How to Fix Error Code 0xc000000d in Windows (Complete Guide)

This article outlines how to resolve error code 0xc00000d, including its meaning, causes, and solutions for the Windows boot error. It also provides guidance on data recovery using MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Your PC Needs to Be Repaired Error Code 0xc000000d

When error code 0xc000000d occurs, the system cannot start normally, and Windows fails to boot. You may see the following recovery screen:

Recovery

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired

The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information

File: BCD

Error code: 0xc000000d

This error is usually related to corrupted or missing Windows boot files, the most common cause being a corrupted or missing Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file.

In addition, the 0xc000000d Windows 10 error can also be caused by the following factors:

Incomplete/interrupted installation: Forced shutdown or power outage during a Windows upgrade or installation can cause this error.
Incorrect system configuration: Changes to system configuration may disrupt the boot process.
Corrupted file system: Hard drive or file system corruption can be checked using the chkdsk command.

Recover Data from a Computer Affected by Error Code 0xc000000d

Error 0xc000000d can make a computer unbootable. Before attempting any fixes, it is recommended to recover important data first to avoid accidental data loss during repair.

In this case, MiniTool Partition Wizard can help recover files from an unbootable system.

Here are the steps to recover data from a computer experiencing error 0xc000000d via MinioTool Partition Wizard.

MiniTool Partition Wizard DemoClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Launch MiniTool Partition Wizard to its main interface, and create a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD disc with the built-in Bootable Media feature in a functional computer.

The selected Bootable Media option in the upper-right corner of the MiniTool Partition Wizard interface.

Step 2: After completing the creation of the bootable USB, connect it to the computer with error 0xc000000d.

Step 3: Enter the BIOS settings to set the bootable USB drive as the first boot option. Then boot from the disk.

Step 4: Then the MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable edition will be launched automatically. If not, click Partition Wizard to launch it.

The MiniTool PE Loader interface with the selected Partition Wizard option.

Step 5: In the main interface, click Data Recovery.

The MiniTool Partition Wizard interface with the selected Data Recovery option.

Step 6: Click Devices and choose your drive to scan.

The Data Recovery interface with the selected Scan option.

Step 7: Find your lost files, click Save, and choose a different drive to store them.

Once the desired data appears, select Pause or Stop.
Choose the files to recover and click Save.
Choose a destination for the recovered files. Then, click OK.

The Select a directory to save files interface with the selected OK option.

How to Fix Error Code 0xc000000d in Windows

Explore these proven methods to fix boot error code 0xc000000d, and try them until you find the solution that works for your system.

Solution 1. Run Startup Repair

When you encounter Windows startup issues like error code 0xc000000d, you can run Startup Repair to fix it. You can follow the steps below to run the Startup Repair.

Step 1. Create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on a normal computer.

Step 2. Insert the bootable USB drive on your PC and boot from it.

Step 3. In the Windows Setup page, select language to install, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Then click Next.

Step 4. Click on Repair your computer.

Step 5. Click Troubleshoot and then choose Advanced options.

Step 6. Choose Automatic Repair on Advanced options page.

Then wait for the repair process completed, and follow the prompts notification to boot up your Windows PC. However, if Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC, you may try the next method to fix the error 0xc000000d.

Solution 2. Rebuild BCD via Command Prompt

As mentioned before, Boot Configuration Data file missing is a critical reason for 0xc000000d “Your PC needs to be repaired” error message. If Startup Repair does not help, then try rebuilding BCD file via Command Prompt.

Step 1. Boot from the Windows bootable USB drive you’ve created before.

Step 2. Go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 3. Type the following command and hit Enter one by one.

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Step 4. Restart the computer.

After typing the bootrec /rebuildbcd command, you may encounter “Total Identified Windows Installations 0” error message, check out the following post for solutions.

Solution 3. Check Hard Drive for Errors

Error 0xc000000d can be caused by bad disk sectors. Run a disk check to fix them. Note that the /r scan may take hours, and stopping it could lead to system problems.

