WININET_E_CANNOT_CONNECT 0x80072EFD

Hex 0x80072EFD · Decimal -2147012867 · Type HRESULT · Facility WIN32 (7) · Win32 code 12029

WINDOWS

A connection with the server could not be established

Also searched as: 0x80072efd, error 0x80072efd, microsoft store error 0x80072efd, windows update error 0x80072efd, 12029

Windows troubleshooting diagram: Device Manager warning and a system file scan
Windows errors: check drivers, system files and Event Viewer, in that order.

What it means

0x80072EFD "A connection with the server could not be established" appears in the Microsoft Store, Windows Update, Outlook and other apps when they cannot reach a Microsoft server. The Store often shows it as "Check your connection". Your PC could not open a connection, usually because of network, proxy or firewall settings.

Applies to: Windows 10, Windows 11

How to fix WININET_E_CANNOT_CONNECT

  1. Confirm the internet works in a browser and restart the router
  2. Make sure the date, time and time zone are correct: Settings > Time & language > Date & time > Set time automatically, then click Sync now
  3. Check proxy settings: Settings > Network & internet > Proxy, and turn off any manual proxy you do not use; in Terminal (Admin) run netsh winhttp reset proxy
  4. Disable VPN software temporarily and test again
  5. Reset the Microsoft Store cache: press Win+R, type wsreset.exe and press Enter; the Store reopens when the cache is cleared
  6. Reset networking with netsh winsock reset and ipconfig /flushdns, then restart
  7. If you use third-party firewall or web filtering, make sure it is not blocking the Store or Windows Update

Why it happens

A proxy, VPN, firewall, DNS problem or incorrect clock prevents the HTTP connection from opening. Leftover proxy settings from removed software are a frequent cause.

FAQ

Why does the Store say 0x80072efd when my internet works?

The Store uses system proxy and WinHTTP settings; a leftover proxy or VPN filter can block it while browsers still work.

Is 0x80072efd a Microsoft outage?

Occasionally, but most cases are local network settings.

Related errors

WININET_E_ITEM_NOT_FOUNDWININET_E_CONNECTION_ABORTEDWININET_E_INCORRECT_FORMATSTATUS_DLL_NOT_FOUNDSTATUS_ENTRYPOINT_NOT_FOUNDSTATUS_DLL_INIT_FAILEDSTATUS_HEAP_CORRUPTIONSTATUS_STACK_BUFFER_OVERRUN

Source: Microsoft WinError.h · fixes written and reviewed by the editors (see our editorial policy)

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