Partition Recovery™
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
Last updated: Aug 26, 2021

How to fix a winload.exe 0xc000000f error

Here you will find out:

  • what a winload.exe 0xc000000f error is
  • how to fix this error
  • how DiskInternals Partition Recovery can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

What is a winload.exe 0xc000000f error?

Winload.exe is a Windows boot program. Winload.exe is launched by the BOOTMGR protocol, which is used to boot on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows Vista. The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) acts as a global repository for all configurations and settings related to OS booting. If the entry in the BCD file is of the wrong type or damaged, then you will get the error: “Windows failed to start, status 0xc000000f winload.exe”. Thus, your laptop will be unable to start and your work will be at risk.

How to fix this error


Method 1: Try Startup Repair

This is an excellent standard utility that deals with errors related to starting up the computer, including winload.exe errors.

Boot using the Windows installation DVD and as soon as you see the message "Press any key to boot from DVD ...", do so. Then select the link "Repair your computer". Next, select which type of recovery you need. In this case, we need to select "Startup Repair" and patiently wait for the scan to finish. After that, remove the boot disk and try to turn on the computer.

Method 2: Rebuild the BCD

If you have bootable media, try booting from it and restore the system to normal.

Once you insert the bootable DVD into your device, click on the power button. Then press any key on the keyboard and wait for the main menu to load. Select the “Troubleshooting” section and then “Repair your computer”. Then click on Command Prompt as an administrator and type bootrec / rebuildbcd. Press Enter and wait while the command is running. Then boot in the usual way; it should work.

If, after that, you again encounter the problem “winload.exe missing on Windows”, then immediately try the next method.

Method 3: Clean install of Windows 10

Reinstalling the operating system is a good way to fix the error, but it’s very risky. A clean install will erase all data from your computer. In order not to lose data, you need to turn off the computer, remove the hard drive, and connect it to another computer. After that, you can create a disk image using DiskInternals Partition Recovery and recover deleted files.

Although DiskInternals Partition Recovery cannot make backups, it can create a disk image for free. A disk image is a bit like a backup, as it retains not only files, but all disk information, as well as deleted data. It's like making a virtual copy of your hard drive on an external drive.

DiskInternals Partition Recovery is right for you if you make a mistake while trying to fix the winload.exe error and it results in data deletion or even the loss of an entire partition. The application scans each partition separately and can convert the file system if necessary (for example, if it is damaged). All files and folders found can be previewed free of charge. Then, to export the data, simply purchase a license from the company's website. With the license, you will get unlimited access to all necessary files as well as technical support. Help from the company's specialists is available free of charge throughout the year. Good luck to you!

Related articles

FREE DOWNLOADVer 8.13, WinBUY NOWFrom $139.95

Please rate this article.
51 reviews