
Bad Image Error 0xc0000006 is an old problem that appears in Windows 10 and earlier versions of Windows. This issue appears in the message when you can’t run or start programs in general after you update Windows. Bad Image Error code 0xc0000006 appears when opening the program, this error code can prevent you from continuing normal system operation.
The message says – (filename) is not designed to run on Windows or contains errors. You need to manually close the dialog box each time before proceeding. Gradually the system starts to freeze and crash and the PC becomes unusable.
Bad Image Error 0xc0000006 occurs because a file that the application needs to run or start is corrupted. What is the name of the file shown in the pop up is required to run the message. Apart from that, corrupted system files, Windows images, and malware can also cause this problem in Windows 10.
Here are some ways to solve Bad Image Error 0xc0000006 in Windows 10. Hopefully one of the ways below can fix this error on your Windows 10 PC.
1. Uninstall Windows updates
The typical reason for almost every Bad Image Error is a Windows 10 update bug which once installed may clash with third party software already on the system. Uninstalling the update will drag the files to the previous stage using the following steps:
- Press Win+R
- Type appwiz.cpl
- Scroll down and go to section Microsoft Windows
- Click View installed updates
- Find recently installed updates sorting by date
- Right click and select Uninstall
-
You will find a dialog that says –
Are you sure you want to uninstall this update; select – Yes
Follow the instructions shown on the screen to remove them and finally reboot your PC.

2. Use System File Checker
Since corrupt system files can cause Bad Image Error 0xc0000006, you need to run a tool that can fix it. Most of the corrupted files are .dll or .exe located in system files causing this annoyance. System File Checker is a utility capable of diagnosing corrupted elements and replacing them with new ones taken from the cache folder. Here’s how to use System File Checker to solve Bad Image Error 0xc0000006:
- Click Start
- Type cmd
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter
- Once the user account control dialog box appears, select – Yes
- At the command prompt, type SFC /Scannow
- Press Enter
The repair process will take 10 minutes or so, after which restart your PC.

3. Use the DISM Tool
DISM aka Deployment Image Servicing and Management is a utility known for fixing Bad Image Error 0xc0000006 on Windows. Therefore, run the tool using the method below:
- Click Start
- Type cmd
- Type below commands one by one and press enter every time you finish typing a command
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Reboot your PC after all 3 commands have finished executing.
4. Uninstall the software causing Bad Image Error 0xc0000006
As said, external software programs are the main reason behind this Bad Image error so you need to find and remove them. Applications may be low-coded causing conflicts with system components. Uninstalling the software is quite easy using the instructions below:
- Right click on Start
- select Apps & Features
- Go to the right pane of the settings page that appears.
- Scroll down, find the software, and click on it.
- Next, click Uninstall
- A small pop up appears; select “Uninstall”
An uninstall wizard will appear; follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
5. Run Windefender Full Scan
Threats and attacks can wreak havoc on Window 10 and their main purpose is to manipulate registry settings. Once successful, you may encounter this bad image error. Windows Defender is a great tool in this regard which can eventually get rid of this problem by looking deeply for malware and removing it if it is found.
- Click Search icon
- Type Full Scan
- Press Enter
- Select link Scan options
- select Full scan
- Next, click Scan Now
Wait for the scan to finish patiently as the process will take some time. If any threats are found, the tool will guide you to remove or quarantine them.

6. Use System Restore
For anything that goes wrong, Windows provides a tool that takes the system to an earlier date and time when everything was fine. You just need to remember when error code 0xc0000006 started to occur before using System Restore.
- Press Winkey and type rstrui
- The System Restore wizard will take place; then click Next
- Tick on Show more restore points
- Choose date and time when the bad image error appears and click Next
- Click Finish
- A confirmation dialog will appear; select – Yes
That’s how to solve Bad Image Error 0xc0000006 on Windows 10. Hopefully this article is useful for you, thank you for visiting and don’t forget to share this article with your friends.