How to fix Windows 11/10 not booting with Error Code 0xc00000e?

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Few things are as frustrating as turning on your computer only to be greeted by an error message instead of your familiar desktop. One such dreaded error is 0xc00000e, which prevents Windows 11 (or Windows 10) from booting properly. This error typically appears with a message like:

*"Your PC/Device needs to be repaired. The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors. File: \Boot\BCD Error code: 0xc00000e"*

Windows Error Code 0xc00000e

When this happens, your system fails to locate or read the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), a crucial file that tells Windows how to start. Without it, your PC can't load the operating system, leaving you stuck on an error screen.

This guide will explain what the 0xc00000e error means, why it occurs, and how to fix it on both Windows 11 and Windows 10. We’ll also cover additional troubleshooting steps and related errors that may appear alongside this issue.

Whether you're a casual user or a tech-savvy individual, this step-by-step guide will help you restore your system to a working state without losing your data.

Let’s dive into the solutions.

What Does Error Code 0xc00000e Mean?

The 0xc00000e error is a Boot Configuration Data (BCD) error, meaning Windows cannot find or read the BCD file required to start the operating system. The BCD is a database that stores boot-time configuration settings, and if it’s corrupted, missing, or misconfigured, Windows fails to boot.

You might see different variations of this error, such as:

"The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors."
"Error code: 0xc00000e"
"A required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessed."

This error can occur on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, and while it looks serious, it’s usually fixable without reinstalling Windows.

Causes of the 0xc00000e Error

Several factors can trigger this error, including:

Corrupted BCD File – The most common cause, often due to abrupt shutdowns, power failures, or disk errors.
Faulty Hard Drive or SSD – If the storage device has bad sectors or is failing, Windows may fail to read the BCD.
Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings – If the boot mode (Legacy vs. UEFI) is misconfigured, Windows may not detect the boot files.
Recent Windows Update or Driver Installation – A failed update or incompatible driver can corrupt system files.
Damaged System Files – Critical system files may be corrupted due to malware or disk errors.
Disconnected or Faulty Hardware – A loose hard drive cable or failing RAM can cause boot issues.

Understanding the root cause helps in applying the right fix. Next, we’ll explore how to resolve this issue on Windows 11.

How to Fix Error 0xc00000e on Windows 11

Method 1: Use Automatic Repair (Startup Repair)

Boot from a Windows 11 USB (or use recovery options if available).
Select "Repair your computer" > "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair."
Let Windows attempt to fix the boot issue automatically.

Method 2: Rebuild the BCD Manually

If Startup Repair fails, manually rebuild the BCD:

Boot into Command Prompt from recovery media.

Run these commands one by one:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Restart your PC.

Method 3: Check Disk for Errors

Run CHKDSK to fix disk corruption:

chkdsk /f /r C:

(Replace C: with your system drive if needed.)

Method 4: Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings

Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup).
Load default settings and ensure UEFI mode is enabled (if using Windows 11).
Save changes and reboot.

Method 5: Restore from a Backup

If all else fails, use System Restore or reinstall Windows while keeping your files.

How to Fix Error 0xc00000e on Windows 10

The fixes for Windows 10 are nearly identical to Windows 11:

Method 1: Use Startup Repair

Boot from a Windows 10 installation USB.
Go to Repair > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

Method 2: Rebuild BCD via Command Prompt

Run the same bootrec commands as in Windows 11.

Method 3: Check for Disk Errors

Run CHKDSK as shown earlier.

Method 4: Restore from a Previous Backup

Use System Restore if available.

Additional Related Errors & Fixes

1. "Boot Device Not Found" (Error 3F0 on HP, 0xc000000f on Others)

Cause: BIOS can't detect the boot drive.
Fix:
- Check BIOS boot order.
- Reconnect the hard drive cables.
- Test with another drive if possible.

2. "Inaccessible Boot Device" (Error 0xc0000001)

Cause: Driver or disk corruption.
Fix:
- Boot into Safe Mode and update drivers.
- Run DISM and SFC scans:
```
sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
```

Conclusion

The 0xc00000e error is a common but fixable boot issue in Windows 11 and 10. By using Startup Repair, rebuilding the BCD, checking disk errors, or adjusting BIOS settings, you can usually resolve the problem without losing data.

If the issue persists, consider hardware diagnostics (checking RAM, SSD/HDD health) or performing a clean Windows installation as a last resort.

For further troubleshooting, Microsoft’s official support forums and community guides can be helpful. Always ensure you have backups of important files to prevent data loss in case of severe system failures.