⚡ Windows Update Error

Quick Guide Fix Update Error 0x80070006 Windows 10 Update Failed - Complete Solution

📅 Updated: Jan 18, 2026 ⏱️ 20-45 min read ✅ Verified Solutions

🔄 Update Error

Error: 0x80070006

Message: "ERROR_INVALID_HANDLE"

Cause: Corrupted update files or insufficient permissions

Time: 15-25 minutes

Windows Update downloads patches, starts installing, then fails with error 0x80070006. You retry, same error. The update won't install no matter what you try, leaving your system without critical security patches.

Error 0x80070006 translates to "ERROR_INVALID_HANDLE"—a low-level Windows error meaning a process tried to use an invalid or corrupted file handle. In update context, this usually means Windows Update service encountered corrupted download files, permission issues preventing file access, or damaged Windows Update components.

The fix involves resetting Windows Update components, repairing system files, and ensuring proper permissions. No reinstallation needed, takes about 20 minutes.

Fix #1: Reset Windows Update Components

Clear corrupted cache and restart update services.

Resetting Windows Update
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Stop Windows Update services:
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop cryptSvc
    • net stop bits
    • net stop msiserver
  3. Delete SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2:
    • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  4. Restart services:
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start cryptSvc
    • net start bits
    • net start msiserver
  5. Restart computer and check for updates

Fix #2: Run DISM and SFC

Repair corrupted system files.

Running DISM and SFC
  1. Open Command Prompt as Admin
  2. Run DISM:
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • Wait 15-30 minutes
  3. Run SFC:
    • sfc /scannow
    • Wait 20-40 minutes
  4. Restart and try update

Fix #3: Free Up Disk Space

Insufficient space causes update failures.

Freeing disk space
  1. Run Disk Cleanup:
    • Search "Disk Cleanup" in Start
    • Select C: drive
    • Click "Clean up system files"
    • Check: Temporary files, Windows Update Cleanup, Recycle Bin
    • Click OK
  2. Target: 15-20 GB free space minimum

💡 Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft's built-in troubleshooter can automatically fix many update issues:

Settings → Troubleshoot → Windows Update → Run troubleshooter

Common Questions

Will resetting Windows Update delete my files?

No. Only clears update cache. Your files are safe.

Can I manually download the update?

Yes. Visit Microsoft Update Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com), search for update KB number, download and install manually.