Windows error 0xc0000098 is a startup or boot-related error that usually appears before Windows loads. A typical recovery screen may display a message similar to:

Recovery

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired

The Boot Configuration Data file doesn't contain valid information for an operating system.

File: \BCD

Error code: 0xc0000098

In other cases, the screen may reference files such as:

\Boot\BCD

\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\BCD

\Windows\System32\winload.efi

The error generally means Windows Boot Manager cannot obtain the information required to correctly locate or start the Windows installation.

The problem is commonly associated with missing, damaged, incorrectly configured, or inaccessible Boot Configuration Data (BCD).

Microsoft provides both BOOTREC-based troubleshooting and BCDBoot for repairing Windows boot configuration and system-partition boot files. BCDBoot can recreate boot-environment files from an existing Windows installation.

What Is Boot Configuration Data (BCD)?

BCD stands for Boot Configuration Data.

It is an important Windows boot database containing information Windows Boot Manager uses to determine:

• Which operating system should start
• Where Windows is installed
• Which Windows loader should be used
• Boot Manager settings
• Recovery environment configuration
• Boot options for multiple operating systems

On modern UEFI computers, Windows boot files normally reside on an EFI System Partition (ESP).

On older BIOS/MBR installations, boot files may reside in a System Reserved partition or another active system partition.

If the BCD store becomes damaged, missing, or points to the wrong Windows installation, Windows may fail before reaching the sign-in screen.

Common Symptoms of Error 0xc0000098

You may encounter one or more of these symptoms:

• Windows does not start.
• A blue Recovery screen appears.
• The computer repeatedly enters Windows Recovery.
• Error code 0xc0000098 appears.
• \Boot\BCD is mentioned.
• \BCD is shown as the problematic file.
• winload.efi is displayed.
• Windows Boot Manager cannot locate Windows.
• Automatic Repair repeatedly starts.
• Startup Repair fails.
• Windows stops booting after cloning an SSD.
• The problem starts after changing partitions.
• Windows fails after adding or removing another disk.
• A dual-boot configuration stops working.
• The computer reports that the Boot Configuration Data is invalid.

What Causes Windows Error 0xc0000098?

Several conditions can produce this boot error.

1. Corrupted BCD Store

The most common cause is damaged Boot Configuration Data.

BCD corruption can prevent Windows Boot Manager from identifying the installed operating system.

2. Missing Windows Boot Entry

Windows may still exist on the SSD or hard disk, but the corresponding entry may be missing from BCD.

In this situation, your personal files and Windows installation may still be intact.

3. Damaged EFI System Partition

Modern Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers commonly use UEFI firmware with GPT disks.

Windows boot files are stored on a small FAT32 EFI System Partition.

If this partition or its boot files are damaged, Windows may display error 0xc0000098.

4. Failed Windows Update or Upgrade

An interrupted Windows update, upgrade, or servicing operation can occasionally leave boot configuration inconsistent.

For example:

1. Windows starts installing an update.
2. The computer loses power.
3. Boot configuration changes are incomplete.
4. Windows Boot Manager cannot correctly start Windows.

5. Unexpected Power Failure

Power loss while Windows or boot configuration files are being written can cause corruption.

This is particularly relevant on desktops without UPS protection.

6. Disk or SSD Problems

Storage problems can damage important boot files.

Possible causes include:

• SSD failure
• HDD bad sectors
• File-system corruption
• Loose SATA connection
• Storage-controller problems

If 0xc0000098 repeatedly returns after being repaired, storage health should be investigated.

7. Disk Cloning or Migration

The error can occur after migrating Windows from:

HDD → SSD

or

SSD → larger SSD

Cloning software may copy the Windows partition while incorrectly handling the EFI/System partition or boot configuration.

8. Partition Changes

Deleting, resizing, moving, or recreating partitions can affect the Windows boot environment.

This commonly happens after using third-party partition-management software.

9. BIOS/UEFI Configuration Changes

Changing settings such as:

• UEFI/Legacy boot mode
• CSM
• Storage controller mode
• Boot order

can cause an existing Windows installation to stop booting correctly.

Before Repairing Error 0xc0000098

Before performing command-line repairs, check a few basic things.

Disconnect unnecessary external devices.

Remove:

• External HDDs
• External SSDs
• USB storage
• Memory cards
• Unnecessary USB devices

Keep only the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and Windows recovery/install USB if required.

