High Severity
0x80073712 Error: Windows Update Component Store Corruption
Error 0x80073712 means the Windows component store (WinSxS folder) is corrupted. The component store is where Windows keeps all the files needed for updates and features. When it becomes corrupted, updates cannot install because the system cannot verify or replace the files it needs.
Common Causes
- Corrupted WinSxS folder contents
- Interrupted Windows Update installation
- Disk errors affecting system partition
- Failed system file repairs
- Malware damage to system files
- Hard drive sector failures
- Forced shutdown during update installation
Symptoms
- Windows Update consistently fails
- Multiple updates fail with same error
- SFC /scannow reports unfixable errors
- DISM repairs fail
- System becomes increasingly unstable
- New Windows features cannot be installed
How to Fix 0x80073712
- Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Run SFC /scannow after DISM completes
- Check disk for errors with chkdsk /f /r
- Manually replace corrupted files from a known good source
- Use Windows installation media to run DISM with /Source
- Perform an in-place upgrade repair install
- Reset Windows Update components completely
What Is Error
Error code 0x80073712 is a Windows HRESULT error code that translates to "Windows Update Component Store Corruption". HRESULT codes are hexadecimal values used throughout the Windows operating system to indicate specific error conditions. When you see this error, it means Windows or an application encountered the condition described above and could not continue the operation.
The error code format breaks down as follows: the leading 0x8 indicates a failure, the next digits identify the facility (the Windows subsystem that generated the error), and the remaining digits specify the exact error condition.
How Serious Is
Error 0x80073712 is a serious issue that should be addressed immediately. If you are experiencing a Blue Screen of Death, your computer may be unstable and data loss is possible. Back up important files as soon as you can access the system, and work through the fixes below before continuing normal use.