Learn about error code 0xc00000e and how to fix it

The dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error code 0xc00000e, which often appears when booting Windows 10 , can be confusing. Below, you'll learn what this boot error means and how to fix it to get things running smoothly!

What is error code 0xc00000e in Windows 10?

Error code 0xc00000e is one of the common BSOD errors that appear during startup, indicating that Windows 10 cannot detect a critical hardware device. This could be due to a problem with the SSD or hard drive where the system files are stored. The error could also be due to corrupted system files, preventing Windows from booting properly.

In short, any hardware or system file failure that prevents Windows 10 from locating or starting winload.exe (one of the files in Windows Boot Manager) can cause this error. You can follow any of the troubleshooting steps below when you encounter the issue.

1. Use Windows 10 Automatic Repair Tool

Microsoft's Automatic Repair Tool can help fix a variety of common Windows startup errors. You can access and run it by following these steps:

• Turn off your PC and restart it.
• Once the manufacturer's logo appears on the screen, press the F2 key to access the Boot menu. This key may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your PC.
• Once in the boot menu, change the boot option to boot from USB .
• Insert the Windows 10 USB. Then, restart your computer and wait for it to boot.
• You will see a message that says "Press any key to boot from USB". Press any key on your keyboard to continue. Then select your time zone, language, and keyboard input method.
• Click the Repair your computer button . Then, go to Troubleshooting > Advanced options > Automatic repair .

Repairing corrupted Windows files should only take a few minutes. Afterward, check to see if your PC starts and runs as expected.

2. Rebuild the boot configuration data file in Windows 10

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a system file that tells Windows how to start the operating system. If the BCD file becomes corrupted, it can lead to BSOD errors.

To rebuild the BCD file, follow these steps:

• Boot the computer using the Windows installation CD or USB boot as before.
• Select your language, time zone, and input method on the Windows Setup page. Then, click the Next button .
• Click Repair your computer and then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt .
• Type the following commands in order. After each command press Enter :

bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrect /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
exit

After running the above commands, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Perform a BIOS/UEFI configuration reset

Error 0xc00000e can also occur due to misconfigured BIOS settings. If that is the case, resetting the BIOS settings will help. Here's how to do it:

• Restart your computer and wait for the manufacturer's logo to appear. Then, press F2, F12, Esc, Del , or whatever key the manufacturer has set to enter the BIOS menu. If you're unsure, first learn how to enter the BIOS on any Windows PC.
• Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to navigate the options in the BIOS menu.
• Go to Load Setup Defaults option and press Enter button to reset BIOS configuration.
• Press F10 to save and exit BIOS , then wait for the computer to restart.

4. Replace CMOS battery

The CMOS battery is a chip on the motherboard that stores BIOS configuration, date, time, and other information. It powers the device's BIOS firmware, ensuring that the device remains powered even when the computer is not plugged into a power source.

If the CMOS battery is dead, you may have difficulty booting your computer and encounter error code 0xc00000e. To fix this, you need to remove and replace the CMOS battery . After replacing the CMOS battery, you need to reconfigure the BIOS settings. After that, you should not encounter any errors.

5. Restore PC to factory settings

If you have tried all of the above methods and are still getting the 0xc00000e error, consider performing a factory reset. Unlike other troubleshooting methods, a factory reset will format everything on your PC. Once the reset is complete, Windows will be reinstalled and your computer will be restored to its original state.

Before proceeding, make sure you back up everything on your Windows PC. Once done, you can proceed to factory reset your PC .

BSOD errors like 0xc00000e can be very difficult to resolve. However, it is not something that you cannot fix yourself using the solutions listed above. That said, if none of these methods work, you can try some of the popular tips to fix Windows 10 blue screen errors.

See also:

• Fix Error 0xc00000e9 in Windows