How to Fix 0x8007000D (Windows Update)
Quick Answer
Error 0x8007000D, "The data is invalid," indicates that Windows Update encountered corrupted or missing files during an update process. The fastest initial fix involves running the Windows Update Troubleshooter to automatically detect and resolve common issues.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted or missing system files required for Windows Update operations.
- Issues with the Windows Update service or its components.
- Interference from third-party antivirus software or firewalls.
- Damaged Windows Update cache or temporary files.
- Incorrect date and time settings on the system.
- Problems with the system's disk integrity.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Open the Start Menu and type "Troubleshoot settings," then select the corresponding option.
- Click "Additional troubleshooters" (or "Other troubleshooters" on Windows 11).
- Locate "Windows Update" in the list and click "Run the troubleshooter."
- Allow the troubleshooter to detect and attempt to fix any issues. Follow any on-screen prompts.
- Restart your computer after the troubleshooter completes and attempt to run Windows Update again.
2Reset Windows Update Components to Resolve 0x8007000D
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: "net stop wuauserv", "net stop cryptSvc", "net stop bits", "net stop msiserver".
- Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: "ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old", "ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old".
- Restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: "net start wuauserv", "net start cryptSvc", "net start bits", "net start msiserver".
- Close Command Prompt and attempt to run Windows Update again.
3Check System File Integrity with SFC and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Run the System File Checker (SFC) by typing "sfc /scannow" and pressing Enter. Allow the scan to complete.
- After SFC finishes, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool by typing "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and pressing Enter. This process may take several minutes.
- Restart your computer after both scans have completed.
- Attempt to perform Windows Update again.
4Verify Date and Time Settings
- Right-click on the clock in the taskbar and select "Adjust date and time."
- Ensure "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" are both toggled to "On."
- If these options are already on, toggle them off, wait a few seconds, then toggle them back on to resynchronize.
- Click "Sync now" under "Additional settings" (or "Synchronize your clock" on Windows 10) to force a synchronization with the time server.
- Close the settings window and attempt to run Windows Update.
Advanced Fixes
Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install)
- Download the Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
- Run the Media Creation Tool and select "Upgrade this PC now." Alternatively, create installation media (USB drive or ISO file) and run setup.exe from within Windows.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. When prompted, choose to "Keep personal files and apps" to retain your data and installed programs.
- Allow the process to complete. This will reinstall Windows while preserving your files and applications, potentially resolving underlying system corruption.
- After the upgrade, check for Windows Updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code 0x8007000D mean?
Error code 0x8007000D, accompanied by the message "The data is invalid," indicates that the Windows Update process encountered corrupted, missing, or improperly formatted data files necessary for the update to proceed successfully. This can prevent updates from downloading or installing.
Will fixing 0x8007000D delete my files?
Most standard troubleshooting steps, such as running troubleshooters, resetting update components, or using SFC/DISM, will not delete your personal files. An in-place upgrade, if performed correctly by selecting 'Keep personal files and apps', also preserves your data. It is always recommended to back up important data before performing significant system changes.
How long does it take to fix error 0x8007000D?
The time required to fix error 0x8007000D varies. Simple fixes like running the troubleshooter or checking date/time settings might take a few minutes. More extensive steps like resetting update components or running SFC/DISM can take 15-60 minutes. An in-place upgrade can take several hours depending on system speed and data volume.
Can third-party antivirus software cause 0x8007000D?
Yes, third-party antivirus software or firewalls can sometimes interfere with Windows Update processes, leading to errors like 0x8007000D. Temporarily disabling such software (or adding exceptions for Windows Update services) can help determine if it is the cause. Remember to re-enable your security software afterward.