The 0xc0000098 error is a Windows boot failure related to the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). When this error appears, your computer cannot start because the system cannot find or load the required boot files.

This issue affects systems running Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11, and it is commonly seen after system corruption, failed updates, disk errors, or improper shutdowns.

Although it looks serious, this error can usually be fixed using built-in Windows recovery tools without reinstalling the operating system.

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What Causes 0xc0000098 BCD Error?

The Boot Configuration Data is essential for Windows startup. If it becomes corrupted or missing, the system fails to boot.

Common causes include:

• Corrupted or missing BCD file
• Failed Windows update
• Hard drive or SSD errors
• Improper shutdown or power loss
• Malware or system file corruption
• Cloning or resizing system partitions
• Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings

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How to Fix 0xc0000098 BCD Boot Error

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

To begin repairing the system:

• Turn your PC on and off 3 times during boot
• Or boot from a Windows installation USB
• Select Repair your computer

Then go to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options

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2. Run Startup Repair

Startup Repair automatically detects and fixes boot issues.

Steps:

• Go to Advanced options
• Select Startup Repair
• Choose your Windows installation

If the issue is minor, this step may fix it immediately.

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3. Rebuild BCD Using Command Prompt

This is the most effective fix for 0xc0000098.

Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options and run:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands repair the boot sector and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data.

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4. Run SFC and DISM Repair Tools

If system files are corrupted, use:

sfc /scannow

And then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If Windows does not boot normally, use offline mode:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

These tools repair missing or damaged system components.

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5. Check Disk for Errors

Disk corruption can also break BCD files.

Run:

chkdsk C: /f /r

This scans and repairs bad sectors and file system errors.

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6. Repair EFI Boot (UEFI Systems)

If you are using UEFI, you may need to repair the EFI partition:

1. Open Diskpart:

diskpart

2. List volumes:

list volume

3. Assign letter to EFI partition:

select volume X
assign letter=Z

4. Rebuild boot files:

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

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7. Use System Restore

If the error started recently:

• Go to System Restore
• Select a restore point before the issue
• Restore system configuration

This can quickly fix corrupted boot settings.

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8. Reset or Repair Install Windows

If nothing works:

• Choose Repair Install (In-place upgrade) to keep files
• Or Reset This PC to reinstall Windows

This should be your last option.