FIX: Error code 0xc00000e on Windows 10

If you’re suddenly struck with this problem and not sure how to deal with it, make sure to check the solutions we provided below.

How do I solve error code 0xc00000e on Windows 10?

1. Check hardware
2. Rebuild BCD registry hive
3. Check BIOS settings

1. Check hardware

First things first. This error mostly occurs due to BCD (Boot manager) corruption. However, it’s not unusual for hardware changes to invoke such a critical system error, too. So, before we move to advanced software troubleshooting, make sure to remove and unplug all peripheral devices you connected lately.

Furthermore, restart your PC a few times and look for changes. Our guess is that hardware too can inflict this problem, but, due to the diversity of possible configurations and scenarios, we can’t be certain. If you’re confronted with a Blue Screen of Death, continue with the steps below.

You can also try removing RAM and non-system hard disks temporarily and get them back in. This might require some tools and also, be advised, removing the power cord is suggested. After you’ve removed everything and tried booting, try finding the reason for the boot issue by the system of elimination.

2. Rebuild BCD registry hive

Once we eliminated the hardware as a possible culprit, let’s move to a more likely source of our problem. BCD (Boot Configuration Data) or MBR (Master Boot Record) for that matter, are configuration files that most users never heard of. They are responsible for the boot sequence, and together with BIOS (UEFI) and winload.exe, they enable your system to start.

Now, it’s hard to say how it happens, but they can get faulty and then problems emerge. And that’s not your usual simple problem that can be dealt with within the Windows interface. Luckily, there’s a way to repair and reestablish boot sector files again, which should be the resolution for the 0xc00000e error.

The catch lies in the installation media you must obtain in order to repair it. This can be done with the Media Creation Tool in a few easy steps. Once you’ve acquired a bootable media with the Windows 10 installation, follow the steps below:

1. Plug in or insert the Windows 10 bootable media (USB stick or DVD).
2. Restart your PC.
3. Enter the Boot menu or BIOS settings to change the boot order. Set media drive (USB or DVD) as a primary boot device and press any key to boot.
4. Wait for the loading of the system files to end.
5. Select your preferences and hit the Next button.
6. Choose Repair your computer from the bottom left corner.
7. Open Troubleshoot from the selection menu.
8. Select Advanced Options.
9. Open Command Prompt. If prompted, choose the account and enter the password.
10. In the command line, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
    • bootrec /FixMbr
    • bootrec /FixBoot
    • bootrec /ScanOs
    • bootrec /RebuildBcd
11. Exit, remove the installation drive and try starting the system in a normal manner.

After this procedure, you should be able to start Windows 10 just like before.

3. Check BIOS settings

1. Shutdown your PC completely.
2. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery in case it’s a laptop.
3. Hold the power button for 60 seconds to completely discharge your PC.
4. Open the PC case with a screwdriver and touch a metal surface to discharge your own static electricity.
5. Remove CMOS coin cell battery. You should locate its socket easily.
6. Insert a new battery into the socket.
7. Start your PC and configure BIOS.
8. Confirm changes and look for improvements.

That should conclude it. Finally, one friendly tip that should keep you off this and similar critical errors: if you format system partition, don’t delete boot section, too. It’s around 150 MB and it stores all boot configurations. Meddling with it will lead to a lot of issues.

Learn everything about your motherboard with one of these motherboard information software