Fix error 0xc000012f on Windows 10 [STEP-BY-STEP]

by Madalina Dinita

Former Managing Editor

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer. She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies -- AI and DNA computing in... Read more

Updated: Mar 8, 2021

Posted: Apr 1, 2020

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The error 0xc000012f may appear on some Windows 10 computers with the message Bad Image. The error message reappears multiple times even after the user clicks on OK.  This can be quite annoying.

This error usually appears when the image file that is being used is not of the right format. There are several solutions you could try to fix this error. Some of them have been listed below.

How do I fix the error 0xc000012f on Windows 10?

1. Run the sfc/scannow

1. Press the Windows key to open Start and in the search bar type Command Prompt.
2. In the search results, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
3. Click Allow when prompted.
4. In Command Prompt, type in the following command and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
   
   
5. Wait for the verification to reach 100%. Once the process is complete, restart the computer.

This is the simplest solution you could try to resolve error code 0xc000012f. Simply run the sfc/scannow command to conduct an automatic system repair.

If this didn’t resolve the issue, move on to the next solution. If you’re having trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at this guide.

Has the scannow command stopped before the process finished? Read this article.

2. Use a third-party system repair tool

One other easy way to repair your system files and get rid of these pesky error messages is downloading a tool specialized in keeping your computer in healthy and working condition.

This software scans your computer for broken files and restores or completely replaces them. You won’t ever need to worry about errors or BSoD crashes anymore after installing it in your computer.

3. Uninstall updates

1. Press the Windows key to open Start and in the search bar type Update.
2. Select & open Update & Security.
3. In the Update & security window, select Windows Update.
   
   
4. Click on Advanced Options, then Update history.
   • You will get a list of all the updates that were installed successfully and those that failed to install successfully.
   • Usually, these are the roots of the error.
5. Click on Uninstall an update.
6. You will be taken to the Uninstall an update window.
7. Right-click on the first installed update on the list and click Uninstall.
8. Confirm your decision & follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   
9. Restart the computer and see if this fixed your issue.
   • If not, repeat the steps for every installed update on the list, until the issue is resolved.

You should try reverting all recent updates, to see if the issue arose from one of them.

4. Install the Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio

1.  Download the latest version from Microsoft’s website.
2. Select the appropriate version of the program.
   • 32-bit if you’re a 32-bit Windows user, or 64-bit if you’re a 64-bit user.
3. After downloading, Open the installation file.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Once the install is complete, check to see if the error code 0xc000012f persists.

For some users, installing the latest version of Microsoft’s Visual Studio Redistributable will resolve error code 0xc000012f. Hopefully, your issue was resolved. If not, move onto solution 4.

Looking for an update? Download Visual C++ Redistributable 2019 asap with this article.

5. Check for new updates

1. Click the Windows key and in the search bar type Update settings.
2. Select it from the search settings.
3. In the Windows Update dialogue, click on Check for updates.
   
4. This will send an update request to the Microsoft servers, and if any new updates are available, you will be notified.

Run a System Scan to discover potential errors

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Click Start Scan to find Windows issues.

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Run a PC Scan with Restoro Repair Tool to find errors causing security problems and slowdowns. After the scan is complete, the repair process will replace damaged files with fresh Windows files and components.

Microsoft frequently releases small and big updates for Windows 10 and with the patches that fix errors such as the error code 0xc000012f.

Once the new updates are installed, error code 0xc000012f will most likely be resolved. If this didn’t work for you, move on to the next solution.

Your Windows search box is missing? Get it back in just a couple of easy steps. Also, if your Windows key isn’t working, take a look at this amazing guide that will help you deal with the problem.

Having trouble updating your Windows? Follow this guide and fix them in no time.

6. Perform a clean boot

1. Click on Start, and in the search bar, type msconfig.
2. From the search results, select System Configuration.
3. Open the Services tab.
   
4. Check the Hide all Microsoft services check box.
5. Next, click the Disable all button.
6. Next, open the Startup tab, then Task Manager.
   • Alternatively press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys.
7. Open the Startup tab in Task Manager.
8. Right-click on all start-up items and click on Disable to disable them.
   
   
9. Close Task Manager.
10. Click the OK button on the Startup tab of the System Configuration window to save the changes.

Performing a clean boot can be useful in identifying the cause behind error code 0xc000012f. Usually, the problem stems from some third-party application or startup processes.

Disabling all start-up processes and then re-enabling them one at a time can help pinpoint the source of the error.

If you want to know how to add or remove startup apps on Windows 10, check out this simple guide.

Once the process is complete, restart the computer. See if the error persists. If not, start each application/services one at a time. As soon as the problem reappears, you will have identified the culprit.

Can’t open Task Manager? We’ve got just the right solution for you.

We hope these solutions solve your problem. However, if none of these solutions worked for you, try contacting Microsoft Support.

Do not hesitate to leave any other suggestions or questions in the comments section below and we’ll surely take a look.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

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