How to fix error code 0xc000012f

For a Bad Image error 0xc000012f when opening Word, the supported repair path is:

1. Run DISM first, then run SFC again.
   • Open an elevated Command Prompt:
     • Type cmd in Search
     • Right-click Command Prompt
     • Select Run as administrator
   • Run:

          DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
     

   • After DISM finishes, run:

          sfc /scannow
     

   • Do not close the Command Prompt window until verification reaches 100%.
2. Restart Windows and test Word again.
3. Repair Office.
   • In Windows, open Control Panel > Uninstall a program
   • Select Microsoft Office
   • Choose Change
   • Run Quick Repair first
   • If Word still fails, repeat the steps and run Online Repair
   • Online Repair requires an active internet connection.
4. If using Windows 10/11 Settings instead:
   • Go to Start > Settings > Apps > Apps & features
   • Select the Microsoft Office product
   • Choose Modify
   • Select Online Repair > Repair
5. If Office repair does not fix it, the issue can be a corrupted Office installation. A full uninstall and reinstall of Office is the next step.

If sfc /scannow reports Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation, run the SFC scan in Safe Mode.

• Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files
• Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files
• Error: The application can't start because AppVIsvSubsystems32.dll is missing from your computer
• "Something went wrong" error when you try to start a Microsoft 365 app
• "Something went wrong" error when you try to start a Microsoft 365 app
• Word and Click-to-Run both fail with Bad Image error 0xc000012f - Microsoft Q&A