How to fix missing Windows 11 update files error

Some Windows 11 update errors like missing files will interrupt important system updates, causing installation errors and preventing your device from receiving all the new features when updated. This Windows 11 update missing files error often appears with error codes like 0x80073712 or 0x8007000d. Here are some ways to fix the Windows 11 update missing files error.

Restore Windows 11 update settings

This method will reinstall Windows 11 on your computer's current setup, fixing system files and updating components without losing personal files or applications.

Open Settings then click on System and select Recovery in the interface next to it.

In the new interface at Fix problems using Windows Update , click Reinstall now and follow the instructions to fix the error Some update files are missing or have problems. We'll try to download the update again later.

Using Windows Update Troubleshooter

Also in the Settings interface, click on System and select Troubleshoot .

Now you need to click on Other troubleshooters to see other errors on Windows.

Here we will see Windows Update and click the Run button to proceed with the error correction.

Reset Windows Update components

When resetting Windows Update components it will detect problematic files and restart the services needed to continue updating.

Step 1:

You open the Run dialog box , type services.msc and press OK to access.

Step 2:

In the new interface, users will need to stop all Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic Services, Windows Installer services .

Step 3:

Next in the Run dialog box type C:WindowsSoftwareDistributio n and press OK.

In the folder, select all the files there and delete them . These files will be automatically recreated by Windows Update.

Step 4:

Go back to the Services interface and find all the services you stopped before and click Start to restart .

Repair system files with SFC and DISM

Missing or corrupted system files can block updates or cause update files to become corrupted. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools will scan and repair these files.

Step 1:

You type cmd in the search bar and open it with Run as administrator .

Step 2:

We will run the command below to proceed with the fix.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Once DISM is complete, run SFC with the command below.

sfc /scannow

Wait for both tools to finish finding and fixing problems on your computer. When finished, restart your computer.

Temporarily disable antivirus or security software

Third-party antivirus programs or firewalls may block Windows Update downloads or interfere with system files. Temporarily disabling these security tools may allow the update to install successfully.

1. Turn off Windows Defender (Windows Security) on Windows 10, Windows 11

Samuel Daniel

Update 26 May 2025