Follow the steps below.

Enter the Windows recovery environment again and go to the Command Prompt window.
Enter the following command line: chkdsk *: /f /r (Replace * with the drive letter of the disk to be scanned).

If any errors are found, they will be corrected automatically.

Solution 4. Run System File Checker

When error 0xc000000d results from corrupted or missing system files, it can be resolved using the built-in SFC.

Boot into WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Once Command Prompt opens, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

The command prompt interface with typing sfc scannow.

Wait for the scan to complete, then reboot your PC.

Solution 5. Run System Restore

If you have created a system restore point before the Windows crash, you can use the restore point to revert your device settings to an earlier point. If you have no restore points, you can’t use this method.

If you encounter error code 0xc000000d, you can start your device with a Windows 10 installation media USB drive and then run System Restore.

Step 1. Boot from the Windows bootable USB drive you’ve created before.

Step 2. Go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

The Advanced options with the selected System Restore option.

Step 3. Follow the prompts to restore your computer to an earlier state.

Solution 6. Reinstall Windows

If the above fixes cannot help you get rid of the error 0xc000000d, you’d better reinstall Windows. The reinstallation process is time-consuming but actually effective. Follow the steps below to reinstall Windows 10 now.

Step 1. Create a Windows 10 bootable USB drive with Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. If you have made one before, just ignore this step.

Step 2. Set the BIOS boot order to boot from the USB drive.

Step 3. On the Windows setup page, choose your language preferences, and then click Next to continue.

Step 4. Click Install Now.

Step 5. Enter the license key or click the option I don’t have a product key to skip it, but you will be required to enter the license key later.

Step 6. Choose the operating system you want to install and click Next.

Step 7. Read and accept the license terms and click Next.

Step 8. Choose one method to reinstall your operating system.

Tips:

If you choose to perform a clean install (install Windows only), make sure you have recovered all the important files with MiniTool Partition Wizard in advance, otherwise, all the data on the hard drive will be wiped.

[Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications]: This will keep all your files, settings and applications saved in the system partition. However, it is only available when a supported version of Windows is already running on the computer.
[Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)]: This will remove all your personal files, settings and applications and give you a clean install of Windows 10. You can make changes to partitions and drives. It is recommended to backup your files before you continue.

Step 9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system installation. Once the installation starts, your PC will reboot.

Fix Error Code 0xc000000d FAQ

1. What does error code 0xc000000d mean?

Error code 0xc000000d indicates that the Boot Configuration Data file is missing or corrupted, preventing Windows from starting normally. It typically displays as a blue screen with the message “Your PC/Device needs to be repaired”.

2. Where is the BCD file in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, the BCD file is a hidden system file located at \Boot\BCD for BIOS-based systems, or \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD for UEFI-based systems. It is usually stored on a hidden “System Reserved” or “EFI” partition instead of the primary C drive.

3. Will error 0xc000000d cause data loss?

The error itself does not delete data, but improper repair operations may lead to data loss, so it is recommended to recover important files first.

4. How can I recover data from a computer with error 0xc000000d?

You can recover data by using a bootable data recovery tool, which allows access to files even when Windows cannot boot. Minitool Partition Wizard is a good choice.

Bottom Line

This post shows you 6 methods on how to fix error code 0xc000000d. It also offers a guide to recover lost data with MiniTool Partition Wizard.

If you have any questions or feedback about MiniTool Partition Wizard, feel free to contact our support team at [email protected] for additional help.

About The Author

Cecilia Follow Us

Position: Columnist

Cecilia has been an editor at MiniTool for two years. She primarily focuses on disk and partition-related content, with particular expertise in disk cloning, partition recovery, and PDF document conversion. She is dedicated to providing users with clear and accurate solutions to help them efficiently resolve common computer problems.

How to Fix Windows Error Code 0xc000000d [Solved]