Top 4 Solutions to Error 0xc000000e Windows 11 or 10

It can be confusing to encounter error code 0xc000000e when trying to start your computer normally or use recovery tools. This article aims to provide you with the simplest and most effective countermeasures to solve this complex problem.

Posted by @Hedy July 24, 2024 Updated By @Hedy January 19, 2024

What causes error 0xc000000e Windows 11?

Exploring remedies for 0xc000000e error in Windows 11 requires a deep dive into its root causes. It is not uncommon to see a 0xc000000e error code appear on the screen when trying to start your computer or initiate recovery through a recovery tool.

What triggers this Windows 11 startup error? Closer inspection revealed some potential culprits:

◤ Failure of BCD (Boot Configuration Data): BCD is a critical file that coordinates Windows startup and can be compromised by disk write errors, power fluctuations, or even virus infections that target the boot sector.

◤ Misconfigured BIOS settings: Modifications to BIOS settings, especially deletion of C drive system files, may cause the new configuration to be incompatible with the hard drive. It is important to distinguish between Legacy BIOS boot mode and UEFI boot mode settings because the installation mode determines the compatible boot modes.

◤ Driver differences: Installing custom drivers may introduce compatibility issues with the operating system or hardware, which may trigger the 0xc000000e error.

How to fix Windows error code 0xc000000e? A comprehensive tutorial is prepared for you.

How to fix the error code 0xc000000e in Windows 11

There are countless potential solutions for you to consider when troubleshooting Windows 11 startup errors. When faced with such challenges, please consider the following options carefully, as any of them may prove to be effective in solving your specific problem.

Fix 1. Check physical device connections

When resolving 0xc000000e error in Windows 11, start your troubleshooting journey by checking the physical connections of your computer system. This step turns out to be crucial because Windows prioritizes startup based on connected devices, potentially causing conflicts.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1. Before starting the boot process, unplug all external storage devices, including external hard drives, CDs, and USB drives. This ensures that no external device takes precedence over the system's local disk during boot.

Step 2. Turn off your computer and confirm the secure connections of important peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and other devices. It is critical to ensure the stability of these connections before applying power to the machine.

Fix 2. Reset BIOS configuration

If you have modified the SATA disk controller mode in BIOS settings, which may be triggering the current issue, consider reverting to the original configuration by following these steps:

Step 1. Start by restarting your computer and accessing the BIOS menu. During the startup process, the shortcut key to enter the BIOS will be displayed on the screen. Common keys include Esc, Del, F2, F8, F10, or F12, depending on your computer model.

Step 2. Once in the BIOS, navigate to the setup options related to hard drive controller mode. Look for options that include terms like SATA, IDE, or AHCI.

Tip: If you have trouble finding the settings, refer to the user manual for your motherboard or computer model.

Step 3. Try switching between the available modes (SATA, IDE, AHCI) until you find one that allows the computer to boot successfully.

If successful, the computer should boot without encountering the 0xc000000e error. If the problem persists, continue exploring other solutions.

Fix 3. Use built-in startup repair tool

To resolve common startup issues in Windows, the startup repair feature in WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) proves to be extremely valuable. If your computer is facing startup difficulties, consider the following steps:

Step 1. Start by shutting down your system completely. Once the boot process has started, press and hold the power button to force a shutdown. Repeat this action twice.

Step 2. On the third try, let your computer start normally. This sequence triggers automatic repair mode, which facilitates the resolution process.

Step 3. Once in automatic repair mode, navigate to Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > Startup Repair. Allow the system to perform necessary repairs.

If Startup Repair doesn't resolve the issue, consider the following method.

Fix 4. Rebuild boot configuration data file manually

When you encounter a boot error, usually due to corrupted boot configuration data (BCD), consider using the following methods to rebuild the BCD:

Step 1. Start by inserting the Windows installation disc into your computer and start the boot process of your PC.

Step 2. Navigate to the "Repair your computer" option in the Windows installation settings window. Select the operating system partition from the options provided and click Next.

Step 3. In the Troubleshoot menu, continue to Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 4. Enter the following commands to address the master boot record and boot sector:

bootrec/repair mbr

bootrec /repair boot

bootlog/scanos

Step 5. Enter the command bootrec /rebuildbcd to start the BCD rebuild process. Press Enter to execute the command.

Bonus tip: secure your data before the 0xc000000e error occurs

For recurring problems, relying solely on the above fixes may provide temporary relief in an emergency, but there's no guarantee of a foolproof solution every time. It is crucial to emphasize the importance of proactive measures, especially incorporating regular backups into your daily routine. This practice prevents system failure and potential data loss.

To enhance your data security and system stability, I highly recommend using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, which is known as the model of disk cloning software. This tool enables you to seamlessly copy systems, files, and partitions from one location to another. It is worth noting that AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is compatible with multiple Windows PC operating systems, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP.

Free DownloadWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Here’s how to clone your important hard drive in Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP:

Step 1. Install and open AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Click “Clone Disk” in the right menu.

Step 2. Select a copying method as you like, "Clone Disk Quickly" is selected by default.

◉ Clone Disk Quickly: It only copies the used space of original disk to the destination hard drive, so the target disk is allowed to be smaller than the source disk.

Sector-by-Sector Clone: It will copy all sectors including the bad sectors on the old disk to the target disk, so the destination disk must be at least equal to or larger than the source disk.

Step 3. Select the source disk and click "Next".

Step 4. Then select the destination disk and click "Next". If your destination drive is SSD, you can tick "Optimize the performance of SSD" to make SSD 4k alignment.

Step 5. In this windows, you can resize the partitions on the new drive. Select one option you like and click "Next".

Step 6. Confirm the operation to be committed, click "Finish" and then click "Apply" to execute.

Conclusion

To sum up, the four methods presented in this article provide multiple solutions to fix the 0xc000000e error in Windows 11. Users who encounter this problem can choose the method that suits their specific situation. A key takeaway in dealing with unforeseen emergencies like this is that developing consistent backup habits is crucial.

With the best disk cloning utility called AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, you can easily clone one drive to another as a backup. What’s more, it supports solving other issues like recovering lost files, rebuilding MBR, moving installed programs to free up space, and more.