009 5:21 PM

    I have the same problem “HN” has, anybody know how to fix this?

  30. Dwayne August 20th, 2009 10:03 AM

    dude..im stuck this shit aint working for me.. i have tried everthing man..i have vista and it the command prompt deal says access denied..i been on this all damn day…please any other advice??

  31. Dwayne August 20th, 2009 10:06 AM

    ok i had forgot to run as administrator and attempted it again the command prompt says disabled but now im getting the error 80240016 when ever i try to update using windows update…wats next?

  32. Claudia August 22nd, 2009 5:39 AM

    Thank you sooo much!!! Like a lot of people here i searched all over the internet en tried EVERYTHING!!

    That did the trick! Your great!!!
    I also had a trojan before this

  33. JACK JOCKEY September 3rd, 2009 12:49 PM

    YOU ARE WONDERFUL GENIOUS!!! THANKZ SO MUCH FOR THE RESOLUTION !!!!!!!!!

  34. laik September 6th, 2009 12:19 PM

    thank u very much…………..

  35. Marius September 15th, 2009 12:26 AM

    Thanks a lot. This simple command solved my 2 months problem!!!
    F*ck Vista, maybe will migrate to Win7 after one more problem like this.

  36. Jim September 18th, 2009 6:04 AM

    I have been having problems for months with this. I find it amazing that the solution was that simple. Now I have to redo my whole computer, because the guy at the computer store thought it was one of my applications causing the issue. So he deleted everything! You are an amazing person. Thanks again.

  37. Wayne September 19th, 2009 9:05 AM

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I almost gave up searching for the solution! This is the only thing that works. You should work for microsoft.

    Thanks again.

  38. G September 26th, 2009 11:51 AM

    Thanks a Mil! Been working on this for weeks!!

  39. Johan September 27th, 2009 4:49 PM

    Thank you very much. I spent many hours looking for a solution and now I find it !!!

  40. Tom September 29th, 2009 11:58 PM

    GENIUS…..spent frickin hours trying to get updates to work with all kinds of BS.. THANKS!

  41. Michael October 4th, 2009 3:28 AM

    UK – 6 months trying to solve this issue…!!! THIS WORKED.

    THANK YOU!!!

  42. Pedro Simões October 5th, 2009 9:30 PM

    Thank you so much!!! It really worked…

    I was trying to fix this problem months ago – now that I did it, I had more than 40 updates to do! XD

    Thanks again!

  43. Aimee October 11th, 2009 11:07 AM

    I am still having a problem

    this is what i get:

    current winHTTP proxy setting:
    Direct access (no proxy server).

  44. WestLAER October 21st, 2009 5:06 AM

    Worked great for me,
    You’re a lifesaver!

  45. Angelica October 22nd, 2009 12:26 AM

    It is great that you’re forum worked for sooo many people!!

    I have to say, I am one of many, where it says that I already have direct access..
    should I reset anyway? Ive had this issue for 4 months now and the pc deleted ALL my work!

    Thanks in advance

  46. Pepster October 22nd, 2009 7:45 AM

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My savior!

  47. Zach October 22nd, 2009 3:28 PM

    I’m getting the same problem with the command prompt

    Direct Access

    if anyone can please help me, I’ve been dealing with this for a long time, and want to throw my computer out the window.

  48. Ikke October 26th, 2009 2:30 AM

    First time I reinstalled a portable with this problem. Now cleaning up a PC full of stuff for a friend. You made my day (week, month :)

  49. Patrick October 28th, 2009 10:42 AM

    Worked like a champ! I’d tried a couple of other solutions with no luck, then found this one. Success!!! Thanks for your posting this info!

  50. Shajin October 29th, 2009 9:03 AM

    Thanks.. Worked great after trying a lot of other ones with no effect… Brilliant!!!

  51. herget November 3rd, 2009 8:04 PM

    can anyone translate this in german please?

  52. JOEP November 8th, 2009 12:10 PM

    You are possibly beyond legendary status!!!! This crappy little problem has been with me for one month … and if I must say so, “I am not that bad!” … I have never had to call MS or anyone else to fix my problems. This one was out there … although when I checked the status of my system, it reported “Direct access – no proxy server” the first time out. I did a “reset proxy”: command anyway and guess what? I now have 23 updates that I can now download. Possibly a pass along point, run the reset even if your system reports no proxy server. Anywho THANKS aload computer man, your kung foo is good!

  53. Walker November 8th, 2009 2:45 PM

    O…I don’t realize that potential glitch, and probably most people don’t realize that as well.

    Thank you, Joep.

    For everyone, if you desperately want to fix it, just execute this command, doesn’t matter what winhttp telling you (whether it is connect to Internet directly or via proxy server):

    netsh winhttp reset proxy

    (and probably better reboot Windows as well)

  54. Lukesta November 15th, 2009 11:14 AM

    Thanks alot man saved me alot of pain..!

    Champion!!

