Fixes / Windows · Checked September 30, 2026

Windows Update error 0x8007000d: what it means and how to fix it

Short answer

Windows Update error 0x8007000d (ERROR_INVALID_DATA) means Windows downloaded update data that is corrupt or unreadable, so it refuses to install it. The most likely fix is to delete the cached download: stop the Windows Update and BITS services, rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, restart, and check for updates again so Windows downloads a fresh copy.

What this message means

0x8007000d is the Windows code ERROR_INVALID_DATA. Microsoft's description is that data that isn't valid was downloaded, or corruption occurred. In practice, the update files Windows saved in its download cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution) are damaged, incomplete or don't match what the update expects. Less often, the damage is in Windows' own component store, which updates rely on to install. The update itself is usually fine. Your copy of it, or the part of Windows that applies it, is not. Because Windows keeps retrying the same bad cached files, the error often repeats until the cache is cleared or the component store is repaired.

Common causes

Cause	How to tell
Corrupted or incomplete update download in the Windows Update cache	The same update (same KB number) fails with 0x8007000d on every retry, often after a download was interrupted by a restart, sleep or dropped connection.
Damaged Windows component store (WinSxS) or system files	Several different updates fail, or other codes like 0x800f081f or 0x80073701 appear too. Running DISM /ScanHealth reports that the component store is repairable.
Third-party antivirus or disk cleanup tools interfering with update files	The error started after installing or updating a security suite or 'PC cleaner', and updates install fine in a clean boot.
Not enough free space on the system drive	C: has only a few GB free, and large feature or cumulative updates fail partway through the download or install.
Disk or storage driver errors writing the update files	chkdsk reports errors, Event Viewer shows disk warnings, or the PC also has random file corruption outside Windows Update.

How to fix it

1. Restart and run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows 11 and Windows 10 (paths differ)

Restart the PC (use Restart, not Shut down) so any pending update work completes.
Windows 11: go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and select Run next to Windows Update.
Windows 10: go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.
Let it apply any fixes it finds, then restart again.
Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.

2. Clear the Windows Update download cache

Select Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
Stop the update services by running these one at a time: net stop wuauserv, net stop cryptSvc, net stop bits, net stop msiserver
Rename the cache folders: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Start the services again: net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, net start bits, net start msiserver
Restart the PC, then go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. Windows will download a fresh copy of the update.
If a rename fails with 'Access is denied', a service is still running. Repeat the net stop commands and try again.

3. Repair Windows with DISM and SFC

Open Command Prompt as administrator.
Run: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth (note the space before each slash). Wait for 'The operation completed successfully'. It can sit at 20% or 62% for several minutes.
Run: sfc /scannow and wait for 'Verification 100% complete'.
Restart the PC and check for updates again.
If DISM fails because it can't find source files, clear the update cache (previous fix) first, then run DISM again.

4. Free up space and rule out antivirus

Open File Explorer, right-click the C: drive and check free space. Aim for at least 20 GB free before a feature update.
Free space via Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files (Windows 11) or Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files (Windows 10), and remove Previous Windows installations only if you won't roll back.
Temporarily turn off third-party antivirus (Microsoft Defender can stay on), or uninstall it if it has no disable switch.
Check for updates again. Turn the antivirus back on once the update installs.

5. Install the failing update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog

Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history and note the KB number of the failed update (for example KB5xxxxxx).
Open catalog.update.microsoft.com and search for that KB number.
Download the entry that matches your Windows version and system type (x64 or ARM64). Check Settings > System > About if unsure.
Double-click the downloaded .msu file and follow the prompts, then restart.

6. Reinstall Windows while keeping files and apps

Settings method: Windows 11 version 22H2 or later. Media method: Windows 10 and 11

Back up important files first, just in case.
Windows 11 (22H2 or later): go to Settings > System > Recovery, and next to Fix problems using Windows Update select Reinstall now.
Windows 10, or if that option is missing: download Microsoft's Media Creation Tool or the Windows ISO from microsoft.com/software-download and create installation media (or mount the ISO).
Open the media in File Explorer and run setup.exe.
Select Change what to keep, choose Keep personal files and apps, then Next and Install. The PC restarts several times.
After it finishes, check for updates. The fresh system files usually let the failed update install.

Next time, skip the search

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Still not fixed?

If 0x8007000d survives a cache reset, DISM/SFC and an in-place reinstall, look at C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log (search for ', error' near the time of the failure) to find the exact file or package that is bad, and run chkdsk C: /scan to check the disk. On a work or school PC that gets updates through WSUS, Intune or Configuration Manager, contact your IT admin, because the corrupt content may be on the update server. Otherwise, contact Microsoft Support through the Get Help app, or back up your files and do a full reset (Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC).

Questions people ask

What does error code 0x8007000d mean?

It is ERROR_INVALID_DATA. Windows found that the update data it downloaded, or the system files it needs to install it, are corrupt or not valid.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, as long as you stop the Windows Update and BITS services first. It only holds temporary update downloads and history. Windows rebuilds it automatically, though your Update history list may appear empty afterward.

Why does the same update keep failing with 0x8007000d?

Windows keeps retrying the same corrupt files from its cache. Clearing the cache forces a clean download, and installing the KB manually from the Update Catalog skips the cache entirely.

Will a repair install delete my files or apps?

No. Reinstall now in Recovery settings, or setup.exe with Keep personal files and apps selected, replaces Windows system files but keeps your files, apps and most settings. Back up first anyway.

Can 0x8007000d appear outside Windows Update?

Yes. The same code shows up during Windows setup, activation and System Restore, where it also means invalid or corrupted data. The DISM/SFC and fresh-media fixes apply there too.

Sources

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