[2024] “Error Code 0xc00000e” How to Fix Windows 10

Have you ever encountered a blue screen of death (BSOD) with the error code 0xc00000e on your Windows 10 PC? If yes, then you are not alone. This is a common error that many Windows 10 users face when they try to boot up their system. In this article, we will explain what this error means, what causes it, and how to fix it.

What is Windows 10 Error Code 0xc00000e?

Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e is a boot error that occurs when the system cannot access the required files or devices to start Windows. The error message usually says something like this:

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired

The application or operating system couldn’t be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors.

File: \windows\system32\winload.exe

Error code: 0xc00000e

You’ll need to use recovery tools. If you don’t have any installation media (like a disc or USB device), contact your PC administrator or PC/Device manufacturer.

This error can prevent you from accessing your desktop, files, and applications, and can cause data loss if not resolved.

Causes of Windows 10 Error Code 0xc00000e

There are several possible causes of Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e, such as:

• Corrupted or missing boot files, such as winload.exe, bootmgr, or BCD (Boot Configuration Data).
• Damaged or faulty hardware, such as hard drive, RAM, or motherboard.
• Incorrect BIOS settings, such as boot order, legacy mode, or secure boot.
• Malware infection, power outage, or improper shutdown.

Symptoms of Windows 10 Error Code 0xc00000e

The main symptom of Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e is the blue screen of death with the error message. However, you may also experience other symptoms, such as:

• Slow or freezing performance
• Frequent crashes or restarts
• Missing or corrupted files or folders
• Unable to boot into safe mode or recovery mode

How to Fix Windows 10 Error Code 0xc00000e

Depending on the cause of the error, there are different methods to fix Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Method 1: Check Your Hardware Connections

One of the simplest and easiest ways to fix Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e is to check your hardware connections. Sometimes, the error can be caused by loose or faulty cables, connectors, or ports. To check your hardware connections, follow these steps:

• Shut down your PC and unplug it from the power source.
• Open the case and check the cables and connectors of your hard drive, RAM, and motherboard. Make sure they are firmly attached and not damaged.
• If you have multiple hard drives or RAM sticks, try to remove them one by one and see if the error persists. This can help you identify the faulty device.
• If you have an external device, such as a USB flash drive, DVD, or printer, disconnect it and see if the error goes away. Sometimes, the error can be caused by a conflict with an external device.
• Plug your PC back into the power source and turn it on. See if the error is fixed.

Method 2: Use the Windows Recovery Environment

If checking your hardware connections does not fix the error, you can try to use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to troubleshoot and repair the error. WinRE is a set of tools that can help you fix various boot problems, such as error code 0xc00000e. To access WinRE, you need a Windows installation media, such as a DVD or USB drive. If you don’t have one, you can create one using another working PC and the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. To use WinRE, follow these steps:

• Insert the Windows installation media into your PC and restart it.
• Press any key to boot from the media when prompted.
• Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and click Next.
• Click Repair your computer at the bottom left corner of the screen.
• Select Troubleshoot from the options.
• From here, you can try different options to fix the error, such as:

Option 1: Use Startup Repair

Startup Repair is a tool that can automatically scan and fix common boot problems, such as error code 0xc00000e. To use Startup Repair, follow these steps:

• From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
• Select Startup Repair from the options.
• Choose your account and enter your password if required.
• Wait for the tool to scan and repair your PC. This may take some time.
• Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Also Read: How To Fix Error Code 0x80004005 Windows 10/11

Option 2: Use Bootrec

Bootrec is a command-line tool that can rebuild the boot sector, the master boot record (MBR), and the BCD. These are essential components for booting Windows, and if they are corrupted or missing, they can cause error code 0xc00000e. To use Bootrec, follow these steps:

• From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
• Select Command Prompt from the options.
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

• After the commands are executed, type exit and press Enter to close the Command Prompt.
• Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Option 3: Use Bcdedit

Bcdedit is another command-line tool that can edit the BCD. Sometimes, the error code 0xc00000e can be caused by an incorrect or missing path to the winload.exe file in the BCD. To use Bcdedit, follow these steps:

• From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
• Select Command Prompt from the options.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No

• This command will disable the automatic recovery mode and allow you to see the exact path to the winload.exe file.
• Restart your PC and see if the error message shows the correct path to the winload.exe file. If not, note down the incorrect path and go back to the Command Prompt.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set {default} osdevice partition=C:

• This command will set the osdevice to the C: drive, which is usually where the winload.exe file is located. You may need to change the drive letter according to your system configuration.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set {default} device partition=C:

• This command will set the device to the C: drive as well.
• Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Also Read: The Application Was Unable To Start Correctly 0xC0000142 [Solved]

Method 3: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data

If none of the above methods work, you can try to rebuild the BCD manually using the Command Prompt. This can help you fix the error code 0xc00000e if the BCD is corrupted or missing. To rebuild the BCD manually, follow these steps:

• Access the WinRE using the Windows installation media as described in Method 2.
• From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
• Select Command Prompt from the options.
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one:

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

list partition

select partition 1

active

exit

• These commands will activate the system partition, which is usually the first partition on the disk. You may need to change the disk and with the steps to rebuild the BCD manually. Please follow these instructions carefully:
• After exiting the diskpart tool, type the following command and press Enter:

cd /d C:\windows\system32

• This command will change the directory to the system32 folder, where the boot files are located.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

ren BCD BCD.old

• This command will rename the existing BCD file to BCD.old, in case you need to restore it later.
• Type the following command and press Enter:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

• This command will scan for Windows installations and rebuild a new BCD file.
• If you see a message like “Total identified Windows installations: 1”, press Y to add the installation to the BCD.
• Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Method 4: Restore Your System to a Previous Point

If you have created a system restore point before the error occurred, you can try to restore your system to a previous point and undo any changes that may have caused the error. A system restore point is a snapshot of your system settings and files at a certain point in time. To restore your system to a previous point, follow these steps:

• Access the WinRE using the Windows installation media as described in Method 2.
• From the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
• Select System Restore from the options.
• Choose your account and enter your password if required.
• Select a restore point from the list and click Next. Choose the most recent one that was created before the error occurred.
• Click Finish to confirm the restore process. This may take some time.
• Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Method 5: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10

If none of the above methods work, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows 10 to fix the error code 0xc00000e. This is the last resort option, as it will erase all your personal files and settings. Therefore, you should backup your important data before proceeding. To reset or reinstall Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Access the WinRE using the Windows installation media as described in Method 2.
• From the Troubleshoot menu, select Reset this PC or Reinstall Windows 10, depending on your preference.
• Choose whether to keep or remove your personal files, and click Next.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset or reinstall process. This may take some time.
• Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Conclusion

Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e is a boot error that can prevent you from accessing your system and data. It can be caused by various factors, such as corrupted or missing boot files, damaged or faulty hardware, incorrect BIOS settings, or malware infection. To fix this error, you can try different methods, such as checking your hardware connections, using the Windows Recovery Environment, rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data, restoring your system to a previous point, or resetting or reinstalling Windows 10. We hope this article has helped you resolve the error and restore your PC to normal.

Also Read:How To Fix Windows 10 Update Error Code 0x80070002 Step-by-Step

FAQs