Windows Update error 0x80072F8F: Wrong date, time or time zone
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
TLS 1.2 isn't configured correctly on the client. (Windows Update common errors and mitigation)
Code facts for 0x80072F8F
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80072F8F |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | WININET_E_DECODING_FAILED |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80072F8F |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147954575 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147012721 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Read with care
- Win32 code 12175 is not in the System Error Codes list; it is an internet API error number. (System Error Codes (12000-15999), Error Messages (Wininet.h), Error Messages (Winhttp.h))
- The same number 12175 means ERROR_INTERNET_DECODING_FAILED in WinINet and ERROR_WINHTTP_SECURE_FAILURE in WinHTTP; which one applies depends on the component that reported it. (Error Messages (Wininet.h), Error Messages (Winhttp.h))
Code facts: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows 11 (the upgrade errors page lists this code only in its Windows 11 tab). Other step groups give their own scope: IT pages, Windows Server pages.
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
3 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80072F8F are not covered. 1 step is flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
Source: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft lists this code only in the Windows 11 tab of its upgrade and installation errors page.
Fix the date and time
Correct the PC's date, time and time zone, and make sure its time sync is switched on.
From: Windows Update common errors and mitigation
Source: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's common Windows Update errors table (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11).
Set up TLS 1.2
Written for IT administrators.
This error generally means that the Windows Update Agent can't decode the received content. Install and configure TLS 1.2 by installing the update that's provided in KB3140245.
Microsoft's page for KB3140245 says the update is for Windows Server 2012, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1; it does not list Windows 10 or Windows 11.
From: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80072F8F
Source: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80072F8F (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's page for this code on Windows Server: causes are an out-of-sync clock (SSL negotiation fails) or, with WSUS or Configuration Manager over SSL, an untrusted certificate chain.
In-place upgrade of the VM
Applies to Windows Server.
Reinstalls Windows (in-place upgrade)Perform an in-place upgrade on the Windows virtual machine (VM). For Azure VMs the page asks you to back up the OS disk first.
Microsoft advises: In an in-place upgrade you choose what to keep: Keep personal files and apps keeps your files, apps and settings, Keep personal files only removes your apps, and Keep nothing removes everything. Back up your personal files before you reinstall. (Reinstall Windows with the installation media)
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |