Medium Operating Systems ✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)

How to fix error 0x80072fa8 in Windows 11

ERROR_WINHTTP_REDIRECT_FAILED: Redirect failed.

65% success rate
👥 0+ users verified
📅 Updated: 2026-08-12
⏱️ 15 min read
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12 · How we verify fixes
Error Code0x80072fa8
Affected SystemWindows 11 (Microsoft)
DifficultyMedium
Estimated Time15 min
Requires Admin Rights⚠️ Yes
Requires Reboot🔄 Yes

Solution Steps

  1. 1 First, try restarting your router and computer. Sometimes a simple network reset can fix redirect issues.
  2. 2 If that doesn't work, clear the Windows Update cache. Open Command Prompt as administrator and stop the Windows Update service with 'net stop wuauserv'.
  3. 3 Then, delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder using 'del /f /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\*'.
  4. 4 Restart the service with 'net start wuauserv'.
  5. 5 Check your proxy settings. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy and ensure 'Use a proxy server' is off, unless you need it.
  6. 6 Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter from Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
  7. 7 Finally, restart your PC and try updating again.

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