How to Fix ‘Error Code 7: 0x80072EFD’ in Google Chrome

This guide explains how to fix error code 7: 0x80072EFD in Google Chrome. The error usually appears when Chrome cannot connect to update servers. It might occur during a browser update or installation. The issue is often related to blocked connections, incorrect proxy settings, or interference from security software.

Follow these steps in order to resolve it.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

1. Confirm that your internet is working by opening a few websites.
2. Restart your router and computer.
3. Disable any VPN or proxy connection temporarily.
4. If you are on a managed or corporate network, switch to a personal connection and try again.

If Chrome still shows the error, continue to the next step.

2. Disable Proxy Settings

1. Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Connections tab and click LAN Settings.
3. Check Automatically detect settings.
4. Uncheck Use a proxy server for your LAN.
5. Click OK to save and close.
6. Open Chrome and try updating again.

Proxy configurations are a common reason for update connection failures.

3. Reset Windows Network and Update Components

This step ensures Chrome can access Google’s update servers without network conflicts.

a. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
b. Run these commands one by one:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winhttp reset proxy

c. Restart your computer and reopen Chrome.
d. Go to Settings > About Chrome to check if the update works.

4. Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Security Tools

Some antivirus programs block Chrome’s background update process.

1. Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus or security software.
2. Retry the Chrome update.
3. If the update works, add Chrome and Google Update to the program’s allow list.
4. Re-enable the antivirus afterward.

5. Run Chrome with Administrative Privileges

1. Close all Chrome windows.
2. Right-click the Chrome icon and select Run as administrator.
3. Open Settings > About Chrome.
4. Chrome should check for updates automatically.

If it updates successfully in this mode, your standard user account may lack the necessary permissions. Run Chrome as administrator whenever updating.

6. Delete and Recreate Chrome’s Update Folder

a. Close Chrome completely.
b. Press Windows + R, type the following path, and press Enter:

%localappdata%\Google\Chrome\User Data\

c. Locate the GoogleUpdate or SwReporter folder (if present) and rename it, for example, GoogleUpdate.old.
d. Restart your PC and open Chrome.
e. Try updating Chrome again from Settings > About Chrome.

7. Check System Date, Time, and TLS Settings

Incorrect system time or outdated security settings can block secure connections to update servers.

1. Right-click the system clock and select Adjust date and time.
2. bEnable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl, and press Enter.
4. Go to the Advanced tab.
5. Under Security, ensure TLS 1.2 and TLS 1.3 are checked.
6. Select Apply and OK, then restart your computer.

8. Reinstall Chrome

If none of the above methods work, reinstall Chrome completely.

a. Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter.
b. Select Google Chrome and click Uninstall.
c. Check Also delete browsing data when prompted.
d. Restart your computer.
e. Download the latest version of Chrome from the official Google website.
f. Install it and verify that updates work normally.

Summary

Error code 7: 0x80072EFD occurs when Chrome cannot reach Google’s update servers. The cause is usually a blocked connection, proxy interference, or restricted permissions. Begin with basic network and proxy checks. Then reset network components, allow Chrome through your firewall, and confirm TLS settings. If the issue continues, reinstall Chrome to restore default update configurations.