Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80072EFD: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified July 2026
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Error Code
0x80072EFD
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
Error code 0x80072EFD means Windows was unable to connect to the Microsoft Store, typically because of a network issue, misconfigured proxy or firewall setting, or a corrupted Store cache. This is a medium-severity error — your computer continues to work normally, but you cannot download, update, or purchase apps from the Microsoft Store until the connection is restored. The good news is that most cases of 0x80072EFD can be resolved without professional help using the steps below.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80072EFD

  1. Check Your Internet Connection

  2. Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

  3. Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

  4. Disable Proxy Settings

  5. Temporarily Disable Your Firewall or Antivirus

    Re-enable your firewall and antivirus immediately after testing. Leaving these disabled exposes your PC to security threats. Do not browse the internet or download files while protection is turned off.

  6. Flush DNS Cache and Reset Network Settings

    Running these commands as a standard user will not work — you must use an administrator Command Prompt.

  7. Check Date and Time Settings

  8. Re-register the Microsoft Store App

    Make sure to copy the PowerShell command exactly as written. Do not close the PowerShell window until the command fully completes.

  9. Run Windows Update

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When to Call a Professional

Contact Microsoft Support (support.microsoft.com) or a professional PC technician if you have completed all steps above and still see error 0x80072EFD, if the Microsoft Store app is missing entirely from your system, if Windows Update itself is also failing with errors, or if your network administrator manages your PC and has locked certain settings. In corporate or school environments, the error is often caused by IT-enforced firewall or proxy policies that only your network administrator can adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows error code 0x80072EFD mean?
Error 0x80072EFD means the Microsoft Store could not establish a connection to Microsoft's servers. It is most commonly caused by a network problem, a proxy or firewall blocking the connection, a corrupted Store cache, or an incorrect system date and time. It does not indicate a hardware failure — it is a connectivity or configuration issue that is usually fixable without professional help.
Why does 0x80072EFD keep coming back after I fix it?
If the error returns repeatedly, the most likely causes are a VPN or proxy that re-enables itself, a third-party antivirus or firewall that continues to block Microsoft Store traffic, or a persistent network issue with your ISP. Try adding the Microsoft Store as a trusted exception in your security software and check whether the error appears only when using certain networks (like a work or school Wi-Fi).
Does 0x80072EFD affect apps I already have installed?
No. Error 0x80072EFD only affects your ability to connect to the Microsoft Store to download new apps, update existing apps, or make purchases. Apps that are already fully installed on your PC will continue to work normally while this error is present.
Can a VPN cause error 0x80072EFD?
Yes. VPNs can interfere with the Microsoft Store's connection to Microsoft's servers, especially if the VPN routes traffic through a server in a different country or blocks certain Microsoft endpoints. Try disconnecting your VPN temporarily and opening the Microsoft Store. If the error disappears while the VPN is off, configure your VPN to use split tunneling and exclude Microsoft Store traffic, or contact your VPN provider for help.
Is it safe to use wsreset.exe to fix error 0x80072EFD?
Yes, wsreset.exe is a safe, official Microsoft tool built into Windows. Running it clears the Microsoft Store's temporary cache files and does not delete your installed apps, account information, or purchases. It is one of the first things Microsoft Support recommends when troubleshooting Store connection errors.

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