How to Fix Error 0xc000000f When Booting Windows 10

Error 0xc000000f is a common issue users encounter when booting Windows 10. This error code generally points to problems with the system's boot files, usually due to corruption or missing data. In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to resolve this error and restore your system's functionality.

Causes of Error 0xc000000f

The primary reasons for encountering error 0xc000000f include:

  • Corrupted or missing Windows boot files;
  • Issues with the hard drive or its connection;
  • Interrupted system update processes;
  • Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings.

Methods to Fix Error 0xc000000f

1. Use Windows Recovery Tool

To fix this error, try using the built-in Windows recovery tool:

  1. If you don’t already have one, create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10. You can download the system image from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Insert the USB drive and restart your computer.
  3. Access the BIOS or UEFI to set the USB as the primary boot device.
  4. Once the Windows installer starts, select the "Repair your computer" option.
  5. Go to “Troubleshoot” and select “Startup Repair.”

2. Check BIOS or UEFI Settings

Sometimes, this error is caused by incorrect boot settings in BIOS or UEFI:

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, F10, or Esc).
  2. Ensure your hard drive or SSD is set as the primary boot device.
  3. Confirm that the boot mode is set appropriately for your system (Legacy or UEFI).

3. Repair the Boot Sector Using Command Prompt

If the error is due to a corrupted boot sector, try repairing it via the Command Prompt:

  1. Boot from the Windows USB drive as described in the first step.
  2. Select “Repair your computer” and open Command Prompt.
  3. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Once completed, restart your computer to check if the issue is resolved.

4. Check System File Integrity

Corrupted system files can also trigger error 0xc000000f. Use the sfc utility to check file integrity:

  1. Open Command Prompt as described above.
  2. Enter the following command:
sfc /scannow

After the scan completes, restart your system.