Restart the computer.

Solution 1: Check BIOS/UEFI Boot Order

Enter your computer's BIOS/UEFI setup.

Common keys include:

F2, F10, F12, Delete or Esc

The correct key depends on the manufacturer.

Check whether your SSD or Windows Boot Manager appears in the boot configuration.

For a normal modern Windows 11 UEFI installation, an entry similar to this may appear:

Windows Boot Manager (NVMe SSD)

Place Windows Boot Manager in the appropriate boot position.

Do not randomly change UEFI, Legacy, CSM, AHCI, or RAID settings unless you understand the computer's original configuration.

Solution 2: Run Windows Startup Repair

Microsoft recommends Startup Repair as an early troubleshooting method for Windows startup problems.

Enter Windows Recovery Environment.

Navigate to:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair

Select the Windows installation if requested.

Allow Windows to diagnose the startup environment.

Restart the computer after completion.

If Windows starts normally, no additional BCD manipulation is necessary.

Solution 3: Access Command Prompt from Windows Recovery

If Startup Repair fails, use Windows Recovery Command Prompt.

Navigate to:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt

If Windows Recovery is unavailable, boot from a Windows 10/11 installation USB and select:

Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt

Do not select Install Windows unless you intend to reinstall Windows.

Solution 4: Determine the Correct Windows Drive Letter

This step is important.

Inside Windows Recovery Environment, the installed Windows partition is not always C:.

It could appear as:

D:

E:

or another drive letter.

Run:

diskpart

Then:

list volume

Identify the Windows partition.

Exit DiskPart:

exit

You can test possible partitions with:

dir C:\Windows

or:

dir D:\Windows

or:

dir E:\Windows

The correct drive should contain the Windows directory and its normal files.

For the examples below, assume Windows is:

C:\Windows

Replace C: with the correct drive letter on your computer.

Solution 5: Scan for Windows Installations

Run:

bootrec /scanos

This searches disks for Windows installations that are not currently represented correctly in the boot configuration. Microsoft includes Bootrec /ScanOS as part of BCD-related startup troubleshooting.

If your Windows installation is detected, continue with the repair.

Solution 6: Rebuild Boot Configuration Data

Run:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

BOOTREC scans for Windows installations and may ask whether you want to add an installation to the boot list.

If prompted:

Add installation to boot list? Yes(Y)/No(N)/All(A)

Enter:

Y

Restart the computer afterward.

Solution 7: Repair MBR/Boot Code on Appropriate Systems

Microsoft also documents BOOTREC commands for repairing Windows startup boot code.

From Windows Recovery Command Prompt:

bootrec /fixmbr

Then:

bootrec /fixboot

Then:

bootrec /scanos

Finally:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands are particularly relevant to legacy BIOS/MBR boot problems.

Important: Modern UEFI/GPT installations are different from traditional BIOS/MBR installations. Do not assume that an MBR repair is the correct solution for every Windows 11 PC.

What If BOOTREC /FIXBOOT Shows "Access Is Denied"?

A commonly encountered message is:

Access is denied.

after running:

bootrec /fixboot

Do not repeatedly format or modify random partitions trying to solve this problem.

On modern UEFI/GPT computers, rebuilding the EFI boot files using BCDBoot is often a more appropriate approach.

Solution 8: Repair the EFI Boot Files with BCDBoot

BCDBoot is Microsoft's command-line utility for configuring or repairing the Windows boot environment.

Microsoft specifically documents that BCDBoot can repair a corrupted system partition by recreating boot files using copies from the installed Windows image.

First identify the EFI System Partition.

Run:

diskpart

Then:

list disk

Select the Windows disk. For example:

select disk 0

Run:

list partition

or:

list volume

Look for the EFI/System partition.

On typical UEFI systems it is:

• Relatively small
• FAT32 formatted
• Used as the System/EFI partition

Select the correct partition:

select partition X

Replace X with the correct partition number.

Assign a temporary drive letter:

assign letter=S

Then:

exit

Now rebuild the boot files.

Assuming Windows is installed in C:\Windows, run:

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

Microsoft documents /f UEFI for creating UEFI boot files on the specified system partition.

A successful operation normally reports:

Boot files successfully created.

Restart the computer and test Windows.

Important Warning About the EFI Partition

Do not format the EFI System Partition simply because a tutorial tells you to do so.

