64bit windows 7 can't run windows update

For error 0x80072EFE, the supported causes in the available guidance are a connection problem to Windows Update, proxy/network issues, BITS transfer failures, or TLS/cipher suite configuration problems.

Try this in order:

1. Restart the PC again Pending update actions can block new update attempts.
2. Run the Windows repair command Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:

      Dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
   

   Then restart the PC.
3. Check Windows Update again Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
4. Verify the download path is not being blocked by network or proxy The documented mitigation for 0x80072EFE says BITS may be unable to transfer the file successfully. At a command prompt, run:

      BITSADMIN /LIST /ALLUSERS /VERBOSE
   

   Search the output for 0x80072EFE and the related HTTP code/file. Then try downloading that file manually in a browser, using the same proxy settings used in the environment. If that fails, the issue is with network/proxy access to the update URL.
5. If other network checks already look normal, review cipher suite configuration This applies to systems where cipher suites are explicitly configured in the registry. Check this registry key:

      HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Cryptography\Configuration\SSL\00010002
   

   Ensure at least one of these cipher suites is present:
   • TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA384
   • TLS_ECDHE_ECDSA_WITH_AES_256_GCM_SHA256
6. If those cipher suites exist but the error continues, adjust their order Warning: editing the registry is risky and incorrect changes can affect secure connections system-wide.
   • Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • Go to:

          HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Cryptography\Configuration\SSL\00010002
     

   • Move the required cipher suites higher in the list, or to the top.
   • Restart the PC.
   • Try Windows Update again.
7. If Windows Update still fails, install the update manually from Microsoft Update Catalog
   • Open Microsoft Update Catalog.
   • Search for the specific update number.
   • Download the package that matches the operating system.
   • Run the package manually.

References:

• Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80072EFE with cipher suite configuration
• Windows Update common errors and mitigation
• Windows Update troubleshooting guidance