In summary:
- Microsoft pulled Windows 11 update KB5079391 shortly after release due to widespread installation failures, with users reporting error 0x80073712 indicating missing or problematic update files.
- PCWorld reports Microsoft is enhancing Windows 11 update control, including allowing users to pause updates for extended periods to reduce interruptions.
- This incident highlights ongoing Windows update reliability issues as Microsoft works to regain user trust and improve their update strategy.
Microsoft has identified issues with an update that was released for Windows 11 just a few days ago. The optional KB5079391 update included a number of improvements, like being able to toggle Smart Access Control (SAC) without restarting the PC.
However, it appears that some users had problems installing KB5079391, receiving error message 0x80073712: “Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later.”
Due to this error, Microsoft temporarily paused rollout of the update, and the support page shows that the cause of failed installations is currently being investigated. According to Windows Latest, the update still can’t be installed as of this writing, and it was only available for 1 to 2 hours in total before it was paused and withdrawn.
By the way: If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you’re missing out on the many benefits of Windows 11 Pro. To learn more, see our comparison of Windows 11 Home and Pro. If you want to upgrade, snag it for cheap in the PCWorld Software Store: now just $59 instead of $99.
A new Windows update strategy
Microsoft is currently working on improving Windows 11’s update strategy. In the future, for example, users will be able to pause Windows updates completely for longer periods of time.
In the past, there have been repeated issues with Windows updates like this one, which either had to be paused or fixed with emergency patches. Optional updates seem to cause problems more frequently.
Microsoft is aware of the issue and wants to ensure that Windows users experience fewer disruptions and interruptions caused by Windows updates. However, this alone will not change the fundamental susceptibility of Windows 11 to errors.
Microsoft will need to win back the trust of Windows 11 users, and that’s going to take more than empty promises we’ve heard before.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.
Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT
Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.