  55. juar November 16th, 2009 4:16 AM

    You are a bloody genius. its been months since ive been able to download any updates. now im in the process of installin 37!

  56. Esteban November 19th, 2009 11:13 AM

    Thanks a lot, i thought i could never find a solution. You are awesome! installing 32 updates!!!

  57. swfguy99 November 21st, 2009 12:41 AM

    No good. Did not fix my eroor message. Windows Update cannot check for updates!

  58. mason.x November 23rd, 2009 3:29 AM

    Amazing , I had this problem in vista I upgraded to 7 and problem still exists, I run those 2 commands ….results says “Direct Access no Proxy” …. I then run windows update and its working. I was e-mailing Microsoft back and forth for 3 weeks and they couldn’t figure it out. Thank you very much.

  59. Anil November 25th, 2009 1:25 AM

    mine is still problem after doing this reset thing
    please can u tell how to fix this

  60. Jugernot178 November 25th, 2009 8:25 AM

    Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much this crap has been bothering me forever, you are a freakin saint. You should go to work for Microsoft and fire everyone in help dept. Keep up the good work.

  61. mHagans November 26th, 2009 3:13 PM

    Genius! isn’t it amazing that so many people have this problemo?

  62. Pie Fondler November 30th, 2009 5:19 AM

    Thank You Very much :)

  63. Mario December 5th, 2009 9:59 PM

    This is amazing.. I’ve been looking all over the web.. But happy not for months yet.. Your really THE BEST!!

  64. Chris December 17th, 2009 6:31 AM

    Thank you very much. This solved a very frustrating problem.

  65. DMac4330 December 27th, 2009 6:25 PM

    I had this problem for over 6 Months!!! AND NOW ITS FIXED! THANK YOU!!!

  66. DMac4330 December 27th, 2009 6:28 PM

    PS, I had to restart computer for it to work!

  67. Mia January 10th, 2010 8:10 AM

    Had the same problem but when I type “netsh winhttp show proxy” the result came out “Direct access (No proxy server)”.
    Oop, still can not update. What’s the point here? I have vista ultimate 32bit.

    Thanks

  68. Dan January 10th, 2010 11:31 AM

    OMG, trying to figure this out for over a month, keep getting “This copy of Windows is not genuine” (Windows 7) code 80072efd error. I have googled many times and this is the only thread that worked. Thanks man

  69. terrycyber January 16th, 2010 6:06 AM

    For those on whose computers this solution didn’t work, u can try this:

    Step 1:
    IE (internet Explorer) > tools > Internet Options

    Step 2:
    Then click “Connections” Tab then click on “LAN settings” Button

    Step 3:
    remove check box for
    ” Use automatic configuration script ”
    where you may also have some kind of localhost address with proxy thing in
    text box.

    Step 4:
    Select check box for
    ” Automatically detect setting ”

    Step 5:
    Click ok

  70. Eric January 22nd, 2010 6:27 AM

    thank you so much i have been trying to fix this for
    ever

  71. Tim Downunder January 27th, 2010 11:56 AM

    thanks mate, I’ve spent hours searching the internet trying all sorts of fixes that have not worked. I really wish the MS website was user friendly and actually helpful like this.

    Regards

  72. KenM February 9th, 2010 5:38 PM

    Thanks! You saved me from a major headache. I’ve tried several “Fixes” that are listed on the net and none of them worked but yours. Even the M$ site doesn’t even cover this.

  73. Normski February 10th, 2010 12:04 AM

    i have tried both methods using the command promt and terrycyber’s method to fix this problem and niether of them have worked for me. does anyone have any other ideas that would be helpful for me to try?

  74. Vince February 19th, 2010 1:37 AM

    This worked for me ONLY after I went through Internet Explorer and did as TerryCyber suggested. I just left “automatically detect settings” checked, leaving the other boxes unchecked. :)

  75. rich camlin February 19th, 2010 5:00 AM

    I am truly happy for those this fix worked for. I am, alas, one of the few for whom it did not. I initially got the “no proxy server” message, and followed the advice to run the reset anyway. Everything remains as it was previously. Would any of the netsh switches help (they are way over my head)

    thanks

  76. BillyB February 24th, 2010 4:26 AM

    If anyone from MS management is reading this, here’s just another reason why hiring a single bright individual is better than replacing them with a bunch of outsourced morons.

  77. Anonymous March 5th, 2010 12:27 AM

    I have tried this but my Proxy setting was already set Direct & still getting this error. Now again in a fix what to do. Can anyone have a solution for this problem?

  78. tee cee March 9th, 2010 1:26 AM

    u r d best of them all…..u r a genius…may d lord almighty bless you again again and again again

  79. doombastik March 16th, 2010 2:23 AM

    top class, been bugging me for 12 months now, if i ever see you somewhere ill buy you a drink

  80. Vincent April 6th, 2010 10:07 AM

    omg thx man. this was bugging me sooo much. now i can get some work done

  81. Mat April 20th, 2010 11:24 PM

    Works like a charm _ Thanks

  82. Jetl May 8th, 2010 4:07 PM

    Finally an up-to-date system. Come to Germany and let’s drink a Whiskey together!

  83. Walker May 9th, 2010 2:16 PM

    Cheers!

  84. Elspeth May 17th, 2010 5:38 PM

    After spending hours and hours trying to solve this problem and trying countless of different methods as suggested by the microsoft help service, I stumbled upon this site. It worked!!!!!!! I cannot explain how frustrating this whole experience was and what a relief it is to have found a solution! Thank you thank you thank you!

  85. HFM May 22nd, 2010 9:12 PM

    I have tried both the Tools-Options ….. suggestion and also the : netsh winhttp reset proxy …. method and I still can’t get Vista Buss SP2 to update. I would appreciate any and all suggestions. I am at wits end and very frustrated. Of course, I tried re-booting, etc.

  86. HFM May 22nd, 2010 9:17 PM

    Also – no firewall. And I don’t use Norton.

  87. Ciara June 7th, 2010 10:50 PM

    THX!

  88. anasuri June 13th, 2010 4:43 PM

    I tried both procedures, still same issue – Windows Update error 80072efd

    please help
    anasuri

  89. scott June 17th, 2010 7:51 AM

    AHHH this has not helped me the exact same problem persists please help

  90. Robina June 24th, 2010 12:37 AM

    I have been strugging with this problem for over a year now until I came across your fabulous site. Tried it, and still can’t believe IT ACTUALLY WORKS!!! Cant’t thank you enough! You’re an absolute GENIUS. Your instructions were crystal clear and consice to follow.

    Such a simple solution, but what a major headache it’s been.

    Why couldn’t Microsoft come up with this answer. Tried EVERYTHING they suggested, and nothing worked. Yet it seems to be such a common problem with sooooooooooooooooooo many people (and from reading some of the above reviews, lots of smiling faces now – all thanks to you :)

    Mwah, mwah, mwah

  91. Robina June 24th, 2010 2:32 AM

    Oh, and guess what … my last successful update was on 15 March 2009 – I had 92 IMPORTANT updates waiting to be downloaded and 5 optional. No wonder my computer was forever running into problems! Don’t know how I’ve managed till now …???

    I am just thrilled to bits with the efficiency of my computer now – all thanks to you.

    I am a 46 year young woman, and if I can do it, anyone can!!!!!

    Thanks A Million

  92. Danny June 29th, 2010 5:28 AM

    WOW Thanks sooooo much, ive been busting my ass trying to fix this error and it just took me 1min with your tip. =]

  93. Adeel July 1st, 2010 2:07 PM

    hi ..
    tell me if there is no proxy what can i do ?
    i follows these step but they shown that
    Direct access (no proxy server)
    now what can i do plz tell me? i am waiting
    for your reply .

  94. Walker July 1st, 2010 2:55 PM

    Please check out Microsoft KB-836941 to see if any of those solutions could help your case.

    Good luck.

  95. Blair July 20th, 2010 11:34 AM

    Awesome! thank’s heaps that has been a annoying problem for months! :) cheers,

  96. Smegma_X July 26th, 2010 9:40 AM

    the advice by terrycyber above worked for me

  97. Jim July 29th, 2010 8:22 AM

    You rock! The whole fix showing my bad setting (blank lines removed):

    C:\Windows\system32>netsh winhttp show proxy
    Current WinHTTP proxy settings:
    Proxy Server(s) : http=localhost:7070
    Bypass List : (none)
    C:\Windows\system32>netsh winhttp reset proxy
    Current WinHTTP proxy settings:
    Direct access (no proxy server).
    C:\Windows\system32>netsh winhttp show proxy
    Current WinHTTP proxy settings:
    Direct access (no proxy server).
    C:\Windows\system32>

  98. Danny August 4th, 2010 12:30 PM

    It says i have direct access. no proxy. and i still cant download the updates?

  99. Tim August 20th, 2010 10:45 AM

    FINALLY — THANK YOU

  100. Tim August 20th, 2010 1:20 PM

    Problem finally fixed. Last Windows update was Jun 02, 2008. Yes 2008. Tried every fix mentioned on Google search over the past 26 months and found this site today. Within 5 minutes had the update working and successfully downloaded 83 updates. All have installed and computer still works. Thanks for fixing my problem/

  101. mohammad August 22nd, 2010 4:51 PM

    it works,THANK U VERY VERY MUCH…

  102. Band Geek August 23rd, 2010 11:15 AM

    OMG!!!! agreeing with what everyone was saying, I tried eeeeverything else on the internet and didn’t find a conclusion, then i found your suggestion, and i was like “oh another suggestion that prolly won’t work” but i still tried it, and i can download updates now, aaand update my Microsoft Essentials Antivirus Program successfully! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!!!