0xc00000eWindows Boot Manager

How to Fix 0xc00000e (Windows Boot Manager)

Quick Answer

Error 0xc00000e indicates that the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is missing or corrupted, preventing Windows from starting. The fastest initial fix involves restarting the computer and attempting to boot into Windows Recovery Environment to use startup repair options or rebuild the BCD.

What Causes This Error

  • Corrupted or missing Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file.
  • Incorrect BIOS/UEFI boot order or settings.
  • Damaged system files or boot sector.
  • Hardware changes, such as a new hard drive or SSD, that were not properly configured.
  • Power outages or improper shutdowns that led to data corruption.
  • Malware infection affecting boot files.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Restart Your Computer and Access Windows Recovery Environment

  1. Turn off your computer completely. If it is stuck on the error screen, press and hold the power button until it shuts down.
  2. Turn on your computer. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo or the Windows logo, immediately press and hold the power button again to force a shutdown. Repeat this process two more times.
  3. On the third startup, Windows should automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
  4. From the 'Choose an option' screen, select 'Troubleshoot'.
  5. Then select 'Advanced options'. This menu provides access to various repair tools.

2Perform a Startup Repair

  1. After accessing the 'Advanced options' in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select 'Startup Repair'.
  2. Choose your operating system (e.g., 'Windows 10' or 'Windows 11') if prompted.
  3. Allow the tool to diagnose and attempt to fix boot issues automatically. This process may take some time.
  4. Once the repair attempt is complete, restart your computer and check if Windows boots normally.
  5. If Startup Repair fails, note any error messages provided before proceeding to other fixes.

3Check BIOS/UEFI Boot Order and Settings

  1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup (commonly F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC) as soon as the manufacturer's logo appears.
  2. Navigate to the 'Boot' tab or 'Boot Options' section within the BIOS/UEFI settings.
  3. Verify that your primary hard drive or SSD (the drive containing your Windows installation) is listed as the first boot device.
  4. Ensure that 'Secure Boot' is enabled if your system supports it and was previously enabled, or disabled if it was previously disabled. Also, check 'CSM' or 'Legacy Boot' settings; if your OS was installed in UEFI mode, CSM should be disabled, and vice-versa for Legacy mode.
  5. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. The computer will restart, and you can check if the error 0xc00000e is resolved.

4Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) for Error 0xc00000e

  1. Access the 'Advanced options' in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) as described in the first fix.
  2. Select 'Command Prompt' from the advanced options.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type 'bootrec /fixmbr' and press Enter.
  4. Next, type 'bootrec /fixboot' and press Enter.
  5. Then, type 'bootrec /scanos' and press Enter to scan for Windows installations.
  6. Finally, type 'bootrec /rebuildbcd' and press Enter. If it finds Windows installations, type 'Y' or 'A' to add them to the BCD.
  7. Type 'exit' and press Enter to close Command Prompt, then restart your computer.

Advanced Fixes

Check Disk for Errors (CHKDSK)

  1. Access the 'Command Prompt' from the 'Advanced options' in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
  2. Determine the drive letter of your Windows installation. It is often 'C:', but in WinRE, it might be 'D:' or another letter. You can type 'dir C:' then 'dir D:' etc., to find the drive containing 'Program Files' and 'Windows' folders.
  3. Once you have identified the correct drive letter (e.g., 'C:'), type 'chkdsk C: /f /r' and press Enter. Replace 'C:' with the correct drive letter if it's different.
  4. The utility will scan the drive for errors and attempt to repair them. This process can take a significant amount of time depending on the drive size and condition.
  5. After CHKDSK completes, type 'exit' and press Enter, then restart your computer.

Use System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Access the 'Command Prompt' from the 'Advanced options' in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
  2. Determine the drive letter of your Windows installation (e.g., 'C:').
  3. Type 'sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows' and press Enter. Replace 'C:' with the correct drive letter if necessary.
  4. The System File Checker will scan for corrupted system files and attempt to repair them using cached copies.
  5. Once the scan is complete, type 'exit' and press Enter, then restart your computer.

Perform a Clean Installation of Windows

  1. Back up all important data from your computer to an external drive or cloud storage, as this process will erase all data on the system drive.
  2. Create a Windows installation media (USB drive or DVD) using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website on another working computer.
  3. Boot your computer from the installation media. You may need to adjust the boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows. When prompted, choose 'Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)'.
  5. Delete all existing partitions on the drive where Windows was previously installed, then select the unallocated space and click 'Next' to install Windows.
  6. Complete the installation process, which will set up a fresh copy of Windows on your system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error code 0xc00000e mean?

Error code 0xc00000e indicates a problem with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file. This file tells your computer how to start Windows, and if it's missing or corrupted, Windows cannot load, resulting in this error.

Will fixing 0xc00000e delete my files?

Most standard fixes, such as Startup Repair or rebuilding the BCD, are designed to repair boot files without affecting your personal data. However, advanced steps like a clean Windows installation will erase all data, so always back up your files before attempting such a fix.

Can a hardware issue cause 0xc00000e?

Yes, a failing hard drive or SSD, incorrect drive connections, or even issues with RAM or the motherboard can indirectly lead to BCD corruption or prevent the system from accessing boot files, thus causing error 0xc00000e.

How do I access the Windows Recovery Environment if my PC won't boot?

If your PC won't boot, you can usually force it into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by interrupting the boot process three times. Turn on your PC, and as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button to shut it down. Repeat this two more times. On the third attempt, it should automatically enter WinRE.

What if rebuilding BCD doesn't work?

If rebuilding the BCD does not resolve error 0xc00000e, consider checking your disk for errors using CHKDSK, running System File Checker (SFC), or verifying your BIOS/UEFI settings for correct boot order and mode. If all software fixes fail, a clean installation of Windows might be necessary, or a hardware issue could be present.

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