Are you getting “Your PC Device Needs to Be Repaired” while starting up into windows? Let’s learn how to fix error 0xc00000e on Windows 10.
Experiencing the error code 0xc00000e along with the message “Your PC/device needs to be repaired” can be extremely frustrating. This error typically occurs when the boot menu fails to automatically fetch your Windows installation because critical files like winload.exe in \windows\system32 are missing or corrupt.
In this guide, you will learn how to resolve this issue on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 by following a series of methods that involve boot repair commands, BIOS/UEFI adjustments, hardware checks, and even a clean installation if necessary.
What is Error Code 0xc000000e?
Error code 0xc000000e is a Windows boot failure that typically appears when essential system files like winload.exe are missing, corrupt, or inaccessible. This issue often results in a blue screen with messages such as:
“The selected entry could not be loaded because the application is missing or corrupt.”
“A required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessed.”
Error code 0xc000000e is a boot failure that indicates Windows cannot locate or load essential system files. This error is often associated with a corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD), misconfigured boot settings, or hardware issues such as loose connections.
How to Fix Windows 10 BSOD Error 0xc00000e?
Booting from Windows Installation Media
Begin the repair process by booting your computer using a Windows installation USB drive or DVD. When the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language preferences and click Next. Instead of choosing “Install now,” click Repair your computer. This will allow you to access the recovery environment.
Accessing the Command Prompt for Boot Repair
Within the recovery environment, navigate to Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, and open Command Prompt. In the Command Prompt window, you will repair your boot records and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) using specific commands.
Enter the following commands one after the other to fix the Master Boot Record, repair the boot sector, scan for Windows installations, and rebuild the BCD:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
These commands aim to correct issues where the boot menu is not automatically fetching your Windows installation.
Adjusting BIOS/UEFI Settings for Boot Management
If the boot repair commands do not resolve the error, the next step is to modify your BIOS/UEFI settings.
- Restart your computer and access the BIOS by pressing a key such as F2, DEL, or ESC during startup.
- In the BIOS, locate the Secure Boot option in the Security section and disable it temporarily.
- Then, navigate to the Boot section and disable Fast Boot while enabling CSM (Compatibility Support Module) Support.
- After making these changes, return to the Security settings and re-enable Secure Boot, then save your settings and exit.
These firmware adjustments help ensure that the boot menu correctly fetches your Windows installation.
How to Fix Error Code 0xc000000e in Windows 11?
Entering the Windows Recovery Environment
For Windows 11, the process begins by forcing your system into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Perform a hard shutdown twice during the boot process.
On the third boot, Windows should automatically load into the recovery environment.
If it does not, you will need to create a bootable USB drive using the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool on another computer.
Booting from USB and Accessing Recovery Options
Once the recovery environment is accessed, boot from the USB drive.
On the setup screen, choose your language preferences, click Next, and then select Repair your computer.
This will bring up the recovery options, where you can choose Startup Repair. This tool will attempt to detect and automatically fix boot-related issues.
Startup Repair: Automatically finds and resolves boot configuration issues.
Uninstall Updates: If this error started after a Windows update, roll back the latest feature update or cumulative quality update.
CHKDSK Repair: In Command Prompt, run:
bcdedit
Identify the Windows drive letter, then run:
chkdsk C: /f /r
(Replace C: with your correct Windows partition)
SFC and DISM:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
dism /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions
This process will scan for and fix corrupt system files that could be causing boot errors or BSODs.
Reset or Clean Install Windows 11: If all else fails, use “Reset this PC” (to keep your files) or do a clean install from bootable media.
These steps are designed to restore the integrity of the boot process in Windows 11.
Why Your PC Device Needs to Be Repaired Occurs with Error Code 0xc00000e
Checking Hardware Connections
One common cause of error code 0xc00000e is loose or faulty internal cable connections. If you have recently moved your PC or reconnected internal components, ensure that all cables—especially those connecting your hard drive to the motherboard—are securely attached. A loose cable can cause your system to fail to detect the drive, resulting in boot errors.
Addressing Corrupted Bootloader and Disk Errors
This error can also occur due to a corrupted bootloader or disk errors. Power outages, interrupted updates, or malware infections can damage critical files such as winload.exe or the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). Running Startup Repair from the Windows installation media can help automatically scan for and repair these issues, allowing Windows to boot normally.
Additional Methods and Considerations: Fix Error Code 0xc000000e
Checking Hard Drive Health
If the error persists after performing the boot repair and BIOS adjustments, it may indicate a failing or corrupted hard drive. Use a bootable diagnostic tool such as SeaTools for Seagate drives or Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Western Digital drives to assess the health of your hard drive. A failing drive may require replacement to restore system functionality.
Performing a Clean Installation of Windows
As a last resort, if all repair methods have failed, a clean installation of Windows might be necessary. This process involves formatting your hard drive and installing a fresh copy of Windows. It is critical to back up all important data before proceeding with a clean installation, as this method will remove all installed applications and personal files from the system.
Forcing the Recovery Environment
In cases where Windows Recovery does not launch automatically, you can force it by performing two hard shutdowns during the boot process. On the third boot, the system should enter WinRE. If you receive a prompt requiring recovery tools or if your password is being rejected, you may need to create a recovery USB on another computer.
Final Thoughts: Error 0xc00000e Solution For Windows 10
Resolving error code 0xc00000e requires a systematic approach that addresses both software and hardware issues. Begin by booting from Windows installation media to run essential repair commands such as bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, bootrec /scanos, and bootrec /rebuildbcd. If needed, adjust your BIOS/UEFI settings by disabling Secure Boot and Fast Boot while enabling CSM Support. Also, verify that all internal cable connections are secure to rule out hardware problems.
For Windows 11 users, accessing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and utilizing tools like Startup Repair, CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM are key to restoring your system’s boot functionality. Should these methods not work, consider a clean installation of Windows after backing up your data.
By following these steps carefully, you can overcome the boot error and restore your system to a stable state. If you need further assistance or have additional questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy troubleshooting!
Official Microsoft Tools & Repair Guides
Windows Recovery Options (Microsoft): Learn how to use built-in tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, Reset this PC, and more to fix unbootable systems.
Download Windows 10 Installation Media: Create a bootable USB drive to reinstall or repair your Windows installation using Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool.
Use System File Checker (SFC): Step-by-step instructions to run sfc /scannow and fix corrupted or missing system files causing boot errors.
Repair Windows Image with DISM: Recover your system using the DISM tool, especially useful when SFC fails or shows integrity violations.
Clean Boot & Startup Conflict Troubleshooting
How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11/10/8/7: Avoid startup conflicts by learning how to perform a clean boot. This method helps isolate third-party services or drivers causing startup failures and blue screens.
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