How to Fix Error Code 0xc00000f on Windows: Causes & Quick Solutions

Are you seeing error code 0xc00000f on your Windows screen? Well, you are not alone. This is a common startup issue on Windows, similar to error 0x80004005 and error 0x80070643.

It usually shows up when Windows can’t load properly. It often happens after a sudden shutdown, system update, or issues with the boot configuration.

The good news? I have tackled the issue multiple times, and believe me,  you don’t need to be a tech expert to solve it. In this guide, you will find 10 proven and step-by-step solutions to fix error 0xc00000f on your PC.

Quick Answer: How to fix the Error 0xc00000f on Windows?

The following 10 fixes will help you recover from the boot error on your Windows computer. Just follow them one by one until you find the right fix for your system:

• Check the Power Cable and Unplug External Devices
• Use Bootrec.exe in Recovery Mode
• Run CHKDSK to Scan Your Hard Drive
• Rebuild BCD to Resolve Error 0xc000000f
• Use Startup Repair
• Repair Corrupted System Files
• Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings to Default
• Turn Off Secure Boot in BIOS
• Use the Reset This PC Option
• Reinstall Windows (Only If Nothing Else Works)

What is Error Code 0xc00000f?

Error Code 0xc00000f is a Windows startup error that stops your system from loading properly. It usually means that something is wrong with the boot process. 

One of the most common messages you will see with this error is – “Your PC/Device needs to be repaired. The Boot Configuration Data is missing or contains errors.” 

Here are a few other messages that can appear with the same error code:

• A required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessed.
• Windows failed to start 0xc00000f. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

Whatever the message is, the core issue remains the same. Windows can’t access the important files it needs to boot, and thus, your PC won’t start until the issue is fixed.

Why Does Windows Show Error Code 0xc00000f?

The Windows 10 0xc00000f error usually appears when your system fails to boot properly. Here are the most common reasons:

• Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD): BCD tells Windows how to start. If it is damaged or misconfigured, your PC might not boot and show this error.

• Faulty Hard Drive or Loose Connections: A bad hard drive or disconnected cables can prevent Windows from accessing critical files during startup.

• Broken or Missing System Files: Essential system files are needed for your PC to work smoothly. If they are corrupted, it can trigger boot errors like 0xc00000f.

• Failed or Incomplete Windows Installation: If a recent Windows install or update was interrupted or corrupted, it might result in this error.

• Malware or Virus Attack: Harmful software can damage core files and lead to system instability.

In most cases, this issue points to startup-related file issues, hardware faults, or a malware-infected system.

10 Best Ways to Fix the Error 0xc00000f on Windows

I agree it is frustrating if you have landed on the Windows failed to start 0xc00000f error message. However, these top 10 fixes will help you boot Windows again smoothly. 

Fix 1: Check the Power Cable and Unplug External Devices

Sometimes, a faulty power cord or connected devices can stop your PC from starting properly. Here’s what you can do:

• Turn off your PC and unplug it.
• Inspect the power cable, and if it is damaged, just replace it.
• Now, unplug all external devices like USB drives, headphones, or dongles.

Finally, plug the power back in and turn on your PC to see if the error code 0xc00000f is gone.

Fix 2: Use Bootrec.exe in Recovery Mode

This tool repairs boot-related files like the MBR and BCD that may be corrupted and causing the Windows 10 0xc00000f error. Here’s how to use bootrec.exe:

• Boot your system using a Windows installation media and press a key to enter the setup screen.
• On the setup screen, choose Repair your computer.

  

• Now, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

  

• Type bootrec.exe and press Enter.

  

Once the process is done, just close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Fix 3: Run CHKDSK to Scan Your Hard Drive

Disk issues like bad sectors or file system errors can also trigger this boot error. The CHKDSK tool can check and repair them. Here’s how to run CHKDSK:

• Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• Next, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

  

• After logging into your user account, type the chkdsk g: /f /r /x command and press Enter (Replace ‘g:’ with your actual Windows drive letter if different). 

  

• If asked to schedule a scan, type Y and press Enter.
• Close the windows and restart your PC. The CHKDSK utility will run and scan the drive. 

After the scan, your system should boot normally. If the error remains, move on to the next method.

Fix 4: Rebuild BCD to Resolve Error 0xc000000f

If your PC shows a Windows failed to start 0xc000000f message, you can’t get to your desktop or login screen. In this case, the usual route through Settings won’t work. So, here’s what you need to do:

• Force-restart your PC 3-4 times in a row. This usually brings up the Advanced Startup screen.
• Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

  

• In the Command Prompt window, type these commands one by one and press Enter after each:
  • bootrec /fixboot 
  • bootrec /fixmbr   
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd

    

Once done, close the Windows and restart your PC. This process rebuilds essential boot files. 

