How to fix
Media Creation Tool error 0x80070006 – 0x90018
on Windows

I have been having problems with my Windows for so long now and I tried to fix it in many different ways but I then realized that the best thing to do would be to reinstall it altogether. So I downloaded Media Creation Tool to do this but I then got an error 0x80070006 - 0x90018, and this is really frustrating to me. I just want my computer to work again. What is it I can do to fix this error?

Error 0x80070006 - 0x90018 is one of the common problems for users who try to upgrade or create bootable installation media for Windows using the Media Creation Tool. This error can occur at any moment in time during the download process, preparation of the installation files, or when the tool is creating bootable USB drives. It often leaves users frustrated because it interrupts the process without offering clear guidance on how to proceed.

A large number of users experience this error due to some malfunction in their USB drive, either in the form of incompatibility in the file system or low space. On different occasions, this error 0x80070006 - 0x90018 may also be caused by corrupted Media Creation Tool or problematic system permissions. In the presence of misconfigured Windows Update components or some old drivers, it might become really impossible to complete the upgrade or creation of media successfully.

Symptoms of the 0x80070006 - 0x90018 error include the Media Creation Tool hanging and displaying an error code without completing the desired task. Users reported this error occurs even when they have what appears to be sufficient USB drives and stable network connections, which may just be symptoms of temporary file corruption or background conflicts caused by third-party applications.

The problem, most of the time, is technical yet can be easily resolved by changing the corruption of the file, updating of drivers, or permissions. For advanced users, the solution may include reformatting the USB drives, running system file checks, or adjusting network settings for seamless downloads of the update.

If you are encountering the 0x80070006 - 0x90018 error, then troubleshooting is usually an elimination process that works through a list of potential causes. For users who prefer having things automated, the [d1] repair tool will identify and fix any underlying issues efficiently to ensure that the Media Creation Tool works as expected.

Fix 1. Check USB drive for issues

A faulty or incompatible USB drive can often cause the 0x80070006 - 0x90018 error. Ensuring the drive is properly formatted and has enough storage space can resolve the issue quickly.

• Insert the USB drive into your computer.
• Open File Explorer, right-click on the USB drive, and select Format.
• Choose NTFS from the File System dropdown menu.
• Check Quick Format and click Start.
• Type PowerShell in Windows search, right-click on PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control prompt will ask you for permission to make changes - click Yes.
• In the new window, type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  diskpart
  list disk
• Note which USB drive matches which disk - let's say it's disk 1 (adjust as required), so next commands would be as follows:
  select disk 1
  clean
• Try running Media Creation Tool again.

Fix 2. Run Media Creation Tool as administrator

Permissions can prevent the Media Creation Tool from accessing necessary system files or making changes, leading to this error. Running the tool as an administrator can bypass such restrictions.

• Visit the official Microsoft page to download Media Creation tool (Windows 11 version)
• Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
• Proceed with the on-screen instructions provided.

Fix 3. Delete temporary files

Corrupted temporary files can interfere with the Media Creation Tool's operation. Removing these files can clear any conflicts.

• Open the Windows search bar and type Disk Cleanup. Press Enter to open the Disk Cleanup utility.
• In the Disk Cleanup window, select the drive where your Windows operating system is installed (usually drive C:) and click OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select the drive again and click OK.
• In the list of files that can be cleaned up, select the largest portions of data, such as Temporary Files, Windows Update, and others.
• Click OK to begin the cleanup process.

Fix 4. Disable antivirus software

Sometimes, antivirus programs block the Media Creation Tool from performing critical operations. Temporarily disabling such programs can help complete the process.

• Open your antivirus application.
• Locate the settings menu.
• Disable real-time protection or temporarily turn off the antivirus.
• Retry using the Media Creation Tool.

Fix 5. Reset Windows Update components

Issues with Windows Update components can lead to errors when downloading or preparing installation files. Resetting these components can restore proper functionality.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• When the User Account Control window pops up, click Yes.
• Type the following commands one by one in Command Prompt and press Enter after each:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
  Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
• When these commands are executed, the last thing to do is to re-enable relevant services:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Reboot your device.

Fix 6. Use Clean Boot

Third-party programs or services running in the background can cause conflicts with the Media Creation Tool. A clean boot allows only essential system services to run.

• Type msconfig in the Windows search box and press Enter.
• Pick the Services tab.
• Mark Hide all Microsoft services and select Disable all.
• Select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• In the Task Manager, right-click on each of the items and select Disable, then close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab, mark the Safe Boot option, then click Apply and OK.
• On the System Configuration window, click OK.
• Restart your computer and try running the Media Creation Tool again.

Fix 7. Repair corrupted system files

Corrupted system files can prevent the tool from functioning correctly. Running system checks can repair these files and resolve the issue.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Next, use the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Reboot your computer.