How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc000000f

Error code 0xc000000f is a common error on Windows PCs. Often accompanied by messages like “Windows failed to start” or “Your PC needs to be repaired” , it is a blue screen of death (BSOD) error that no user wants to see. Luckily, there are a few easy fixes that can get your system up and running in no time.

What is error code 0xc000000f?

Error code 0xc000000f mostly appears after an unsuccessful boot cycle on a Windows machine. It can occur due to corrupted system files, corrupted Boot Configuration Data, or even internal hardware problems.

Most of these reasons can be traced back to recent Windows updates or newly installed applications, so diagnosing the problem revolves around identifying the root cause and restoring the system to a previous state.

How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc000000f

1. Disconnect all external hard drives

Let's start with this basic fix, as it has been proven to fix error code 0xc000000f in some cases.

1. Turn off the system and remove any external hard drives connected to it. It is better to remove external devices one at a time and turn the system back on so you can determine which device is the culprit.

2. If the error is fixed, you can try to fix the faulty hard drive that is preventing the system from booting. If not, you can proceed to the next fix.

2. Run a file system and disk check

Disk errors and file system issues can also cause error 0xc000000f. To scan and fix these issues, you need to launch Command Prompt (Terminal) in Windows environment or from Windows recovery drive.

1. If you are able to boot your computer after a few tries, right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Terminal) . Windows 10 users can open the Command Prompt window by selecting the Run as administrator option .

2. Run Chkdsk and SFC scans , as described in Quantrimang.com's previous guide.

3. If you can't access the desktop, you'll need to create a Windows recovery drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool.

4. To boot from the recovery drive, restart your system and open the BIOS by pressing Del, F12 , or another key displayed on the screen. You will need to change the boot drive to the USB recovery drive in the boot priority settings. You can find these settings in the Boot tab or related section, depending on your motherboard model.

5. Boot into the USB drive created in step 3. Select Repair your computer from the options displayed.

6. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt .

7. Enter the same commands described in step 2.

3. Run Windows Startup Repair

If the above fixes don't resolve the issue, you should move on to Startup Repair. This method attempts to repair the files needed to successfully boot into your Windows installation. You can access Startup Repair using the Windows recovery drive you created in the previous fix.

1. Boot into the recovery drive you created in the previous section and navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair .

2. Windows will restart your computer and attempt to repair any corrupted files that are preventing your system from starting normally. If you still cannot start your computer, move on to the next fix on the list.

4. Use System Restore

Another way to revert your system to its last stable state is to use a system restore point. This restores any driver changes, application settings, or Windows updates that may have messed with your system.

Follow our system restore guide to learn how to restore your computer to an earlier restore point. If this tool doesn't fix the 0xc000000f error, or if you don't have a restore point to go back to, try the next fixes.

5. Rebuild Boot Configuration Data

One of the most effective ways to fix the 0xc000000f error is to completely rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). The BCD file in Windows stores the boot order files that can develop some conflicts and prevent the system from booting normally.

A corrupted BCD file can also cause other problems like “Bad System Config Info” error, so fixing it will prevent other problems from appearing.

6. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS

If none of the above fixes work for you, you can try tweaking your BIOS to resolve the persistent 0xc000000f error. One of the settings you should target is Secure Boot, which ensures that your computer only boots up if it detects hardware that is trusted by your original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Secure Boot can sometimes prevent your computer from booting and display error 0xc000000f. Before entering BIOS, check to see if your system supports Secure Boot .

1. Type msinfo32  into Windows Search and click System Information.

2. The BIOS Mode entry will say UEFI and Secure Boot State will say On or Off if your system supports Secure Boot. You can convert your legacy BIOS to UEFI if you want to use the Secure Boot function.

3. If your computer does not support Secure Boot, you can move on to the next fixes. If your computer supports Secure Boot, you should disable it, if it is not already set to Off. Restart the system and enter the BIOS.

4. Look for the Secure Boot option in the Boot , Security or Authentication tab.

5. Set Secure Boot to Disabled. Press F10 to save changes and restart your computer.

7. Reset BIOS

Resetting or updating your BIOS is one of the last resort solutions when other fixes have failed. It is a risky procedure that can sometimes damage your system if done incorrectly or if power is lost during the update.

You should have a reliable backup power source, such as a UPS or inverter, before attempting to troubleshoot this problem. Make sure you carefully follow the steps outlined in the guide on how to upgrade your PC BIOS .

8. Check the internal cable

Finally, if your computer supports it, you can check its internal components for any faulty cables that could be causing the 0xc000000f error. Some prebuilt laptops or desktops may void their warranty if you open them up. Even for PCs that you built yourself, making any drastic physical changes to the internal components can cause other problems, so it’s best to check your product manual before opening your desktop or laptop.

Once you are sure, turn off your computer and access the cables inside and make sure they are completely plugged in. If you find any damaged or burned cables, replace them with new ones. Once you have checked everything, close your computer and check to see if the problem persists.