Fix 5: Use Startup Repair

Startup repair is a built-in tool that can fix problems that stop Windows from loading properly. Here’s how to use it:

• On the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key and click the Power icon, then select restart.
• After restarting, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

  

• Next, log in to your administrator account when prompted.

  

• Let the tool run and do its thing. This might take a few minutes.

When it finishes, just restart your computer to check if the issue exists.

Fix 6: Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupt files can also cause the Windows 10 0xc00000f error. These might come from software bugs, malware, or system issues. Luckily, Windows has two built-in tools to fix them – DISM and SFC. Here’s how to run them:

• First, reach the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by force restarting your PC 3-4 times.
• Again, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

  

• Next, log in with an admin account.
• Now, type and run these commands one by one:
  • dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth
  • dism /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth
  • dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
  • dism /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup 

    

• Once DISM finishes its job, type the ‘sfc /scannow’ command to run System File Checker.

  

It may take a while to complete the scan. After it is done, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 7: Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings to Default

Sometimes, your system may show boot errors because the BIOS or UEFI settings were changed accidentally. To fix this, you can reset the BIOS to its default settings. It sounds technical, but the steps are simple:

• Restart your PC and when the screen lights up, press the BIOS key (like F2, Del, Esc, or F10) based on your brand. A quick online search can help you find the exact key.
• Once inside the BIOS menu, look for an option like ‘Load Setup Defaults’ or ‘Optimized Defaults’.

  

• Select it, confirm if asked, then save and exit the BIOS.

  

Now, allow your system to restart and see if the issue is resolved.

Fix 8: Turn Off Secure Boot in BIOS

Secure boot is a safety measure, but in some cases, it can block the system from starting or loading properly. Here’s how to turn it off:

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS menu.
• Inside BIOS, go to the Boot tab.
• Find Secure Boot or a similar option (like Secure Boot Control).
• Set it to Disabled, save the changes, and exit BIOS.

  

Once disabled, check if your system boots properly now, or if you are still facing the error code 0xc000000f.

Fix 9: Use the Reset This PC Option

If the error 0xc000000f still appears, you can reset your PC to undo the changes causing the issue. This removes faulty drivers, apps, or settings. Here’s how to perform a system restore on Windows:

• Boot with a Windows installation USB or DVD.
• Select Repair your Computer > Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

  

• Choose either of the two options: Keep my files (removes apps and settings but keeps your files), or Remove everything (full reset).

  

• Follow the prompts on screen, click Next, and then click on Reset.

This should give your system a fresh start, without any error message appearing on your screen.

Fix 10: Reinstall Windows (Only If Nothing Else Works)

As a last resort, reinstalling Windows can fix the error code 0xc000000f if nothing else helps. Here’s what to do:

• Create a bootable USB using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
• Plug it in and restart your PC.
• Enter the Boot Menu or BIOS and set the USB as the first boot option.

  

• Now, choose language > Click on Install Now > Select Custom: Install Windows only.

  

• Delete all the existing partitions (only if you have backed up your data) > Choose Unallocated Space > Click Next.

  

Let the setup finish and reinstall apps, and restore your files. If error 0xc000000f continues, double-check your BIOS settings. 

Keep in mind that you will have to keep trying every solution till you find the one that works for you. However, if nothing works for you, you should contact your device’s customer support. If under warranty, you might get a free repair or replacement.

How to Avoid Errors Like 0xc000000f?

Now that you are aware of all the possible fixes to resolve error 0xc000000f, you should also learn how to avoid it in the future.

• Install regular Windows updates and driver updates. They include patches that can help you prevent boot issues.

• Always use quality external devices and replace weak cables if needed.

• Too many USB devices during startup can confuse the system. Try to boot with only essential hardware connected.

• Use tools like CHKDSK and SFC from time to time to catch issues before they affect startup. 

• You should never force shut down your PC. 

Furthermore, power loss can corrupt boot files. So, always back up important data in case something goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

The error code 0xc00000f can be frustrating, especially when your PC won’t boot and the screen offers no help. However, with the right steps and tools, you can easily fix this Windows error.

Just follow the solutions shared above one by one to repair the issue and get your system back on track. And if you like the information provided by me, please share the article with your friends and family.