The 0xc0000001 error in Windows 11 typically indicates corrupted boot files, boot device issues, or boot sector problems. Fortunately, several solutions can help you overcome this error and get your system running again.
Method 1: Run startup repair
Startup Repair is a powerful built-in tool that can fix many boot-related issues automatically.
- Hold down the Shift key and restart your computer.
- In the Windows Recovery Environment, select “Troubleshoot.”
- Choose “Advanced Options,” then “Startup Repair.”
- Allow the repair process to complete, then restart your PC.
Method 2: Fix the master boot record
If Startup Repair doesn’t work, you may need to repair the Master Boot Record (MBR) manually.
- Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment and navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
- In the Command Prompt window, enter these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
- After running all commands, close the window and restart your computer.
Method 3: Use the Check Disk utility
The Check Disk utility can help resolve issues related to bad sectors or errors on your storage device.
- Open Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment.
- Type
C:
and press Enter to access the system drive. (Replace ‘C’ with your system drive letter if different.) - Run the Check Disk utility by typing
chkdsk /f /r
and press Enter. Typey
when prompted to schedule the scan.
Method 4: Repair SAM files
Damaged Security Accounts Manager (SAM) files can cause the 0xc0000001 error. Here’s how to repair them:
- Boot using Windows installation media.
- Enter the Windows Recovery Environment and go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
- In the Command Prompt, type
copy C:\Windows\Repair\Sam C:\Windows\System32\Config\
and press Enter. - Press
Y
when asked to overwrite the file, then restart your PC.
Note: This method will reset your login credentials. You’ll need to use the original username and password set during OS installation.
Method 5: Run System File Checker
The System File Checker can identify and repair corrupted system files.
- Boot from your installation media and select “Repair your computer.”
- Open Command Prompt in the Windows Recovery Environment.
- Type
sfc /scannow
and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to finish, then restart your computer.
Method 6: Use the BCDBOOT tool
The BCDBOOT tool can help rebuild the boot configuration data.
- Boot from Windows installation or recovery media and open Command Prompt (Shift + F10).
- Type
diskpart
and press Enter.
- Enter
select disk 0
and press Enter.
- Type
list partition
and note the System Partition size. - Enter
list volume
to find the system drive letter and system partition volume number.
- Assign a drive letter to the system partition:
select volume x
assign letter=z
exit
Replace ‘x’ with the correct volume number and ‘z’ with your chosen letter.
- Type
bcdboot C:\windows /s Z: /f ALL
, replacing ‘C’ with your system volume letter. - If this doesn’t work, try
bcdboot C:\windows /s Z: /f UEFI
instead.
Method 7: Remove problematic programs in Safe Mode
Sometimes, third-party programs can cause the 0xc0000001 error. Here’s how to remove them:
- Boot using Windows installation media and access the Recovery Environment.
- Go to “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” and click “Restart.”
- Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “Apps” > “Installed apps.”
- Find the problematic program, click the three dots next to it, and select “Uninstall.”
Method 8: Perform a system restore
If you’ve set up a restore point previously, you can use it to resolve the error.
- In the Windows Recovery Environment, go to “Advanced options” > “System Restore.”
- Click “Next” in the System Restore dialog.
- Select a restore point and click “Next.”
- Click “Finish” and let Windows restart.
Method 9: Reset your PC
As a last resort, you can reset your PC to its default state.
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “System.”
- Scroll down and click on “Recovery.”
- Click the “Reset PC” button.
- Choose “Remove everything.”
- Select “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download” for the latest updates.
Additional tips
- Disconnect all external devices and check internal components before troubleshooting.
- If the error appeared after a recent update, consider uninstalling it.
- You can revert to a previous Windows version using installation media if you haven’t formatted your system drive.
- As an absolute last resort, perform a clean Windows installation.