Microsoft has temporarily withdrawn its latest Windows 11 preview update after users encountered installation failures linked to error code 0x80073712. The update, KB5079391, was released and pulled within days, raising fresh concerns about update reliability.

What Happened?

Microsoft rolled out the KB5079391 optional preview update for Windows 11 on March 26, 2026. However, shortly after release, users began reporting installation failures.

The update failed to install with the error 0x80073712, prompting Microsoft to pull the update from Windows Update distribution.

Importantly, systems were not damaged or rendered unusable—the update simply failed to install.

Key Details at a Glance

What is Error 0x80073712?

The error code 0x80073712 typically indicates that required system files are missing or corrupted, preventing Windows updates from completing successfully.

This issue is commonly associated with:

• Corrupted Windows Update components

• Missing system files

• Damaged update packages

Who Was Affected?

The issue primarily impacted users who had enabled:

“Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available”

Since KB5079391 was an optional preview update, most standard users were not affected.

What Did the Update Include?

Despite the rollback, KB5079391 introduced several notable improvements:

• Enhanced handling of unsafe downloads in File Explorer

• Support for high refresh rate displays (up to 1000Hz)

• Reliability improvements for Windows Hello

• General system stability enhancements

Why This Matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns around Windows update reliability, especially as Microsoft has recently committed to improving update quality.

Even though the issue did not break systems, repeated update failures can:

• Reduce user trust

• Delay security and feature updates

• Increase IT overhead in enterprise environments

What Happens Next?

Microsoft has confirmed that the update removal is temporary. Possible next steps include:

• Releasing a fixed version of KB5079391

• Including the fixes in the upcoming Patch Tuesday update

• Rolling out a revised update under a new KB number

Final Thoughts

While Microsoft acted quickly to pull the faulty update, the situation underscores the importance of robust update testing and monitoring.

For now, users should wait for a revised release before attempting to install KB5079391 again.

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