How to Fix the Windows 10 Update Error 80072EE2

If you have been using Windows for some time, you must have encountered Windows updates. One of the most common errors associated with Windows updates is error 80072EE2. The error code 80072EE2 translates to ‘ERROR_INTERNENT_TIMEOUT’. The error usually shows up within Windows updates as errors messages such as ‘Windows could not search for new updates’ or ‘Windows Update encountered an unknown error’. In this step by step tutorial, you will learn a few easy methods that can fix Windows 10 80072EE2 error.

Method #1: Reboot your computer.

Believe it or not, restarting your system can resolve the Windows update error as well as many other errors. Whenever you come across the Windows Update 80072EE2 error, it is recommended that you restart your computer. If the error persists, proceed to method 2

Method #2: Troubleshoot Windows Update

As you well know, Windows 10 comes packed with a lot of integrated troubleshooters. A troubleshoot wizard helps the user to quickly different issues within Windows. In this method, you will learn how to locate and run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 10.

Step 1

Click on the search icon at the taskbar and search for ‘Control Panel’. Click on the result as shown below:

Step 2

Search for ‘troubleshooting’ and click on the result as shown below:

Step 3

You now need to click on ‘System and Security’ as shown below:

Step 4

Find and select ‘Windows Update’ as illustrated below:

Step 5

You now need to click on ‘Next’ to start the troubleshooting process. The process may take a few minutes.

If the system recommends fixes, ensure to hit ‘Apply this fix’ to resolve your Windows Update error. However, if no fixes were suggested, do not panic. Proceed to method 3 to fix the Windows Update error.

Method #3: Cleaning the Software Distribution Folder

The software distribution folder stores temporary files that are required while installing Windows 10 Updates. The folder is found in the Windows Directory and the folder’s path is C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. It is recommended to only clean the software distribution folder when Windows Updates have issues or errors. It is important to note that the files will be re-downloaded automatically even after deleting them.

Step 1

Press ‘Windows Key + R’ to open run then run ‘services.msc’ to open the services panel.

Step 2

You need to locate ‘Windows Update’ among the running processes. Highlight and right-click on ‘Windows Update’ process then hit ‘Stop’.

You have successfully turned off the Windows Update process

Step 3

Open File Explorer and paste the path below onto the address bar:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. Select all the folders and files in the software distribution folder and delete them as shown below:

Step 4

You now need to repeat Step 1 and Step 2 but now hit ‘Start’ to restart the Windows Update process.

Conclusion

You now know how to fix the Windows 10 Windows Update Error 80072EE2. In case you are still having issues with your Windows Updates, you should consider re-installing Windows 10.