You may receive the error code 0x80072f76 – 0x20016, during the installation or upgradation of Windows 10 or Windows 11. This error is categorized as an Installer error/upgrade error that breaks the Windows Installation process. Having this error means, you won’t be able to install or upgrade Windows.
In this article, we have explained why this error occurs and how you can fix it.
What is Windows Installer Error 0x80072f76 – 0x20016
The Windows upgrade error 0x80072f76 – 0x20016 indicates that there are problems in the following areas.
- Corrupted Bootable Drive: The bootable Windows drive you’re using for installation may be corrupted or damaged.
- Incompatible Windows Version: You might be trying to install a Windows version that isn’t compatible with your PC’s hardware.
- Misconfigured BIOS: Misconfigurations in the BIOS settings can prevent Windows from installing correctly.
- Wrong Windows Settings: Problems from a previous installation may be causing the issue.
- SSD Failure: Another possible cause of the Windows installer error 0x80072f76 – 0x20016 is SSD failure.
- Unstable Network: An unstable or fluctuating internet connection can also lead to the same problem.
- Corrupted Windows Files: Missing or corrupted system files could be blocking the Windows upgrade process.
How to Fix Windows Upgrade/Installer Error 0x80072f76 – 0x20016
This error can occur in two conditions: when installing Windows and when upgrading Windows. It’s important to note that fixing this error in both conditions requires different troubleshooting methods. Therefore, choose the appropriate troubleshooting method based on your specific PC problem.
Fix Problem if you can’t boot your PC.
If your previous Windows operating system has crashed, preventing your PC from booting, and you’re attempting to install a fresh version of Windows but encountering the installation error mentioned above, consider trying the following solutions.
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Solution 1: Use SFC/CHKDSK/DISM/Bootrec command to repair Windows
Repair Windows using the Commands
Step 3: Run the following commands.
SFC Command
SFC stands for System File Checker, and it is used to scan and repair corrupted Windows files. The primary purpose of the System File Checker is to maintain the integrity of essential system files that Windows relies on for proper functioning.
sfc /scannow
CHKDSK Command
CHKDSK is a short form of “Check Disk” and it is used to scan and repair HDD/SSD errors such as integrity violation, file system failure, bad sectors on disk, etc.
chkdsk C: /f /r
DISM Command
The DISM command, which stands for “Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool,” is a command-line utility in Windows used for servicing and managing Windows operating system images. It’s a powerful tool that’s mainly used for tasks related to system repair, updates, and maintenance.
To check the health of the Windows image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
To attempt to repair any issues found in the image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Bootrec command
The bootrec command is a powerful command-line tool in Windows used for repairing and troubleshooting issues related to the boot process. It’s especially useful when dealing with boot-related problems that prevent your computer from starting correctly.
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Solution 2: Reset your PC
Startup Repair - Step by Step
Solution 3: Reset BIOS to Default.
Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default
Solution 4: Recheck the downloaded Windows ISO file.
Recheck the source of your Windows ISO files to ensure they are not corrupted or damaged. Consider using the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable Windows USB drive.
Fix the Problem If you can boot your PC.
If you can boot your PC, apply the following troubleshooting steps.
Solution 5: Use the PC Repair Tool to repair different parts of your Windows.
The error mentioned above can occur due to various reasons, including missing or damaged system files, misconfigured registry files, outdated drivers, lack of Windows updates, or damage caused by malware or viruses. To resolve these issues and optimize your Windows system, it is advisable to use a reputable PC repair tool.
Solution 6: Install complete Windows updates.
Before upgrading your PC, it is necessary to install complete Windows updates including the Windows updates, drivers, and installed apps.
Complete Windows Updates - Step by Step
1. Windows Updates
Step 1: Right-click on Start → Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down to find Windows updates and then click on Check for updates.
2. App Update
To update the installed application on your computer, you can follow the following steps.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store. Click on your profile picture at the top of the MS Store and select Settings.
Step 2: Turn On App Updates.
Step 3: Open Microsoft Store Library. To access your Microsoft Store Library, simply click on the library icon located on the left sidebar. Once there, you’ll find a button labeled “Get updates.” Click on this to initiate a scan for the latest updates available for the apps you have installed.
Step 4: For the third-party application, check for their updated version on their official site and install them.
3. Driver Update
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand all the drivers manually and look for the driver with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on it and select Update.
Solution 7: Reset Windows Update Components.
Reset Windows Update Components - Step by Step
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
After the restart, try updating Windows again.
Summary
The Windows installer/upgrade error 0x80072f76 – 0x20016 can prevent your OS from being upgraded or installed correctly. To resolve this situation, you can follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article.