Microsoft Windows Error Code 0xC0000085: How to Fix It
Medium 20-30 minutes Medium Severity
Verified June 2026
- Error Code
- 0xC0000085
- Brand
- Microsoft Windows
- Product Type
- operating_system
- Severity
- Medium
- DIY Difficulty
- Medium
- Estimated Fix Time
- 20-30 minutes
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Tools You'll Need
- Administrator access
- Registry Editor
- Command Prompt
- SQL Server Management Studio (if applicable)
How to Fix Error Code 0xC0000085
-
Restart the MSDTC Service
Restarting MSDTC may abort any active distributed transactions. Ensure no critical transactions are running. -
Clear Stale Transactions Using Component Services
Only resolve transactions if you are certain they can be safely committed or aborted to avoid data inconsistency. -
Increase MSDTC Agent Pool Size (Registry)
Editing the registry incorrectly can cause system instability. Backup the registry before making changes. -
Update or Reinstall MSDTC Dependencies
-
Check for Corrupted Transactions in SQL Server
Killing transactions can cause data loss or inconsistency. Only kill transactions you have identified as problematic.
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When to Call a Professional
If the error persists after following all steps, or if you are not comfortable editing the registry or terminating SQL transactions, contact a Windows system administrator or Microsoft Support.Frequently Asked Questions
What causes Windows error 0xC0000085?
Error 0xC0000085 (STATUS_AGENTS_EXHAUSTED) occurs when Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (MSDTC) runs out of agent threads. This typically happens when too many distributed transactions are initiated simultaneously or when stale transactions remain unresolved.
Is error 0xC0000085 serious?
It is not a critical system error, but it can prevent applications that rely on distributed transactions (like SQL Server) from functioning correctly. It often resolves quickly by restarting MSDTC.
Will restarting my computer fix error 0xC0000085?
A restart may temporarily resolve the issue if it clears the transaction pool. However, if the root cause (such as stuck transactions) is not addressed, the error will likely return.
Can I increase the MSDTC agent pool size permanently?
Yes, by editing the registry as described in Step 3. Setting a higher MaxNumberOfAgents value can help if your workload consistently uses many agents. Monitor performance to avoid excessive resource consumption.
Does error 0xC0000085 affect non-Microsoft applications?
It primarily affects applications that use Microsoft DTC for distributed transactions, such as SQL Server, certain .NET services, and some ERP systems. Most standard desktop applications are unaffected.