The error code 0x80073712 happens when the Component-Based Servicing manifest is corrupted. You will get this error and the update won’t install, and this happens on both Windows 10 Mobile, as well as on various versions of Windows for desktop.
The problem with Windows 10 Mobile doesn’t exclude anyone, it has happened for users with brand new phones which are meant to be immediately updated to newer builds, as well as some users who have tried updating via the Insider Program. It’s usually when you have an older build of Windows 10 Mobile, and you’re trying to update to the newest one, as users updating straight from Windows Phone 8.1 don’t seem to be having this issue.
There are a few things that can help you fix this issue, and they range from easy ones that won’t require much time, to some that will require both time and effort on your side, but you will be able to solve this issue no matter the time needed.
Method 1: Update the firmware
Some devices, such as the Lumia 950 and 950 XL, started getting firmware updates immediately after their release, and failing to have the newest firmware on your device might prevent you from proceeding with the updates.
- Download the Windows Device Recovery Tool from Microsoft’s website, and install it on your computer.
- Use a USB cable to connect your phone to the PC. If it isn’t detected automatically, disconnect it, and select the My phone wasn’t detected Follow the prompts. If this still doesn’t work, try restarting the phone while it’s connected.
- Select Install software and wait until your device is updated. Note that you won’t be able to use your phone until the update is done.
Method 2: Run the update without an SD card
Having an SD card in your device while running an update can sometimes confuse your device, so you can try removing it while you’re installing the update.
- Open the Settings menu, then select System, and finally Unmount your SD card.
- Remove the card from your phone.
- Make sure you have enough space on your phone – you can do an online search to find out the size of the specific update you’re trying to install.
- Again, open the Settings menu, and this time go to Update & security, then Phone and Update. Run the update, and wait for it to complete. It may take slower than usual, depending on the particular update and your internet speed, but it should be working in the end.
Method 3: Roll back to 8.1, then install the update directly
As a last resort for users who come from devices that originally shipped with Windows 8.1, you can roll back to Windows 8.1, and then update to Windows 10 via the Insider Preview.
- Use steps 1-3 of the first method to roll back to Windows Phone 8.1. The Windows Device Recovery Tool will tell you that the latest official software for your phone is Windows Phone 8.1, since you’ve used the Insider Preview to get to Windows 10.
- Open the Store and download the Windows Insider
- Open it, enable your device, choose your build ring and reboot.
- Go to Settings, and choose Phone update, then check for updates.
- Run the available update, which will update your phone to the latest build of Windows 10 Mobile.
Windows 10, be it for phones or computers, has had its fair share of bugs and errors that still plague a number of users. However, if you follow the methods above, you will have your device running the latest build of Windows 10 Mobile in no time.