Formatting the wrong partition can make the computer completely unbootable and may affect other installed operating systems.

In many BCD repair cases, formatting is unnecessary because BCDBoot can recreate the required Windows boot files.

Solution 9: Recreate BCD More Aggressively

If normal rebuilding does not work, Microsoft documents a BCD troubleshooting sequence that backs up the existing configuration before rebuilding it.

For BIOS-style configurations, Microsoft shows commands such as:

bcdedit /export C:\bcdbackup

attrib C:\boot\bcd -r -s -h

ren C:\boot\bcd bcd.old

bootrec /rebuildbcd

However, drive letters and BCD locations differ between BIOS/MBR and UEFI/GPT systems.

Therefore, these commands should not be blindly copied to every computer.

For modern UEFI installations, identifying the EFI partition and using BCDBoot is generally the cleaner approach.

Solution 10: Check the Windows File System

BCD corruption can sometimes be associated with disk or file-system problems.

From Windows Recovery Command Prompt, determine the Windows partition and run:

chkdsk C: /f

Replace C: with the actual Windows partition.

For deeper disk checking where appropriate:

chkdsk C: /f /r

The /r scan can take considerably longer, particularly on large HDDs.

For SSDs, avoid repeatedly running unnecessary full surface scans merely as routine maintenance.

Solution 11: Check SSD/HDD Detection

Enter BIOS/UEFI and verify that the system drive is detected.

If the SSD or HDD is completely absent from BIOS/UEFI, rebuilding BCD is unlikely to solve the underlying problem.

Possible causes include:

• Failed SSD
• Failed HDD
• Loose SATA cable
• Loose power connector
• Faulty SATA port
• NVMe connection issue
• Storage-controller problem

For desktop computers, power off the machine before checking internal connections.

Solution 12: Undo Recent BIOS Changes

If error 0xc0000098 appeared immediately after changing BIOS settings, restore the previous configuration.

Pay particular attention to:

• UEFI versus Legacy
• CSM
• AHCI
• RAID
• Intel RST
• Boot priority

Do not arbitrarily switch AHCI and RAID on an existing Windows installation because doing so can create additional startup problems.

Solution 13: Error 0xc0000098 After Cloning HDD to SSD

If the error started after cloning Windows, check whether the cloning process copied all required partitions.

A modern Windows installation may contain:

1. EFI System Partition
2. Microsoft Reserved Partition
3. Windows partition
4. Windows Recovery partition

Cloning only the large Windows C: partition may not produce a bootable destination disk.

A useful repair procedure is:

1. Disconnect the old disk temporarily where practical.
2. Boot from Windows installation/recovery media.
3. Open Command Prompt.
4. Identify the new Windows partition.
5. Identify its EFI partition.
6. Assign the EFI partition a temporary letter.
7. Run BCDBoot.

Example:

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

Restart and verify that the new SSD independently boots.

Solution 14: Error 0xc0000098 After Adding a Second Drive

Sometimes Windows boot files exist on a different physical disk than the Windows installation itself.

For example:

Disk 0: old HDD containing EFI boot files

Disk 1: SSD containing Windows

If the old HDD is removed, Windows on the SSD may suddenly become unbootable.

This can often be corrected by creating the appropriate EFI boot files on the SSD's own EFI System Partition with BCDBoot.

Solution 15: Repair a Dual-Boot Configuration

BCD errors can also occur on computers running multiple Windows installations.

Microsoft documents BCDBoot as a way to restore missing Windows entries in a dual-boot configuration.

For example, if another Windows installation is located at:

D:\Windows

you can use:

bcdboot D:\Windows

after verifying that D: is actually the intended Windows installation.

Exercise additional caution on systems containing Linux bootloaders or customized EFI configurations.

Solution 16: Use System Restore

If System Restore was previously enabled:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore

Choose a restore point created before the boot problem started.

System Restore can be particularly useful when the problem appeared after:

• Driver installation
• Software installation
• System configuration changes
• Certain Windows updates

Personal documents are generally not the target of System Restore, but maintaining a backup remains strongly recommended.

Solution 17: Uninstall a Recent Windows Update

If 0xc0000098 appeared immediately after an update, Windows Recovery may offer:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates

Options can include:

Uninstall latest quality update

or

Uninstall latest feature update

Try this when there is a clear connection between the update and startup failure.

