The 0xc0000225 error is a Windows boot failure that appears when your system cannot locate or load the required Boot Configuration Data (BCD). When this happens, Windows stops during startup and displays the message “Windows failed to start.”

This issue affects systems running Microsoft Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is usually caused by missing boot files, corrupted system data, or disk errors.

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

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What Causes 0xc0000225 Error?

The 0xc0000225 error occurs when Windows cannot access the boot configuration files required to start the operating system.

Common causes include:

• Corrupted or missing BCD file
• Failed Windows update
• Disk errors or bad sectors
• Incorrect shutdown or power failure
• Damaged system files
• Malware infection
• Cloning or resizing partitions incorrectly
• EFI or boot partition issues

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How to Fix 0xc0000225 Windows Failed to Start Error

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

To begin troubleshooting:

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

Then navigate to:
Troubleshoot → Advanced options

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2. Run Startup Repair

Startup Repair is the first and easiest fix.

Steps:

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

Windows will automatically scan and attempt to repair boot issues.

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3. Rebuild BCD Using Command Prompt

If Startup Repair fails, rebuild the Boot Configuration Data manually.

Open Command Prompt and run:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands repair the master boot record and rebuild the boot configuration database.

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4. Run SFC and DISM Repair Tools

Corrupted system files can also trigger this error.

Run:

sfc /scannow

Then:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If Windows cannot boot normally, use offline mode:

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

These tools repair damaged system files and restore system integrity.

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5. Check Disk for Errors

Hard drive corruption can break boot files.

Run:

chkdsk C: /f /r

This command scans the disk and repairs bad sectors and file system issues.

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6. Repair EFI Boot (UEFI Systems)

For UEFI systems, the EFI partition may need repair.

Steps:

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

This restores missing EFI boot data.

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7. Use System Restore

If the issue started recently:

• Go to System Restore
• Select a restore point before the error occurred
• Restore system settings without affecting personal files

This is one of the fastest recovery methods.

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8. Repair Install or Reset Windows

If nothing works:

• Use Repair Install (In-place upgrade) to keep files and apps
• Or choose Reset This PC for a fresh Windows installation

These options are effective for severe system corruption.