Unable to Install Windows 11 Update – Error 0x80073712 on Insider Preview Build

Use Fix problems using Windows Update → Reinstall now to repair the current Windows installation before retrying 26H2; this reinstalls the same Windows version, repairs system files and components, and preserves files, applications, and settings.^1^

Perform the repair reinstall

Since DISM and SFC have already completed without resolving the failure, do not repeat them.

1. Back up irreplaceable files as a precaution.
2. Connect the laptop to AC power and a stable internet connection.
3. Open Settings → System → Recovery.
4. Under Fix problems using Windows Update, select Reinstall now.
5. Choose whether Windows may restart automatically, then select OK.
6. Let Windows download and install the repair version. Do not interrupt it.
7. Restart when prompted.
8. Return to Settings → Windows Update, select Check for updates, and retry the 26H2 update.

This is a repair installation, not Reset this PC. Microsoft specifically documents that it retains applications, documents, and settings.^2^ A closely matching Insider Preview case with 0x80073712 was resolved using the same recovery option.^3^

Check the Insider channel afterward

Build 26220.9568 belongs to the 26220 Beta build line, while Microsoft announced 26H2 in Release Preview on the 26300 build line.^4^^5^

After repairing Windows:

1. Open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
2. Verify that the intended experience/channel is selected. The screenshot shows neither Experimental nor Beta visibly selected.
3. If the page remains unselected or inconsistent, capture that state in Feedback Hub rather than changing channels repeatedly.
4. Press Win+F and report the update failure under Install and Update → Downloading, installing, and configuring Windows Update. Include error 0x80073712, build 26220.9568, and the failed 26H2 offer.

If “Reinstall now” is absent

The option can be hidden when update-management policies are configured, or when the required servicing level is unavailable.^1^

The next file-preserving fallback is an in-place reinstall, but only with installation media compatible with the installed edition, language, and Insider build:

1. Start Windows normally.
2. Mount or connect compatible installation media.
3. Run setup.exe from File Explorer—do not boot from the USB.
4. Select Change what to keep.
5. Continue only if Keep personal files and apps is available and selected.
6. If that option is unavailable, cancel Setup; proceeding could remove applications or data.

Microsoft documents that Keep personal files and apps preserves personal data, applications, and settings.^6^ Because this is an Insider build, do not use ordinary retail media unless Setup explicitly offers that preservation option.

If the repair reinstall succeeds but 26H2 still returns 0x80073712, submit the Feedback Hub report and attach the Windows Update/CBS diagnostics requested by the app. Avoid Reset this PC or Cloud rebuild for now: those are more disruptive and are unnecessary while file-preserving repair paths remain available.

References

1. Fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows
2. Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. Windows Error Update 0x80073712 - Microsoft Q&A
4. Announcing new builds for 25 September 2026 - Windows Blog
5. Releasing Windows 11, version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel
6. Reinstall Windows with the installation media | Microsoft Support