Solution 18: Check Hardware if the Error Keeps Returning

A BCD repair should normally remain repaired.

If the BCD repeatedly becomes corrupted, investigate the hardware.

Check:

SSD/HDD health

Look for:

• SMART warnings
• Read/write errors
• Bad sectors on HDDs
• SSD health warnings
• Unexpected disconnections

RAM

Unstable memory can contribute to system corruption.

Run Windows Memory Diagnostic when Windows becomes accessible, or use a suitable bootable memory-testing utility.

Power

Unexpected shutdowns may corrupt disk writes.

Check:

• Laptop charger
• Battery
• Desktop PSU
• UPS
• Loose power cables

Recommended Troubleshooting Order

For most computers, use this sequence:

Step 1: Disconnect unnecessary USB/storage devices.

Step 2: Verify Windows Boot Manager and SSD/HDD detection in BIOS/UEFI.

Step 3: Run Startup Repair.

Step 4: Enter Windows Recovery Command Prompt.

Step 5: Identify the actual Windows partition.

Step 6: Run:

bootrec /scanos

Step 7: Run:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Step 8: If using UEFI/GPT and the boot environment remains damaged, identify the EFI System Partition.

Step 9: Rebuild boot files using:

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

Replace the drive letters as necessary.

Step 10: Check the Windows file system and storage health.

Step 11: Try System Restore or uninstall a problematic recent update if appropriate.

Step 12: Back up important data before considering Windows reinstallation.

UEFI/GPT vs BIOS/MBR: Why It Matters

This distinction is extremely important when repairing Windows boot errors.

Modern Windows 11 PC

Typically:

Firmware: UEFI
Disk: GPT
Boot partition: EFI System Partition
File system: FAT32
Primary repair utility: BCDBoot

Typical repair command:

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

Older Windows PC

May use:

Firmware: Legacy BIOS
Disk: MBR
Boot partition: System Reserved/Active partition

BOOTREC commands may be more directly relevant:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Using the correct repair method for the computer's firmware and partition structure is safer than blindly running every command found online.

Does Error 0xc0000098 Mean My Data Is Lost?

Usually, no.

Error 0xc0000098 commonly concerns the Windows boot configuration rather than personal files.

Your documents, photos, accounting data, email files, and other data may still exist normally on the Windows partition.

However, if the BCD corruption was caused by a failing SSD or HDD, data loss becomes a real possibility.

If important business data is stored on the computer, prioritize backup or recovery before performing destructive operations.

Should I Reinstall Windows for Error 0xc0000098?

Not initially.

Try these options first:

• Startup Repair
• BCD rebuild
• BCDBoot repair
• EFI partition repair
• System Restore
• Update rollback
• Disk/file-system checking

Reinstallation should generally be considered only after boot repair options have failed or when the Windows installation itself is seriously damaged.

Important Precautions

Before performing advanced repairs:

• Back up important data whenever possible.
• Verify drive letters before running commands.
• Do not delete partitions unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not format the EFI partition as a routine troubleshooting step.
• Do not change BIOS storage modes randomly.
• Do not assume Windows is always C: inside WinRE.
• Take additional precautions on BitLocker-encrypted systems.
• Keep the BitLocker recovery key available before changing boot-related settings.
• Check SSD/HDD health if corruption repeatedly returns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does Windows error code 0xc0000098 mean?

It normally indicates that Windows cannot correctly use the Boot Configuration Data required to start the operating system.

2. Is 0xc0000098 a hardware error?

Not necessarily.

It is commonly a boot-configuration problem, although SSD/HDD failures, file-system corruption, or other hardware problems can cause or contribute to BCD corruption.

3. Can I fix 0xc0000098 without reinstalling Windows?

Yes.

Many cases can be repaired using Startup Repair, BOOTREC, BCDBoot, or Windows Recovery Environment.

4. Will rebuilding BCD delete my files?

Normally, rebuilding the Windows boot configuration does not delete personal files.

However, always verify commands and partitions carefully.

5. What command rebuilds Windows BCD?

A commonly used command is:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

For UEFI systems where EFI boot files need to be recreated, BCDBoot may be used, for example:

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

The letters must correspond to the actual Windows and EFI partitions.

6. What does bootrec /scanos do?

It scans attached disks for compatible Windows installations that may not currently be represented in the boot configuration.

