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FIX: The handle is invalid error in Windows 10/11
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
If you’re getting theERROR_INVALID_HANDLEerror code withThe handle is an invaliddescription, follow the troubleshooting steps listed in this article to fix it.
This error affectsWindows 10users when they try tolog in to their computers. Theerror messageprevents users from connecting to their accounts and actually using their PCs.
There are two main causes for thiserror: a recentWindows 10update didn’t install correctly or some system files got corrupted or damaged. Here’s how one user describes this problem onReddit:
So I just installed the upgrade and it was working just fine for a while .But now it went bat sh** crazy and BSOD […] I tried restarting thePCand it gives The Handle is invalid. […]Another issue is when I press shutdown after the Handle invalid it stay on and wont shut down.
OnWindows 10, thiserroralso blocks the print process, leaving users unable to add aprinteror use the one already installed.
The handle is invaliderroralso affects older versions of Windows, preventing users from installing any updates or software on their computers.
In this article, we’re going to show you how to fix thiserroronWindows 10, as well as on older Windows versions.
How do I fix the Handle is invalid error?
1. Press the restart button
If you can’t access your user account due to thiserror, try restarting your computer several times. Many users confirmed that this simple action solves the problem.
If you don’t want to perform a hard reset, you can hold down theShiftkey and click the on-screen power button, select the restart option while holding theShift key, and then selectContinue toWindows 10.
This will forceWindowsto repair damaged or corrupted update files.
2. Boot into Safe Mode and uninstall the security updates
Note:Many users report that cumulative updatesKB3135173and KB3124262 are actually the culprits, and uninstalling these two updates fixed the problem.
3. Update Citrix VDA
This solution works only for users running Citrix VDA. SomeWindows updatesare incompatible with Citrix VDA 7.6.300, causingThe handle is an invaliderror. To fix this,download the cumulative update VDA 7.6.1000.
If you’re using VDA v7.7, download the newer versions of the tool, VDA 7.8 or higher, which contain the fix. For more information and a step-by-step guide, go toCitrix’s support page.
How do I fix The handle is invalid printer error?
1. Run a full system scan
Malware may cause various issues on your computer, includingerrors. Perform a full system scan in order to detect any malware running on your computer.
You can use Windows’ built-in antivirus,Windows Defender, but you can also opt-out for an advanced security tool, such as a third-party antivirus with deep malware scans included.
Install and run the antimalware removal tool, which should come with your antivirus security suite.
You should use theantivirus softwareto scan the entire computer, including the printer driver. Check to see if the printer is still unrecognizable after filtering and removing possible malware.
2. Update your PC drivers
Note:Another option is to download the availabledriverupdates directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Looking for the driver on the manufacturer’s website can be risky because you still might get the wrong one and produce more damage.
That’s why we recommend downloading and installingOutbyte Driver Updaterthat updates all your drivers automatically in just a few seconds.
This excellent tool has a library of over 18 million drivers and it’s extremely easy to use so try it out right now. It scans for updates as antivirus scans for threats so, in a way, it has the same mission, to keep your system safe.
After the installation, Outbyte Driver Updater will automatically run a scan and in a few seconds, it will provide you with a list of files to update.
Clicking on theUpdate Allbutton will install all the recommended updates but you can also install them individually by selecting their corresponding boxes and clicking on theirUpdatebuttons.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
3. Update your OS
Make sure that you’re running thelatest Windows OS updateson your machine. As a quick reminder,Microsoftconstantly rolls outWindows updatesin order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.
Go to Windows Update, check for updates, and install the available updates.
4. Repair your registry
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Go toStart,typecmd,and click onRun as administratorto startCommand Prompt
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Now type theSFC /scannowcommand
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Restart your computer. All corrupted files will be replaced on reboot.
Note:The simplest way to repair yourregistryis touse a dedicated tool, such as CCleaner. Don’t forget to first backup yourregistryin case anything goes wrong.
If you haven’t installed anyregistrycleaner on your computer, check out our article onthe best registry cleaners to useonWindows 10PCs.
You can also useMicrosoft‘s System File Checker to check for system file corruption.
5. Download the HP Universal PrintDriver
Many Windows 10 users reported that downloading the HP Universal PrintDriverfixedThe handle is an invaliderror. As a quick reminder, this tool automatically detects and configures supported HP devices and some non‑HP devices.
You can download the HP Universal PrintDriverfrom HP’s website.
6. Uninstall and reinstallMicrosoftPrint to PDF
How do I fix The handle is invalid error on all Windows versions?
1. Install the latest updates or upgrade toWindows 10
Microsoftregularly rolls out updates to all supported Windows versions. Go toStart, typeupdate,clickCheck for updates,and install the available updates.
If you’re using Windows 7 or Windows 8, you can use theUpgrade Assistantto get your OS to the latest version.
2. Update the app affected by thiserror
Installing the latest version of the app affected byThe handle is invaliderrormay help you fix the problem.
To do this, you can either use the update button of the app or go to the app’s official website and install the latest version from there.
3. Download the HP Universal PrintDriver
IfThe handle is invaliderroris preventing you from using your printer, download the HP Universal PrintDriver. This tool automatically detects and configures supported HP devices and some non‑HP devices.
You can download the HP Universal PrintDriverfor Windows 7 and newerfrom HP’s website.
By following these steps, you should be able to get rid of the annoying error message for good.
As always, if you’ve come across other workarounds to fix thiserror, you can help the WindowsReport community by listing the troubleshooting steps in the comments below.
More about the topics:windows 10,windows 7,windows 8,windows 8.1
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
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 particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
