Windows 11 Installation Media error code

Question

Trying to use the Win11 Installation Media tool to make a bootable USB stick.
Get the error code 0x80070006 - 0x90018
Any help appreciated, thanks

Answer 1

Hello Chris,

Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum!

Based on the issue description as well as the provided error codes (0x80070006 - 0x90018) which typically translates to "The handle is invalid." In the context of the Media Creation Tool (MCT), it might indicate that the tool lost its connection to the USB drive or a temporary file midway through the process. This can be caused by aggressive antivirus software, a faulty USB port, or existing partition issues on the flash drive.

The suggestion here is to try running as Administrator by right-clicking the MediaCreationTool.exe and select Run as Administrator. Also try a direct connection. If you are using a USB hub or a front-panel port on a PC case, move the drive to a rear motherboard port.

Another suggestion is to temporarily disable real-time scanning in Windows Defender or any third-party antivirus, as these might "lock" the files the MCT is trying to write.

You can also consider to try using a different USB stick if possible, ideally 8 GB or larger, and format it first. It is recommended to use a blank USB because the tool deletes its contents.

Another point worth mentioning here is to check for Windows Update Interference. If the host machine you are using to create the media has pending updates or a corrupted BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service), it can interfere with the MCT. You can go to Settings > Windows Update and ensure no updates are currently "Installing" or "Restart Required".

You can consult the following articles for more information regarding your concerns.

• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d
• https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-help-with-windows-upgrade-and-installation-errors-ea144c24-513d-a60e-40df-31ff78b3158a

Hope the above information is helpful! If it is. Free feel to hit "Accepted" for benefitting others in community having the same issue too.

Answer 2

Error 0x80070006 – 0x90018 indicates a problem while creating or staging the installation media. Use the general Windows upgrade/installation troubleshooting steps and then retry the Media Creation Tool.

Perform these steps in order, then run the Windows 11 Installation Media tool again:

1. Remove external hardware
   • Disconnect all nonessential USB devices (other USB drives, printers, scanners, external disks, etc.).
   • If using a docking station, undock the device.
2. Update Windows and drivers
   • Make sure the current Windows installation is fully updated before running the tool.
   • Install all important Windows Updates and driver updates, then restart.
3. Uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus
   • Third‑party antivirus can interfere with installation media creation.
   • Go to Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features, select the antivirus, choose Uninstall, and confirm.
   • Use Microsoft Defender during this process; reinstall third‑party antivirus after the media is created if needed.
4. Uninstall nonessential or outdated software
   • In Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features, remove old or noncritical applications that might hook into storage, security, or system services.
   • Restart after uninstalling.
5. Try again with a different USB port or drive
   • Use a different USB flash drive (at least 8 GB, fully empty) and a different USB port on the PC.
6. If problems persist, create an ISO instead
   • In the Media Creation Tool, choose to create an ISO file instead of a USB.
   • After the ISO is created, you can:
     • Mount it directly on a PC to run setup, or
     • Use other documented methods to transfer it to USB if needed.

If the error continues after these steps, follow the broader guidance for Windows upgrade and installation errors and check for any additional error codes or messages in the logs.

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References:

• Create installation media for Windows
• Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors