How to Fix Error 0xc000000f: The Boot Configuration Data File Is Missing in Windows 11 and 10

Quick Answer

Error 0xc000000f: The Boot Configuration Data file is missing usually means Windows cannot find or read the files it needs to start. The fastest fix is to boot into Windows Recovery Environment, run Startup Repair, and if that fails, rebuild the Boot Configuration Data using Command Prompt.

You may see the message as Error 0xc000000f, The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors, or The Boot Configuration Data file is missing. The wording changes slightly between Windows 11 and Windows 10, but the repair process is almost the same.

Problem

Windows stops at a blue recovery screen and does not boot normally. The error commonly shows one of these paths:

• File: \Boot\BCD
• File: \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD
• Error code: 0xc000000f

This prevents Windows from loading because the boot manager cannot locate a valid BCD store or the system partition is not being read correctly.

Cause

The Boot Configuration Data, often shortened to BCD, tells Windows where the operating system is installed and how it should start. Error 0xc000000f can happen after a failed update, sudden power loss, disk cloning, partition changes, dual-boot changes, BIOS or UEFI setting changes, or disk corruption.

Prerequisites

• A Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation USB, or access to Windows Recovery Environment.
• Your BitLocker recovery key if the system drive is encrypted.
• Administrator access to Command Prompt from recovery tools.
• Basic care when selecting disks and partitions. Do not format anything during these steps.

Step-by-step Solution

1. Disconnect external devices and restart

Remove USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, docking stations, and unnecessary peripherals. Leave only the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power connected. Restart the computer.

If Windows boots, the PC was probably trying to boot from the wrong device. Reconnect devices one by one and check your boot order in BIOS or UEFI.

2. Open Windows Recovery Environment

If the PC shows the recovery screen, choose Advanced options. If you cannot reach that screen, boot from a Windows installation USB and select Repair your computer, not Install.

1. Go to Troubleshoot.
2. Open Advanced options.
3. Select Startup Repair.
4. Choose your Windows installation and let the repair finish.

Restart the PC after Startup Repair. If Error 0xc000000f returns, continue with Command Prompt.

3. Check which drive contains Windows

In recovery mode, the Windows drive letter may not be C:. Open Command Prompt from Advanced options and check the Windows folder:

dir C:\Windows

If you see a message that the file or directory is not found, try:

dir D:\Windows
dir E:\Windows

Use the drive letter that contains the Windows folder in the next commands. The examples below use C:.

4. Repair the master boot records

Run these commands one at a time:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

If Windows installations are found and you are asked to add one to the boot list, type:

Y

Then restart your PC. This fixes many BIOS/MBR boot issues and some UEFI boot problems.

5. Rebuild BCD on UEFI systems with bcdboot

If bootrec /rebuildbcd does not find Windows, or the PC uses UEFI, rebuild the boot files manually with bcdboot.

First, find the EFI system partition:

diskpart
list vol

Look for a small FAT32 volume, usually 100 MB to 300 MB. Select it by replacing X with the correct volume number:

select vol X
assign letter=S:
exit

Now recreate the UEFI boot files:

bcdboot C:\Windows /s S: /f UEFI

If your Windows folder is on another drive letter in recovery mode, replace C:\Windows with the correct path. Restart the computer when the command reports that boot files were created successfully.

6. Check BIOS or UEFI boot order

If the repair succeeds but the PC still shows Error 0xc000000f, enter BIOS or UEFI settings. The key is often F2, Delete, Esc, or F12 during startup.

• Set Windows Boot Manager as the first boot option on UEFI systems.
• Make sure the correct SSD or hard drive is selected.
• Do not switch randomly between UEFI and Legacy mode unless you know how Windows was installed.
• Save changes and restart.

Examples

Common Causes

• Corrupted or missing BCD store.
• Incorrect boot device selected in BIOS or UEFI.
• Failed Windows update or interrupted upgrade.
• Disk cloning that did not copy the EFI or system partition correctly.
• Loose SATA or NVMe connection on desktops or recently serviced laptops.
• File system errors on the system drive.

Common Mistakes

• Formatting the EFI partition. This can make recovery harder and is not required for this fix.
• Using the wrong Windows drive letter. Recovery mode often changes drive letters, so always check with dir.
• Changing UEFI to Legacy mode without checking. A Windows installation created in UEFI mode normally needs Windows Boot Manager.
• Ignoring BitLocker prompts. If BitLocker is enabled, unlock the drive with the recovery key before repair commands can work properly.

Best Practices

• Create a Windows recovery USB before making partition or boot changes.
• Keep BIOS or UEFI boot mode consistent after cloning or reinstalling Windows.
• Use a reliable power source during Windows updates and firmware updates.
• Back up important files before running advanced recovery commands.
• Check SSD health if the error returns repeatedly.

Verification

The repair worked if the PC passes the recovery screen, shows the Windows sign-in screen, and no longer displays Error 0xc000000f: The Boot Configuration Data file is missing.

After Windows starts, open Command Prompt as administrator and run a basic file system check schedule if you suspect disk errors:

chkdsk C: /scan

If Windows reports drive problems, back up your files first and then follow the recommended repair steps. Repeated boot errors can point to a failing drive, not just a damaged BCD entry.