Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x800706BA: How to Fix It

Medium 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified July 2026
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Error Code
0x800706BA
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
Error code 0x800706BA means Windows Update cannot connect to the RPC (Remote Procedure Call) service — a background process that Windows relies on to coordinate tasks between programs and services. When this service stops or becomes unresponsive, Windows Update stalls and throws this error. The good news is that this is almost always a software issue you can fix yourself by restarting the right services and running a few built-in repair tools.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x800706BA

  1. Restart Your PC First

    Make sure to save all open work before restarting to avoid losing unsaved data.

  2. Start or Restart the RPC Service

    Do not disable or delete the RPC service — it is a core Windows component. Changing the wrong service settings can destabilize your system.

  3. Restart Windows Update Related Services

  4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  5. Reset Windows Update Components Using Command Prompt

    Run Command Prompt strictly as Administrator. Typing these commands incorrectly can cause additional issues. Double-check each command before pressing Enter.

  6. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

    Do not interrupt or close the Command Prompt window while SFC or DISM are running. Interrupting these scans can cause additional file corruption.

  7. Check That Windows Firewall Isn't Blocking RPC

    Only temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall for testing purposes. Re-enable it immediately after testing to keep your system protected.

  8. Check for Malware

    Back up important personal files before running deep malware scans, especially if an infection is suspected.

  9. Perform a Clean Boot to Identify Conflicting Software

    Remember to return msconfig to Normal Startup mode after troubleshooting so your applications load correctly on the next boot.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and the error persists, especially if SFC and DISM report unrepairable corruption, it may indicate deeper system file damage or a failing storage drive. At that point, consider contacting Microsoft Support (support.microsoft.com) or a local PC repair technician. You should also seek professional help if you are not comfortable running administrator-level commands, if malware was detected but could not be fully removed, or if your PC belongs to a company domain where group policies may be restricting RPC settings. In worst-case scenarios, a Windows repair install or in-place upgrade install (which preserves your files) may be necessary and a technician can guide you through this safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x800706BA?
Error 0x800706BA is caused when the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service — which Windows Update depends on — is stopped, crashed, or being blocked. Common triggers include corrupted system files, conflicting third-party software, malware, or a Windows service that failed to start properly after a shutdown or crash.
Will I lose my files if I fix error 0x800706BA?
No. All the fixes in this guide — restarting services, running SFC/DISM, resetting Windows Update components — are non-destructive and will not delete your personal files. As a best practice, always back up important files before making any system-level changes, but none of the steps described here pose a risk to your data.
Can error 0x800706BA be caused by a virus or malware?
Yes. Certain types of malware deliberately disable or block Windows Update services, including the RPC service, to prevent security patches from being installed. If basic troubleshooting does not resolve the error, run a full scan with Windows Security and the free Microsoft Safety Scanner to rule out an infection.
Why does Windows Update need the RPC service?
RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is a core Windows communication protocol that allows programs and services to talk to each other — even across a network. Windows Update uses RPC to communicate with Microsoft's update servers and with other local Windows services. If RPC is unavailable, Windows Update simply cannot function and throws error 0x800706BA.
How do I prevent error 0x800706BA from coming back?
To prevent this error from recurring, make sure the RPC, RPC Endpoint Mapper, and Windows Update services are all set to start automatically in Services (services.msc). Keep your antivirus software updated and run regular malware scans. Avoid installing software from untrusted sources, and consider periodically running the Windows Update Troubleshooter if updates seem slow or stalled.

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