How to resolve Windows 11 boot error 0xc0000001

General
1

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.

  1. Hold down the Shift key and restart your computer.
  2. In the Windows Recovery Environment, select “Troubleshoot.”
  3. Choose “Advanced Options,” then “Startup Repair.”

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  1. 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.

  1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment and navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
  2. In the Command Prompt window, enter these commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
  1. 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.

  1. Open Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment.
  2. Type C: and press Enter to access the system drive. (Replace ‘C’ with your system drive letter if different.)
  3. Run the Check Disk utility by typing chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. Type y when prompted to schedule the scan.

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Method 4: Repair SAM files

Damaged Security Accounts Manager (SAM) files can cause the 0xc0000001 error. Here’s how to repair them:

  1. Boot using Windows installation media.
  2. Enter the Windows Recovery Environment and go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”

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  1. In the Command Prompt, type copy C:\Windows\Repair\Sam C:\Windows\System32\Config\ and press Enter.
  2. Press Y when asked to overwrite the file, then restart your PC.

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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.

  1. Boot from your installation media and select “Repair your computer.”
  2. Open Command Prompt in the Windows Recovery Environment.
  3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

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  1. 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.

  1. Boot from Windows installation or recovery media and open Command Prompt (Shift + F10).
  2. Type diskpart and press Enter.

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  1. Enter select disk 0 and press Enter.

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  1. Type list partition and note the System Partition size.
  2. Enter list volume to find the system drive letter and system partition volume number.

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  1. 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.

  1. Type bcdboot C:\windows /s Z: /f ALL, replacing ‘C’ with your system volume letter.
  2. 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:

  1. Boot using Windows installation media and access the Recovery Environment.
  2. Go to “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” and click “Restart.”

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  1. Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
  2. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “Apps” > “Installed apps.”

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  1. Find the problematic program, click the three dots next to it, and select “Uninstall.”

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Method 8: Perform a system restore

If you’ve set up a restore point previously, you can use it to resolve the error.

  1. In the Windows Recovery Environment, go to “Advanced options” > “System Restore.”

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  1. Click “Next” in the System Restore dialog.

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  1. Select a restore point and click “Next.”

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  1. Click “Finish” and let Windows restart.

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Method 9: Reset your PC

As a last resort, you can reset your PC to its default state.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to “System.”

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  1. Scroll down and click on “Recovery.”

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  1. Click the “Reset PC” button.

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  1. Choose “Remove everything.”

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  1. Select “Local reinstall” or “Cloud download” for the latest updates.

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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.