How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000225 in Windows?

What Is 0xc0000225, Your PC Needs to be Repaired?

Error code 0xC0000225 is a Windows boot error that appears when the system can’t find or access critical boot files required to start Windows. When this happens, Windows fails to load and shows a recovery screen instead.

To put it simply, Windows doesn’t know where or how to boot. The system’s boot configuration data (BCD) or related files are missing, corrupted, or inaccessible.

Typical Symptoms:

• PC stuck on a blue recovery screen
• Message like "Your PC needs to be repaired"
• Windows cannot start at all
• Error code shown as 0xc0000225

Common Causesof Error Code: 0xc0000225

In most cases, this issuecommonly points to damaged or missing startup-related components, which may result from:

❌Corrupted or Missing Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

❌Improper Shutdown or Sudden Power Failure

❌Failed Windows Update or Upgrade

❌Disk Errors or Failing Hard Drive/SSD

❌Incorrect BIOS/UEFI or Boot Mode Settings

❌Malware or Virus Infection

❌Accidental Deletion of System Files

How to Solve 0xc0000225Error Code on Windows?

To fix the 0xC0000225 error and make Windowsbootsuccessfully, we can follow the solutions below.

Method 1: Restart and Disconnect External Devices

External devices can sometimes interfere with the Windows boot process and trigger the 0xC0000225 error. In this case, you can:

• Restart your PC.
• Disconnect all unnecessary USB drives, external hard disks, printers, and other peripherals.

After removing external devices, restart the computer again and check whether Windows boots normally.

Method 2: Run Automatic Startup Repair

Automatic Startup Repair is designed to detect and fix common boot-related issues that prevent Windows from starting properly.

Step 1. Turn on the PC and force shutdown by holding the power button. Repeat 2–3 times. On the 3rd startup, Windows should automatically enter WinRE.

Step 2. At the blue recovery screen, select "Troubleshoot → Advanced options".

Step 3. Then choose "Startup Repair ". Select your Windows version and wait for the repair process to complete.

Once the repair finishes, restart your PC and check whether the 0xC0000225 error is resolved. This automatic tool fixes most common startup issues.If this method fails and you encounters "Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically" error message, proceed to the following methods.

Method 3: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

If the 0xC0000225 error appeared shortly after a Windows update, it may have been caused by an incomplete or corrupted installation. Removing problematic updates can often restore boot functionality.

Step 1. Go to "Advanced options → Uninstall Updates".

Step 2. Remove the latest "quality update" first.

Step 3. If necessary, uninstall the latest "feature update".

Method 4: Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores critical information that Windows needs to start. If these records are missing, corrupted, or misconfigured, the system may fail to boot and show the 0xC0000225 error. Rebuilding the BCD can often restore the ability to start Windows.

Step 1. Navigate to "Advanced options → Command Prompt".

Step 2. Run the following commands one by one:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Step 3. Restart your computer.

This restores missing or corrupted boot records.

Method 5: Check Disk Errors

Disk errors, bad sectors, or file system corruption can prevent Windows from reading essential boot files, often causing the 0xC0000225 error. Running a disk check can identify and repair these issues.

In Command Promptwindow, run: chkdsk c: /f /r

Method 6: Repair System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can prevent Windows from starting correctly, often resulting in the 0xC0000225 error. Repairing these files can restore system stability and boot functionality.

Access Command Prompt windows and execute the command: sfc /scannow ( scan and repair protected Windows files)

After SFC completes, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair the Windows image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command checks the integrity of the Windows image and repairs any issues it finds.Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Method 7: Check BIOS/UEFI Boot Settings

Incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings can prevent Windows from finding the correct boot drive, often resulting in the 0xC0000225 error. Verifying and correcting these settings ensures the system boots properly.

Step 1. Restart your computer and press the designated key during startup (commonly F2, Del, Esc, or F10, depending on your manufacturer).

Step 2. Check whether the system is using UEFI or Legacy/CSM mode.Ensure the selected mode matches how Windows was installed. For modern systems, UEFI is recommended.

Step 3. Then make sure your system drive (usually C:) is set as the first boot device. If available, remove any external drives, USBs, or network boot options from the top of the order that could interfere.

Save changes and restart.

Method 8: Use System Restore(If exist)

If the 0xC0000225 error started after recent changes to your system, such as updates, driver installations, or software modifications, using System Restore can roll back Windows to a previously stable state without affecting your personal files.

Step 1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)by interrupting the startup 2-3 times.

Step 2. Navigate to: "Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore".

Step 3. Select a restore point created before the error appeared.

Follow the prompts to restore Windows to the selected point.

Method 9: Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If the error code 0xC0000225still persists after all the above methods, a complete reinstallation of Windows may be required to resolve the issue.

Important Tip: Recover Data Before Major Repairs

If Windows is completely unbootable and important files are at risk, consider recovering data first using a bootable recovery tool before resetting or reinstalling Windows.For this tough task, we recommend using MyRecover, powerful file recovery software with "PC Crashed Recovery" feature. It is designed to recover data from unbootable PC without accessing OS.

Summary

The "0xC0000225"error is most commonly caused by corrupted boot files, failed updates, disk errors, or malware. In most cases, Startup Repair, uninstalling updates, or rebuilding the BCD can resolve the issue without reinstalling Windows.If reinstalling operating system is your final choice, please first recover important files from the computer that won’t boot and then perform a clean install.