Microsoft is gearing up to release yet another out-of-band update, a move prompted by the recent challenges stemming from its latest preview update. This particular update has been marred by installation errors, with many users encountering the error code 0x80073712. The accompanying message, “Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later,” has left affected users in a state of frustration.
In response to these issues, Microsoft took the precautionary step of pausing the problematic update while it conducted a thorough investigation. The company has now committed to rolling out an out-of-band update in the coming days, aimed specifically at rectifying these installation hurdles.
Urgency Surrounds Upcoming Security Update
As the clock ticks, the urgency of the situation becomes increasingly apparent. Although the preview update was optional, the impending April security update is not, and the complications arising from the installation process necessitate prompt resolution. However, the prospect of yet another out-of-band update may not be met with enthusiasm by users, who are left questioning why Microsoft did not conduct more rigorous testing prior to the initial release.
This year has already proven to be challenging for Microsoft, with a pattern emerging where patches are required to address issues created by previous patches. It has been less than two weeks since the last out-of-band update was issued to resolve a sign-in issue related to Microsoft accounts that arose from the March update. In its documentation, Microsoft refers to out-of-band releases as “atypical,” yet they seem to be becoming a regular occurrence.
Pavan Davuluri, the head of Windows, has expressed a commitment to enhancing the reliability and stability of Microsoft’s flagship operating system, acknowledging ongoing issues since November 2025. However, steering the Windows ship is akin to navigating a supertanker rather than a nimble yacht; the vastness of the Microsoft ecosystem means that implementing changes and updates requires extensive coordination across hardware, software, and enterprise users. Despite nearly half a year passing, the company continues to issue updates riddled with errors that necessitate further fixes.
For users and administrators grappling with the repercussions of these ongoing challenges, the pressing question remains: when will there be a tangible improvement?
