What Is the Error Code 0xc000000f and How Do You Fix It?

Windows users may encounter various errors while using their PCs, ranging from booting issues to unknown glitches. Restarting the computer may not always resolve these errors, causing frustration among users.

One of the rare but annoying errors that can occur while booting your PC is the 0xc000000f error. Unless you are an experienced Windows user, investigating on this error can be an issue. Fortunately, we will cover, in this post, almost everything you need to know about it.

So, if you are looking to know what the boot error 0xc000000f is, what causes it, and how to fix it, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

What Is the Error Code 0xc000000f?

The Windows 10/11 0xc000000f error directly hints that there is something wrong with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). When the data is missing or corrupted, the OS finds it hard to read and execute most startup operations.

Microsoft first introduced the BOOTMGR in Windows Vista, but it is now available on all the Windows versions, including Windows 10/11. To store all the boot options and settings on your PC, BOOTMGR uses Boot Configuration Database.

Sadly, if the BCD file is unavailable while Windows is starting, the Windows 10/11 0xc000000f error will most likely occur.

Causes of Error Code 0xc000000f on Windows 10/11

The error code 0xc000000f can happen for many reasons, but there are three main ones:

#1. Missing or Corrupted Boot Configuration Database

Boot sector plays a pivotal role in loading Windows in memory. So, if the BCD file is missing or gets corrupted for some reason, Windows will not load and instead throw the error code 0xc000000f.

#2. The System File Is Damaged

A corrupted file system can also cause the 0xc000000f error. For instance, when you are upgrading Windows, then the power goes off suddenly while it is still writing critical information to the boot sector, the system file can get corrupted. The improper shutdown or incomplete installation could be the main reason your files get corrupted, triggering the error code 0xc00000f and, consequently, preventing you from accessing Windows.

#3. Faulty Data Cables

Nearly all computer components don’t last forever, and data cables are no exception. So, if you have used your data cables for years, consider replacing them because they might trigger read or write errors, hence interrupting the boot process. Hard disk failure is another common cause of this error. If your hard drive has malware or a bad sector, then it will also prevent Windows from loading.

How to Fix the Error Code 0xc000000f?

The Windows 10/11 0xc000000f error is caused, in one way or another, by missing or misconfigured system files in your OS. The good news is you can get rid of it through several methods. But we will only focus on a few best ones.

First Things First

Before attempting any major trick, disconnect all peripheral hardware devices. As we have mentioned earlier, damaged hardware could trigger the boot error 0xc000000f in Windows 10/11. So, removing them could resolve the error. Here, you need to detach any USB, CD, and DVD from their respective ports (the only exception is the mouse and keyboard). After that, restart your PC and check if it can boot normally again.

Method #1: Use Startup Repair to Restore BOOTMGR

If your Windows 10/11 isn’t starting up as expected, use the Startup Repair tool to resolve the problem. This built-in tool will automatically detect and fix the issues that prevent Windows from booting normally. It is a great way to fix the BCD data file if it is missing or damaged.

But before you use this feature, you need to have a bootable USB installation or Windows Setup DVD ready. Follow these steps to create a Windows 10/11 installation media:

1. Download the Windows 10/11 Media Creation tool from Microsoft’s official website.
2. After downloading the file, run it, and then complete the rest of the steps as prescribed here.

With the above sorted, follow these instructions to use the Startup Repair feature:

1. Shut down your problematic PC, then insert the previously created USB/DVD.
2. Now, power on your PC.
3. Press any key when prompted.
4. Next, choose the keyboard options and language.
5. After that, click on the ‘repair your computer’ option.
6. From here, the Startup Repair tool will scan your computer, and then ask you to select what to install from the list.
7. Wait for the ‘system recovery options’ window to appear, then choose the Startup Repair option to start the repair process.

Method #2: Rebuild the BCD Manually Using the Bootrec.exe Tool

To rebuild the BCD, you need to implement the bootrec.exe tool that comes with Windows 10/11. Like Startup Repair, this method also requires you to have a bootable Windows installation USB or DVD. Follow the steps below to rebuild the BCD:

1. Restart your computer.
2. Insert the bootable DVD or USB installation disk into the respective ports.
3. Restart your computer once again, then press the R key.
4. Choose Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
5. After that, enter the following commands to rebuild BCD:
   • Bootrec.exe \fixmbr
   • Bootrec.exe \fixboot
   • Bootrec \rebuildBcd
   • Bootrec /ScanOs
6. That’s it. Be sure to press Enter after each command.

Method #3: Check Disk for Errors

After rebuilding the BCD using the bootrec.exe tool, you can check your disk for errors. To do so, you need to execute the chkdsk /f /r command. It will scan and repair disk drive errors and bad sectors, which may have caused the 0xc000000f error.

Method #4: Create a New EFI Partition

For some reason, you may miss having an EFI partition. Fortunately, you can easily create one if you have 200 MBs of free space and a Windows installation media. Creating the partition may help fix the boot error 0xc000000f. Here is how to create one:

1. 1. Boot from the installation media, then skip the first screen and hit the Shift + F10 keyboard combination to launch Command Prompt.
   2. Enter the following commands into the Command Prompt window and press Enter after each:

diskpart
list disk
select disk 0 (to create a new EFI partition)
list partition
select partition 1 (assuming that you have at least 200 MBs of free space in this partition)
shrink desired=200 minimum=200
create partition EFI

3. 3. Again, repeat the above process to specify properties of the new partition.

list partition
select partition 2
Forma fs=fat32
list vol
select vol 3
assign
list vol

4. 4. That’s it. You can now execute the bcdboot C:\Windows /l en-gb /s B: /f ALL command and check if the problem has vanished.

What Else Do You Need to Do?

Apart from performing the above manual troubleshooting, you can also clean up your computer using a PC repair tool. Malware and a ton of junk on your computer could be the reason for some errors, including the boot error 0xc000000f. Count on Outbyte PC Repair to eliminate junk and restore stability.

This tool will scan and diagnose issues in your system, then repairs them, including fixing your registry structure. And since the whole process is fully automated, you can easily resolve the Windows 10/11 0xc000000f error, even if you are a complete novice.

Final Notes

The error code 0xc000000f is one of those rare Windows booting errors. It usually occurs because of hardware failures, missing or corrupted BCD, and other malware malfunctions. Thankfully, you can easily fix it using any of the above methods.

Do you have other questions concerning the Windows 10/11 0xc000000f error? Share them in the comments below.