How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000225 (For Any Hardware) in Windows 10

The 0xc0000225 error in Windows is a Boot Configuration Data (BCD) error that usually occurs when the system cannot locate or access the files needed to boot the operating system. This results in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or an error screen during the boot process. It typically indicates a problem with the boot loader, which is responsible for starting Windows. Here is a guide to fix this issue.

What Are The Symptoms of The Error

• A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) displaying the 0xc0000225 error code.
• The system fails to load Windows and may get stuck on the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen or loop through reboot attempts.
• Windows boot options may be unavailable or inaccessible.

What Are The Causes of The Error

• The BCD contains critical information about how the operating system boots. Windows won’t be able to start if this data is corrupted or missing.
• Essential system files that Windows needs to boot may be damaged or missing due to malware, improper shutdowns, or file system corruption.
• Physical problems with the hard drive or file system errors can also cause this issue.
• If the boot partition is incorrectly configured or the system tries to boot from a non-bootable drive, you might encounter this error.
• Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings can also lead to this error, especially if there are boot order or hardware configuration issues.

Also Read – How To Fix The dxgmms2.sys BSOD Error In Windows

8 Ways to Fix Windows Boot Manager Error Code 0xc0000225 (Without CD/USB)

We have highlighted the best methods to fix this issue, starting with simple and quick methods. If the problem is resolved after successfully executing the methods, ignore the remaining ones.

Method 1 – Verify Your Hard Disk For Damage

If your hard disk is attached to your PC and you have never disconnected it, move to the next method. If you have been moving your hard drive around, we recommend you check it for any physical damage. Next, verify if it is connected properly to your motherboard without loose wires or clips. 

Many users have claimed that the error code 0xc0000225 has been resolved by simply firmly reconnecting the hard disk cables to the motherboard.

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Method 2 – Activate The Inbuilt Startup Repair Utility

A simple way to resolve the error is by using the built-in Startup Repair tool. This tool will automatically detect and fix issues with system files that prevent the computer from booting properly. Follow these steps to run the Startup Repair tool –

1. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation media into your computer and restart it.
2. On the next screen, choose your preferred language, time zone, input method, etc.

3. Click Next, then select the Repair your computer option.

4. In the “Choose an option” screen, click Troubleshoot.

4. On the “Troubleshoot” screen, select Advanced options.

6. In the “Advanced options” menu, click Startup Repair to begin the automatic troubleshooting process.

7. Enter the password for your currently signed-in account and click Continue.
8. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the troubleshooting process and resolve the issue.

Read Also: Fix Windows Startup Repair Cannot Repair This Computer Automatically

Method 3 – Run A Virus Scan

Malware or viruses on your system could be causing the error during boot. To address this, follow these steps to perform a quick antivirus scan on your Windows system and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Insert your Windows 10 bootable installation media into the computer and restart it.
2. Select your preferred language, time zone, input method, and other settings on the next screen.
3. Click Next, then choose the Repair your computer option.
4. In the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
5. On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.
6. Select Command Prompt to open the Command Prompt window and enter the following command:

cd C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform\4.18*

MpCmdRun -Scan -ScanType1

7. Press Enter, and the antivirus scan will begin, scanning your system for malicious files.

Method 4 – Run A System File Checker Scan

The 0xc0000225 error can also be caused by missing or corrupted system files. To resolve this, we recommend running an SFC scan to repair these files by replacing them with their cached versions stored on the system. Follow the steps below to run an SFC scan on your Windows system:

1. Follow Steps 1-5 in Method 3 to access the Advanced Options section in the Windows Recovery Environment.
2. On the Advanced options screen, select Command Prompt to open the console.
3. Once the Command Prompt is open, copy and paste the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

4. The SFC scan will begin and may take several minutes to complete. Please be patient while the scan runs.
5. If the 0xc0000225 error no longer appears, the issue is resolved. If it persists, go back to the Advanced options section in the Windows Recovery Environment and run the chkdsk c:/f command to scan your drive for file system errors.

Method 5 – Repair The BCD File

This error typically occurs due to a problem with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file, which may be missing or corrupted. To resolve this, we recommend rebuilding the BCD, as this will fix any issues. Rebuilding the BCD is straightforward, and the following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Follow Steps 1-5 in Fix 2 to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) Advanced Options section.
2. Select Command Prompt to open the console, and then enter the following commands one by one:

bootrec /scans
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

3. The process of repairing the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) will now begin.

Method 6 – Make The Partition Active

The error may occur if the correct partition containing Windows isn’t set as active, preventing the system from booting properly. To resolve this, we recommend ensuring that the partition where Windows is installed is marked as active. You can follow these steps to do so:

1. Open Command Prompt on your system and run the following commands:

diskpart
list disk

2. You will see a list of all your system drives. Identify the disk where Windows is installed and select it by running the following command:

select disk X
list partition

3. Select the primary partition by running the command below. Be sure to replace “X” with the number corresponding to your primary drive, then press Enter:

 select partition X

4. Once the partition is selected, type active and press Enter to mark the partition as active.

Method 7 – Edit the Windows Boot Manager

A potential solution to resolve the Windows 10 Boot Manager error code is to edit the Windows Boot Manager using the Command Prompt. This process will set the correct boot entry as the default and help fix the issue. Follow the steps below to address this BSOD error:

1. Open the Command Prompt in WinRE and run the following command:

bcdedit /?

2. Then, execute the command to set the default entry:

 bcdedit /default

3. Restart your PC and check if the Boot Manager error code 0xc0000225 is resolved.

Method 8 – Update Your BIOS or UEFI

Since BIOS or UEFI is a crucial component for Windows to function properly, bugs or glitches in these settings may be causing the issue. To address this, we recommend updating your system’s BIOS or UEFI to the latest version to resolve potential problems. You can find the update steps in your system’s hardware manual. If the instructions aren’t included, visit your device manufacturer’s website for guidance.

Editor’s Tip – Use Advanced Disk Recovery To Recover Deleted Files

If you have accidentally deleted files or lost them due to disk corruption/format, Advanced Disk Recovery can help you recover them. This fantastic data recovery application can recover most of the files you have lost on your hard disk.

1. Download & Install Advanced Disk Recovery using the button provided below.

2. Open the app and choose the drive to be scanned.

3. Click on the Start Scan Now Button.
4. Select the Deep Scan option to recover all files and click on Scan Now.

5. Click on the box next to the files you wish to retrieve and click on the Recover button.

6. Specify the folder where you wish to store these recovered files and click on OK.

Have You Fixed The Error Code 0xc0000225 On Windows

This error is a frustrating issue that can prevent Windows from booting properly, but it can usually be resolved with the right steps. By diagnosing the root cause, you can take the necessary actions to fix the issue. We would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below.

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