how to fix error 0x1800116 - 0xA0018

Question

There was a problem running this tool.

We're not sure what happened, but we're unable to run this tool on your PC. If you continue experiencing problems, reference the error code when contacting customer support.

Error code./ 0x1800116 - 0xA0018

Answer 1

Hi Gary,

When does the error occur? Are you encountering that error when using the Media Creation Tool? More information will help.

Also, please winver.exe and post a screenshot of that dialog.

Answer 2

Error code 0x1800116 - 0xA0018 is not documented in the provided material, but the message indicates a failure when running a Windows upgrade/installation tool (for example, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool). Use the standard Windows upgrade/installation troubleshooting steps and general error lookup guidance:

1. Check for more specific Windows setup/upgrade errors

• If this tool was being used to upgrade Windows, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history and look for failed updates.
• Note any additional error codes shown there and use those when searching documentation or contacting support. For Windows 11, common upgrade errors and their fixes (such as 0xC1900101, 0xC1900223, 0xC1900208–0x4000C, 0xC1900107, 0x80073712) are documented in the Windows upgrade help article.

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

• Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
• Under Get up and running, select Windows Update and choose Run the troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions, then retry the tool.

3. Reset Windows Update components (if the tool depends on Windows Update) For errors like missing or unavailable update files (e.g., 0x80246007), the documented fix is to reset Windows Update services:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
• Find Windows Update, right-click, select Stop.
• Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders inside.
• In Services, right-click Windows Update again and select Start.
• Restart the PC and try running the tool again.

4. Check disk space

• Ensure there is sufficient free space on the system drive. For upgrades, at least 16 GB free for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit systems is recommended.

5. Repair system files and Windows image Corrupted system files can cause setup tools to fail.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run:
  • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
• After DISM completes, restart the PC and retry the tool.

6. Repair disk errors

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Run: chkdsk /f C: and press Enter.
• Approve running at next restart if prompted, then restart the PC to let the check complete.

7. Perform a clean boot and retry the tool

• Perform a clean boot of Windows to minimize interference from third-party services and drivers, then run the tool again. Steps are documented under “How to perform a clean boot in Windows.”

8. Use the Microsoft Error Lookup Tool (advanced) If additional hexadecimal error codes appear in logs or dialogs, the Microsoft Error Lookup Tool can show the associated message text:

• Download Err_6.4.5.exe from the documented link.
• Open Command Prompt, navigate to the tool’s folder, and run:
  • Err_6.4.5.exe <error code>
• Use the decoded message when working with support or further troubleshooting.

If the tool continues to fail with 0x1800116 - 0xA0018 after these steps, collect any additional error codes from Windows Update history or setup logs and contact Microsoft support, referencing all codes.

---

References:

• Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
• The Microsoft Error Lookup Tool