Windows Error 0xc0000225 — Boot Configuration Data Missing

Windows error 0xc0000225 indicates the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file is missing or corrupted, preventing Windows from starting. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: STATUS_NOT_FOUND — the required BCD entry cannot be located. System cannot find the boot configuration to start Windows. Common after dual-boot configuration changes. Can occur when the active partition flag is set incorrectly. Often seen after cloning a drive or resizing partitions. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: BCD store corrupted or deleted. Active partition flag set on wrong partition. Drive letter assignments changed after hardware modification. Failed Windows Update corrupting boot files. Partition resizing tool damaged the boot sector. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Boot from Windows installation USB > Repair > Command Prompt. Run: bootrec /fixmbr. Run: bootrec /fixboot (if access denied, run bootsect /nt60 sys). Run: bootrec /rebuildbcd — select Yes to add Windows installation. If still failing, run: bcdboot C:\Windows /s S: (where S: is the System partition). If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.