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Are you experiencing error code 0x80072f8f—0x20000 when trying to update Windows? You’ve come to the right place!

Microsoft offers different ways to upgrade your Windows OS to the latest version. Since the introduction of Windows 11, users have been making the move to the new OS in numbers. 

That said, some Windows 7 users are still making the switch to Windows 10 after Microsoft ended support for the former.

You can upgrade through the Windows Update client, the Windows Update assistant or by using the Windows ISO file.

However, one common way to upgrade Windows, especially from Windows 7 to 10, is to use the Media Creation tool. 

However, users have been complaining about seeing error code 0x80072f8f-0x20000 when trying to use the tool. 

We’ll show you how to fix the error code error code 0x80072f8f 0x20000 in this guide.

What Causes the Windows Media Creation Tool Error Code 0x80072f8f – 0x20000?

The common cause of the error code, especially in Windows 7, is the lack of support for TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2.

In other cases, the error could appear because of the software distribution folder, application conflicts, incompatible system requirements, unstable internet connection, or lack of administrator privileges.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80072f8f 0x20000 on Windows 10/11 or Windows 7

While the issue mostly occurs on Windows 7, you may also experience it on Windows 10 when upgrading to 11.

Follow the guides below to get rid of the problem for good.

Method 1: Enable TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2

We are putting this solution at the top because it helped many users get rid of the error.

The Media Creation Tool communicates with servers that use TLS (Transport Layer Security) 1.1 and TLS 1.2. That’s because the tool has to download the setup files required for the upgrade from Microsoft’s servers.

But as it turns out, these security protocols might be disabled by default on your current Windows version.

So, error code 0x80072f8f 20000 could appear because your PC can’t properly communicate with Microsoft’s servers.

Thankfully, you can enable TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2 by making changes to the system registry.

Important
“Before you begin, note that the system registry is a sensitive part of your operating system and applying the wrong changes could cause permanent damage. So, make sure you follow the steps in this guide carefully.”
 

But you need to create a backup of the entire registry to be on the safe side. Here’s how to do it:

  • Click on the Start button.
  • Go to the search box and type regedit.exe.
  • You can also open the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R, type regedit.exe and hit the Enter key.
  • After the Registry Editor opens, click on File in the top-left corner and select Export.
Error Code 0x80072f8f 0x20000
  • When the Export Registry File dialog window shows up, choose a location to save the backup, enter a name for the backup file in the File Name box, and select All under Export Range.
  • Click on the Save button.

 

error code 0x80072F8F 0x20000

That’s how to back up the registry.

How to enable the TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2

Now, follow these steps to enable TLS 1.1 and TLS 1.2:

  • Open the Registry Editor.
  • To enable TLS 1.1, head to this registry location and follow the subsequent steps:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols\TLS 1.1\Client
  • Now, go to the right side of the window and create the DisabledByDefault DWORD. Right-click the empty field and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Change the name of the new DWORD to DisabledByDefault.
  • Next, double-click the DWORD and set its value to 0.
  • Go to this registry location and follow the subsequent steps to enable TLS 1.2:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\SecurityProviders\SCHANNEL\Protocols\TLS 1.2\Client

Note
“If the tree ends at Protocols, create the TLS 1.2 and Client keys under the Protocols key.”
 

  • Create the DisabledByDefault DWORD and set its value to 0.

Restart your computer and run the Media Creation Tool again.

Related: How to get and use Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Method 2: Delete the software distribution folder

The software distribution folder is used by the Windows Update client to temporarily store files required for Windows updates. These files are stored when an update is pending installation or download.

Sometimes, the file in the folder causes conflicts and prevents the client from completing an update. 

Since the Media Creation Tool must download the setup files required for upgrading Windows, the issue might be related to the software distribution folder.

That’s because Windows may want to install pending updates before moving forward with the upgrade.

As such, deleting the folder may fix the problem.

Follow these steps:

  • Open your file explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
  • Select every file and sub folder in the folder and delete them.
  • Next, launch the Command Prompt and enter the following command: 
0x80072f8f – 0x20000 error code
  • Hit the Enter key and try running the setup again.

Related: How to Delete Software Distribution Folder on Windows?

Method 3: Perform a clean boot

Windows error code 0x80072f8f – 0x20000 may also be appearing due to application conflicts.

Some programs and services that launch during startup may be responsible for triggering the error when you run the Media Creation Tool.

You can resolve the problem by disabling those applications and running only minimal programs at Windows startup. This process is called a clean boot.

Follow these steps:

  • Open the Start menu and search for msconfig.
  • Click System Configuration in the search results.
  • Once the System Configuration dialog window appears, head to the Services tab.
  • Check the Hide all Microsoft services box and click on the Disable All button.
0x80072f8f 0x20000 error
  • Next, switch to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
  • Once the Startup tab of the Task Manager opens, select each enabled program and click on Disable.
How to Fix the Error Code 0x80072f8f – 0x20000
  • Return to the System Configuration dialog and click on the OK button.

Restart your computer and try upgrading your operating system.

Related: How to perform a clean boot in Windows 10?

Method 4: Use the Windows ISO file

As we mentioned earlier, the Media Creation Tool has to download the setup file to upgrade your PC. But for some reason, it keeps showing error code 0x80072f8f – 0x20000.

If none of the methods above helped you fix the problem, another alternative is to download the Windows setup file yourself and run the upgrade.

You should also consider downloading the ISO (Windows setup) to your mobile device and transferring it to your computer. This way, the error won’t botch the process.

So, follow these steps:

  • On your mobile browser, go to the Microsoft download page and download the ISO for Windows 10. A simple Google search will take you to the page. Remember that you need at least 6 GB of free storage on your mobile device and computer.
  • After downloading the ISO file, transfer it to your computer and extract it using a program such as WinZip or 7zip. Some Windows versions can mount the ISO file as a virtual DVD.
  • Next, open the extracted – or mounted – folder and double-click on the Setup file.
  • Follow the subsequent instructions to complete the upgrade.

You can choose to keep your files and applications during the upgrade or remove everything.

If you still see an error after choosing to keep your files and programs, consider the “Remove everything” option. But before you do that, backup your important files to an external drive.

Conclusion

With the error code 0x80072f8f – 0x20000, Windows 10/11 or Windows 7 fails to upgrade, and you may be left with the option of installing Windows from scratch.

However, the guides above will help you get rid of the error for good.

You can also use a PC repair tool to find and fix errors that may be triggering the problem. The tool also helps you prevent issues from occurring in the future. 

FAQ

Generally, when trying to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10, the error code 0x80072F8F appears. It usually has to do with problems with the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol or the computer’s date and time settings. 

This error may occur during the upgrade process if there are problems with the SSL certificate validation or the system’s date and time are off. 

So, it is crucial to ensure the system’s date and time settings are correct and resolve any SSL-related issues.

There are several ways to fix the Windows 7 activation error code 0x80072F8F. First, ensure your computer’s date and time settings are accurate. 

Even if the settings are right, you must verify the SSL certificate validation procedure because this can cause the error code to appear. 

Also, make sure you have a steady internet connection and temporarily turn off your firewall and antivirus program to help fix the error.

 

Verifying and adjusting your system’s date and time settings is a popular solution to date and time mismatches that may affect the tool’s performance. 

You can also fix the error code 0X80072F8F – 0X20000 by checking for any pending Windows updates and installing them before using the Media Creation Tool.

If the issue continues, turning off third-party firewalls or antivirus software for a short while can be helpful because these apps occasionally prevent the tool from accessing essential resources.