How to Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc0000185: Step-by-Step BCD Repair Guide
-
Written By Kees Jan Meerman -
Updated On Apr 27, 2026 -
Min Reading 5 Min - Share this
Summary:
- Error code 0xc0000185 basically means your PC can’t read the boot device or boot data which Windows needs for it to start.
- Start with Startup Repair. This built-in option fixes many boot files and BCD issues without much risk.
- If this doesn’t work, use the Command Prompt in Windows Recovery Environment and run Bootrec commands.
- If your drive feels unstable/possibly damaged, first recover your files with a trusted Windows data recovery software like Stellar Windows Data Recovery, before you reset or reinstall Windows.
- If your drive is making any clicking sounds, or it vanishes, or slows down badly, stop all your DIY fixes and move to a professional recovery service.
If your screen shows error code 0xc0000185, it means that your system is failing very early in startup. Windows hasn’t loaded yet. Your PC is stuck because the boot path is broken, missing, or unreadable.
Now this might sound serious, but in our experience, it’s very often repairable. In most cases, you can fix the 0xc0000185 error with Startup Repair or by rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data. And if your storage drive is failing, too, protect your data first before you fix error 0xc0000185.
What Causes Error Code 0xc0000185?
This error appears when the Windows boot chain breaks. Your firmware passes control to Boot Manager, Boot Manager reads the BCD store, and the BCD points to the Windows loader. If any step fails, the startup stops.
A corrupted BCD store is a very common trigger. Think of this as the map your PC uses to find Windows. If this “map” is damaged or it points to the wrong partition, your machine won’t know where to go.
Other common causes for 0xc0000185 error include:
- damaged boot sectors
- broken EFI files
- corrupted MBR on older systems
- a loose storage cable
- failing SSD or HDDs
What Signs Show Your PC Has a Boot Configuration Data Error?
You might also notice a recovery loop. Sometimes Startup Repair runs, fails, and dumps you back into Advanced options. That usually means the automatic fix found damage but couldn’t repair the full boot path.
Signs your System is Affected by Error 0xc0000185
| Symptom | What it usually means | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery screen with 0xc0000185 | Your PC can’t access the required boot data | Run Startup Repair |
| Startup Repair fails | Automatic repair couldn’t fix the boot chain | Use Command Prompt |
| Recovery loop on every restart | Boot Manager still points to a bad path | Rebuild BCD |
| Drive appears and disappears | Your storage may be unstable | Recover data first |
| Clicking sounds or very slow reads | Possible physical drive failure | Possible physical drive failure |
What Methods Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 Safely?
Work in the order we’ve provided. Don’t jump straight to reinstalling Windows because that often creates extra work and can sometimes make data recovery harder.
Use this sequence:
- Disconnect all USB drives and any recent hardware you added to your system.
- Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment. (To boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), hold down the Shift key while you select Restart from the Power menu on the sign-in screen or Start menu.)
- Run Startup Repair.
- If it fails, repair the boot records and rebuild BCD as prompted.
- Recover all your files before any reinstall.
Warning: If your files aren’t backed up, don’t think of a reinstall as your first fix! We always recommend that you back up all your important data before you attempt repairs and fixes; otherwise, you might face irreversible and permanent data loss.
How Do You Run Windows Startup Repair?
Startup Repair is the best first step because it is low-risk and often does the job. Windows Startup Repair checks your core startup files, boot records, and configuration data, and then tries to repair what Windows needs in order to load.
Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using the steps above.
Next, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. If BitLocker is enabled, enter your recovery key when you’re prompted.
Run it once. If your PC starts, back up your files straight away. If it fails and sends you back to recovery, keep reading to move on to manual boot repair.
How Do You Rebuild BCD with Command Prompt?
Open the Command Prompt from Advanced options in Windows Recovery Environment. Then run these commands one by one:
- bootrec /fixmbr
- bootrec /fixboot
- bootrec /scanos
- bootrec /rebuildbcd
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| bootrec /fixmbr | Writes a fresh Windows-compatible master boot record |
| bootrec /fixboot | Writes a new boot sector |
| bootrec /scanos | Searches for Windows installations not listed in BCD |
| bootrec /scanos | Rebuilds the BCD store and adds detected installations |
This part matters because a startup is actually linear. Firmware loads the Boot Manager. Then the Boot Manager reads the BCD. Finally, BCD points to the loader. If that chain is broken, Windows never gets a chance to repair itself from inside the OS. By running these commands, we’re trying to get that chain in order so that Windows can start properly and fix the 0xc0000185 error code.
How Can You Recover Data from an Unbootable Windows PC?
If your PC still won’t boot, you need to prioritise and shift focus to your data. Your operating system is replaceable, but your files may not be!
Remember the golden rule: Keep drive activity low. Don’t keep forcing restarts, repeated scans, or random repair tools. Copy your important files to a different healthy drive as soon as you can. That includes your Documents, Desktop, photos, PST files, and business data.
Why Use Stellar Windows Data Recovery?
If your drive is still readable enough to scan, Stellar Data Recovery for Windows gives you a clean way to recover files before you reset or reinstall Windows. (Remember, this order matters: Recover first. Repair it later).
This avoids a common mistake that many people make. People first try to fix the boot issue, then realise their profile data or app files were already damaged. Stellar’s advanced tools help you get the important stuff out before the system changes again.
If the drive is physically unstable, a software fix won’t be enough. That’s when you contact Stellar’s in-lab experts in India who can handle advanced cases in ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified facilities. Contact Stellar’s data recovery service today.
How Can You Prevent Windows Boot Error 0xc0000185 in Future?
Following some practical steps can help make sure your Windows OS remains stable:
- Buy a UPS: Sudden power loss can cause interrupted writes to the EFI system partition. Installing an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) gives you that small window your system would need for a clean shutdown.
- Maintain SSD Health: You can monitor your drive’s health using S.M.A.R.T. tools. If you notice any intermittent drive detection or slow read/write speeds, you should replace the hardware before total failure.
- Establish a Backup Routine: Keep at least one current system image of all your files on an external drive. Having a proper data recovery plan is very important to avoid permanent file loss.
- Create Windows Recovery Media: You should always have a bootable USB drive ready. This allows you to run Startup Repair or access the Command Prompt immediately if the 0xc0000185 error ever occurs.
- Perform Clean Shutdowns: Always avoid hard-resetting your PC by holding the power button, because interrupted system updates or registry writes are both triggers for boot sector corruption that can lead to this error.
FAQs
Yes, usually. If the physical hardware hasn’t failed, you can often retrieve your files. Before you attempt a “Reset this PC” or a clean Windows installation, use a free data recovery software to scan the drive and move your critical documents to a safe location.
It writes a new, compatible boot sector to the system partition. This is a vital step in Windows boot repair when the OS fails to locate the necessary files to start the loading process.
Sometimes. It is the most effective first step for automated troubleshooting. However, it is designed for simple file path issues; it won’t resolve deep-seated hardware failures or a physically damaged hard drive. For those cases, seek out Stellar’s data recovery services.
While DIY tools work for minor file deletions, boot errors like 0xc0000185 often point to underlying drive failure. Professional services provide a higher success rate and prevent further “thrashing” of a dying drive, which can make your data unrecoverable.
Not always. The cost of data recovery from an unbootable Windows PC depends on what is causing the startup failure. If the issue is limited to corrupted boot files, BCD errors, or partition problems, recovery is usually more affordable. However, if the drive is physically failing and shows signs like clicking sounds, disappearing detection, or very slow reads, the recovery process can become more advanced and may cost more.
About the author
