How to Fix Windows 10 Error Code 0xc00000e Without Data Loss

Windows 11 or Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e occurs during startup. Many people, especially computer geeks, will feel a little panic when they encounter this problem, fearing that the computer will crash and cause data loss.  

Error code 0xc000000e is often accompanied by a black or blue screen as shown below, which shows File: \Windows\system32\winload.exe or your PC needs to be repaired, a repaired device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

What Causes Error Code 0xc00000e 

As the onscreen error message shows, 0xc000000e BSOD issue indicates hardware, an SSD or HDD, is not detected when Windows 10 boots. Also, a corrupted system file or BCD (Boot Configuration Data) missing or misconfigured can also stop Windows from booting properly.  

In this tutorial, we will show you how to fix Windows 11/Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e without data loss.

First Thing to Do: Rescue Data from Your Computer That Can't Boot

In order to prevent any data loss during the process of fixing the 0xc000000e error, we strongly recommend that you rescue and save your data beforehand.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is recognized as an excellent software in the field of data recovery that is competent to recover data in any complex situation, including restoring data from crashed or unbootable computers. This software enables you to recover deleted files or permanently lost data from HDD, SSD, USB drive, pen drive, SD card, external hard drive, and many other storage devices.

To get data off a PC or laptop that can't boot with error code 0xc00000e, you need to use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to create a bootable device that allows you to boot your computer into EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to restore and export your important files.

Step 1. Create a bootable disk

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, choose "Crashed PC Recovery" and click "Go to Recover".

Select an empty USB to create the bootable drive and click "Create".

Warning: When you create a bootable disk, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will erase all data saved in the USB drive. Back up important data beforehand. 

Step 2. Boot your computer from the bootable USB

Connect the bootable disk to the PC that won't boot and change your computer boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, it works well when they restart their computer and press F2 simultaneously to enter BIOS.

Set to boot the PC from "Removable Devices" (bootable USB disk) beyond Hard Drive. Press "F10" to save and exit.

Step 3. Recover data from a crashed system/PC

After booting from EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard bootable disk, select the drive you want to scan to find all your lost files. Preview and recover the files you need to a safe location.

Once you have completed the data recovery, you can begin to try the following methods to solve the problem.

Fix 1. Check Hard Disk Connection

One of the main reasons for the BSOD 0xc00000e error code is that an important hardware device isn’t detected by your system. You can shut down the computer and check for physic drive connections. Make sure each connection or part isn't loose. You can check these devices: SSD, HDD, USB drive, external hard drive, pen drive, CDs, or DVDs that are related to Windows startup.

If the device is well connected, move on to the next solution.

Fix 2. Use Windows 10 Automatic Startup Repair Tool

You can use the built-in Windows Automatica Startup Repair tool to fix some Windows system errors, like 0xc00000e error code. Follow these steps to solve the problem with a bootable installation CD.

Step 1. Insert Windows installation disk, CD, or USB to your PC. Restart your computer from the bootable device. 

Step 2. When you get to the Install now screen, click "Repair your computer".

Step 3. Click "Troubleshoot" at Choose an option screen.

Step 4. Click "Automatic repair" on Advanced options screen. 

Step 5. Choose an account at the Automatic Repair screen to start the repair. When the process finishes, restart your computer to see if the 0xc000000e problem still occurs. 

Fix 3. Repair Corrupted Files with SFC or DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can cause the Windows 10 boot error code 0xc00000e. To fix broken system files, do the following.

Step 1. Boot your computer from Windows installation disk, CD, DVD, or installation USB.

Step 2. Click "Repair your computer" on the "Install Now" screen.

 

Step 3. Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".

Step 4. On the Command Prompt window, type sfc/scannow and press Enter.

SFC can scan and check if the system-protected files are corrupted or changed, and it will repair and replace with intact files.

If the SFC tool doesn't work, use the DISM command instead, which is more powerful to fix corrupted system files. In Command Prompt, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Wait for the tool to fix broken files.

Fix 4. Rebuild BCD File to Solve Windows 10 0xc00000e Error

The Boot Configuration Data file (BCD) is a system file that guides Windows to boot the operating system. Corrupted BCD files can cause a 0xc00000e error in Windows 10. To rebuild the broken BCD file, you can boot to Windows using a Windows installation CD or a bootable USB drive. 

Step 1. Connect the Windows installation media/disc to your PC and boot your computer from it. 

Step 2. On the sartup window, choose "Repair your computer".

Step 4. Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Command Prompt".

Step 5. In the Command Prompt window, enter the following commands in order. After each command, press the Enter button.

• bootrec /fixboot
• bootrec /scanos
• bootrec /fixmbr
• bootrec /rebuildbcd
• exit

The function of each line of command line is as follows：

• Bootrec or bootrec.exe can check and fix boot problems in the Windows recovery environment.
• bootrec /fixmbrr fixes Master Boot Record corruption issues. 
• bootrec /fixboot can write a new boot sector to the system partition.
• bootrec /scanos scans all partitions on your hard disk for a Windows installation.
• bootrec /rebuildbcd will scan for compatible disks for Windows OS installation. 

After the commands complete, restart your computer and check if the 0xc00000e issue is resolved. If not, follow the next solution.

Fix 5. Reset the BIOS/UEFI Configuration

The 0xc00000e error could also appear because of a misconfiguration in the BIOS. You can troubleshoot by accessing the BIOS menu and reset BIOS configuration.

Step 1. Restart your computer. Keep pressing F2, Del, F8, F10, F12, or Esc while your system boots to enter BIOS.

Step 2. Go to find BIOS setup options with the arrow keys on the keyboard.

Step 3. Click the setup defaults option and press Enter to reset the BIOS configuration.

Step 4. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS. Your computer will automatically restart.

Fix 6. Reinstall Windows OS to Fix 0xc00000e Error Code

If none of the above methods works, the last thing you can try to solve Windows 10 error code 0xc00000e is performing a quick Windows reinstallation.

Step 1. Boot your computer from a Windows installation CD or a bootable USB drive

Step 2. Click Install now. Follow the screen guides and select your needed operating system version to install. 

Concluding Words

Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, or the new Windows 11, will occasionally have startup problems in use. Hopefully, you can resolve the error code 0xc00000e using the methods listed above.  

But remember, it's important to keep your data secure no matter which way you take. Use professional data recovery software to get back your data once your disk is corrupted or OS is crashed.