7. Why does bootrec /fixboot show Access Is Denied?

This can occur on modern Windows UEFI configurations. Rather than repeatedly forcing /fixboot, identify the EFI System Partition and consider rebuilding the UEFI boot files with BCDBoot.

8. What is the EFI System Partition?

The EFI System Partition, or ESP, is a small system partition used by UEFI firmware to store boot-related files.

Windows Boot Manager files are normally stored there on UEFI installations.

9. Can I delete the EFI System Partition?

No, not as a normal troubleshooting step.

Deleting it can prevent Windows from booting.

10. Should I format the EFI partition?

Usually not.

Formatting should not be a default solution for 0xc0000098 because it removes existing boot files. In many cases BCDBoot can repair the Windows boot environment without formatting the partition.

11. Can 0xc0000098 happen after SSD cloning?

Yes.

It can happen when the EFI/System partition is not cloned correctly or when the BCD still references an incorrect boot configuration.

12. Why does Windows show 0xc0000098 after removing my old HDD?

The old HDD may have contained the EFI or Windows boot files even though Windows itself was installed on the newer SSD.

The SSD may require its own correctly configured EFI boot environment.

13. Can a power failure cause this error?

Yes.

An unexpected shutdown during disk or boot-configuration writes can potentially cause corruption.

14. Can a failing SSD cause BCD corruption?

Yes.

If the error repeatedly returns after successful repair, investigate the SSD's health and other hardware conditions.

15. Does CHKDSK fix 0xc0000098?

CHKDSK repairs file-system problems; it does not specifically rebuild the BCD.

It can therefore be useful when disk/file-system corruption contributed to the boot failure, but a BCD or EFI repair may still be required.

16. Can Startup Repair fix error 0xc0000098?

Yes, depending on the cause.

Startup Repair is a sensible first repair attempt before manually rebuilding the boot configuration.

17. What if bootrec /rebuildbcd finds zero Windows installations?

First verify the Windows partition's drive letter.

From WinRE, Windows may not be on C:.

Check with:

diskpart

list volume

exit

Then test:

dir C:\Windows

dir D:\Windows

dir E:\Windows

If Windows exists but BOOTREC still cannot rebuild the configuration, BCDBoot may be required.

18. Does error 0xc0000098 affect Windows 11?

Yes.

Windows 11 computers can encounter this error, particularly when BCD or UEFI boot files become corrupted or incorrectly configured.

19. Does error 0xc0000098 affect Windows 10?

Yes.

The same general boot-configuration problem can occur on Windows 10.

20. What is the safest first solution?

Start with:

Windows Recovery Environment → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair

If that fails, proceed to BCD/EFI troubleshooting.

21. What if the SSD is not visible in BIOS?

Do not concentrate on BCD repair yet.

If BIOS/UEFI cannot detect the SSD, investigate the drive, connection, storage controller, or hardware first.

22. Can BIOS settings cause error 0xc0000098?

Yes.

Incorrect UEFI/Legacy configuration, storage-controller changes, or boot-order changes can prevent Windows from using its existing boot configuration correctly.

23. Can I repair the problem using a Windows installation USB?

Yes.

Boot from the Windows installation media and select:

Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options

You can then use Startup Repair or Command Prompt.

24. How do I know whether my computer uses UEFI?

Modern Windows 11 computers normally use UEFI.

From recovery tools, examining the disk layout for a small FAT32 EFI System Partition is also a strong indication of a UEFI/GPT installation.

25. When should I reinstall Windows?

Consider reinstallation only after reasonable boot repair methods fail, the Windows installation is badly corrupted, or other troubleshooting confirms that repair is impractical.

Back up important files before reinstalling.

Conclusion

Windows Error Code 0xc0000098 is primarily associated with Windows startup configuration and commonly indicates missing, damaged, or invalid Boot Configuration Data (BCD).

The error does not automatically mean that Windows must be reinstalled or that personal files have been lost.

Start with Windows Startup Repair. If the problem persists, identify the actual Windows installation and determine whether the computer uses UEFI/GPT or BIOS/MBR before performing command-line repairs.

For modern UEFI systems, Microsoft's BCDBoot utility is particularly important because it can recreate Windows boot-environment files from the existing Windows installation.

If error 0xc0000098 repeatedly returns after a successful repair, investigate the SSD/HDD, file system, memory, power stability, and other hardware conditions rather than repeatedly rebuilding BCD.

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