Windows 7: how to download free updates in 2022 and Fix Error 80072EFE

7 min readFeb 11, 2022

Windows 7: how to download free updates in 2022 and Fix Error 80072EFE

The release of updates for Windows 7 has been suspended for a long time now. But now, in 2022, it is possible to “unblock” Windows Update with an unauthorized application that lets you to continue getting all the new monthly security fixes. So let’s explore how to receive free updates for Windows 7 in 2022

ATTENTION: THIS METHOD IS WORKING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ERROR 80072EFE!

At the completion of this operation, Windows Update will resume to function as normal, automatically downloading the latest security patches (if we have set it thus) (if we have configured it so).

Updates for Windows 7 in 2022 …?

The problem is widely known: extended support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020, hence Microsoft no longer releases monthly fixes for free

The advice is to switch to the new Windows 10: more safe, contemporary and regularly updated with all the newest advancements. But Microsoft is well aware that some major firms are unable to upgrade their fleet, either for compatibility issues, or because of the practical difficulties of transferring thousands of workstations used daily. For this reason, the software giant has created the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program: a subscription, payable exclusively by organizations, which enables you to continue getting security updates for Windows 7.

As said, this is a program for corporations. It is not accessible by private users.

How to upgrade Windows 7 with Extended Security Updates (ESU), totally free

It wasn’t long after ESU was accessible that a team of geeks discovered a means to unblock getting the same updates for Windows 7 for free, and on any PC, without paying anything. Everything has been bundled into a utility called Bypass Windows 7 Extended Security Updates Eligibility, which is extremely straightforward to use

Before you download and install Bypass Windows 7 Extended Security Updates Eligibility there are some essential facts that you really need to know. In particular, let’s explain one thing: I do not suggest it totally. The small software works as promised and truly lets you to obtain security updates for Windows 7 in 2022 but:

- Windows 7 is obsolete: the monthly upgrades of ESU keep it “alive”, but the truth remains that the underlying architecture was designed over 10 years ago, and lacks all the advances of newer operating systems

- Windows 7 is free upgradeable to Windows 10: THIS is what I suggest doing!

- The tool is not official: Bypass Windows 7 Extended Security Updates Eligibility is an unauthorized application that alters the operating system. It might produce complications and adverse effects in the long term.

- The developer is anonymous: the program is produced by someone who hides behind a username. While it is now “clean”, there is always a chance that it may be updated to download malware or do other criminal actionssit might cease working: at any point, without notice.

- It is thus not a fully dependable instrument in the long run

This technique only works with ESU-supported versions, notably Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise.

If, after you grasp these points, you still want to continue and test the tool … read on!

Step 1: Fully update your PC

Before even tinkering with Bypass Windows 7 Extended Security Updates Eligibility it is necessary that the Windows 7 PC is already fully updated with everything that is publicly available on Windows Update. To check it:

- click on the Start button

- type windows update and click the link of the same name

- click the Check for updates link in the left column

After a few seconds, the indicator should display

Windows is up to date

No updates available for the computer

If Windows Update gets stuck on the message Searching for updates …, you need to conduct this other step first:

Step 2: Manually install further patches

Now you need to figure out whether you are running Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit. Therefore, download and install the fixes specified below, respecting the order in which they are offered.

KB4474419, SHA-2 code signing support update:

Download: KB4474419 Windows 7 64-bit
Download: KB4474419 Windows 7 32-bit
At the completion of the installation of this patch it is important to restart the PC immediately.

KB4490628, Servicing stack update 12 March 2019:

Download: SSU March 12, 2019 for Windows 7 64-bit
Download: SSU March 12, 2019 for Windows 7 32-bit

At the completion of the installation it is necessary to restart the PC, even if it is not expressly specified. Otherwise, warn the Microsoft support post, your PC may freeze at the login screen.

KB4592510, Servicing stack update 8 December 2020:

Download: SSU December 8, 2020 for Windows 7 64-bit
Download: SSU December 8, 2020 for Windows 7 32-bit

At the completion of the installation of this patch it is important to restart the PC immediately.

KB4575903, ESU Licensing Preparation Package:

Download: ESU Licensing Preparation Package for Windows 7 64-bit
Download: ESU Licensing Preparation Package for Windows 7 32-bit

Also after the completion of this installation it is important to restart the PC immediately.

Step 3: Download Bypass Windows 7 Extended Security Updates Eligibility

At this point, and only after having carried out the preceding stages, we continue to download the real utility. There are two sources from which to receive it:

Download: Direct download through web browser
Download: Direct download via BitTorrent (BitTorrent client needed) (BitTorrent client required)

In case the links above cease functioning, turn to the official website of the utility (needs registration) (requires registration).

Step 4: Install 7-Zip, extract the file

The downloaded file is in .7z format. Windows is unable to open it natively, which is why we have to download and install a specific manager, such as the superb 7-Zip:

»Download: 7-Zip

At this point, open the downloaded file using 7-Zip and extract all the contents in a folder of your choosing. You will be asked for your password: type 2020

Step 5: Use the script

Now enter the folder where you extracted all the files and right-click on the LiveOS-Setup.cmd file, then pick Execute as administrator, then confirm that you want to run the software.

A Command Prompt window appears. Wait until the Checking warning disappears and the text menu displays from which to pick the action to execute

For our purposes, that is, to obtain updates for Windows 7 in 2021, simply click the 1 key on the keyboard. The Installing ESU Suppressor … notice appears and stays stationary on the screen for a time, followed by a succession of file names. Finally, the Press any key to leave warning

Step 6: Restart your PC

We proceed to restart the PC entirely. Yes, it is important to complete this immediately for the operation to be successful

Step 7: Download the fresh updates

From here on, the system should have access to updates reserved for the ESU program. To check it:

- click on the Start buttonstype windows update and click the link of the same name

- click the Check for updates link in the left column

- After a time, the notice should show indicating some new updates are available

Windows 7: how to get free updates 2021 (video) — windows 7 windows update

Windows 7: how to obtain free updates 2021 (video) (video)

Let’s install them all as normal.

If your PC is enabled to automatically download and install updates, Windows Update will now restart to do so just as it did while Windows 7 was still supported. This option may be modified by clicking on the Change settings link in the left column