Windows Update error 0x80072EE2: Windows Update server unavailable
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
Unable to scan for updates due to a connectivity issue to Windows Update, Configuration Manager, or WSUS. (Windows Update common errors and mitigation)
Code facts for 0x80072EE2
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80072EE2 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | WININET_E_TIMEOUT |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80072EE2 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147954402 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147012894 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Read with care
- Win32 code 12002 is not in the System Error Codes list; it is an internet API error number. (System Error Codes (12000-15999), Error Messages (Wininet.h), Error Messages (Winhttp.h))
- The same number 12002 means ERROR_INTERNET_TIMEOUT in WinINet and ERROR_WINHTTP_TIMEOUT in WinHTTP; which one applies depends on the component that reported it. (Error Messages (Wininet.h), Error Messages (Winhttp.h))
Code facts: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows 11 (the upgrade errors page lists this code only in its Windows 11 tab). Other step groups give their own scope: IT pages.
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
2 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80072EE2 are not covered.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
Source: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft lists this code only in the Windows 11 tab of its upgrade and installation errors page.
Check the connection and the update servers
Make sure the internet connection is stable, check whether the Windows Update servers are down, and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
From: Windows Update common errors and mitigation
Source: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's common Windows Update errors table (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11).
Check that the update endpoints are reachable (IT)
Written for IT administrators.
The Windows Update Agent couldn't connect to the update servers or your own source (WSUS, Configuration Manager or Microsoft Intune). Check with your network team that the device can reach the update sources.
If you use the public Microsoft update servers, check that the device can reach the Windows Update endpoints the page lists, such as https://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com, https://*.update.microsoft.com, https://*.windowsupdate.com, https://download.microsoft.com and https://*.download.windowsupdate.com.
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |