Fix 0xc00000f0 Windows 11 Install or Upgrade error

Error Code 0xc00000f0 generally occurs while upgrading Windows Installation, especially from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Users confirm that while upgrading the Windows version, Windows 11 Installation Assistant keeps failing; the screen freezes during the process and then throws this error.

It is generally known to be associated with problems related to the system files required for booting or the Windows Boot Configuration Data (BCD). However, other reasons are also known to contribute to the error. This post will suggest solutions to help you fix the 0xc00000f0 Windows 11 Install or Upgrade error.

Reasons for 0xc00000f0 Windows 11 Install or Upgrade error

Corrupt Windows Boot Configuration Data (BCD): Since the error code in the discussion relates to a Windows Boot Manager error, BCD contributes to the cause. A damaged BCD database containing vital information concerning the operating system boot process can be the prime cause of the error. The damage in the BCD can be attributed to a range of issues like disk errors, improper shutdown process, malware attacks, and any manual modifications made to the BCD by the user.
Faulty Hardware or Associated Device Drivers: Corrupt, outdated, or incompatible device drivers or faulty hardware parts can also be regarded as a potential cause for this error during installation or upgrade. Loading of device drivers is an integral phase in the OS installation process, wherein conflicts or errors can be encountered. At the same time, Windows attempts to load hardware device drivers during installation, leading to the error.
Storage Disk Errors or bad sectors: Bad sectors or damages on storage disks, especially on the system drive, where the OS is generally installed, can also contribute majorly to the Error Code 0xc00000f0 as the inability to read or access the damaged area can throw up exceptions on the part of the Windows Installer.
Possible system file corruption: Corrupt or damaged system files can also deter a seamless Windows installation process. Damaged system files can prevent the Windows Installer from accessing its contents, eventually leading to the error.
Third-Party or Security Software Conflicts: Third-Party software, especially antivirus or security applications, can also contribute majorly to the cause of the aforesaid error as it can interfere with the installation or upgrade process of Windows.

Fix for 0xc00000f0 Windows 11 Install or Upgrade error

Once the potential causes of the error have been ascertained, methodical troubleshooting measures can be undertaken to resolve the issue as penned below:

Resolving Boot Configuration Data issues.
Checking hardware components for possible faults.
Booting from alternative Installation media
Updating the Firmware or BIOS
Repairing possible file system inconsistencies
Disable Third-Party apps and Security Software

Following the below-mentioned steps can help in determining not only the cause of the issue but also facilitate the effective resolution of the problem

1] Resolving Boot Configuration Data issues

As explained in the possible causes section, one of the most prevalent causes of the error can be problems in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), which is vital to the booting process of the Operating System.

Because the Error Code 0xc00000f0 is primarily a boot error, wherein Windows cannot locate the required files or the configuration data for a successful booting process, fixing BCD issues can majorly help eliminate the problem. The following steps can be taken into consideration for execution to resolve BCD-related issues:

Boot the system using an external Windows Installation Media like a USB Flash Drive.
After selecting the preferred language on the given prompt, click on Repair Your Computer.
Select the Troubleshoot option in the ensuing window and then Advanced Options.
Select to open Command Prompt, and execute the commands in the same order as mentioned below:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

The bootrec utility initially updates or fixes the Master Boot Record (MBR) using the fixmbr command.

After that, it updates the partition boot sector code with fixboot as the preliminary step in rebuilding the BCD. The next step involves scanning the storage device to locate active OS instances using scanos.

Finally, it executes rebuildbcd to select the particular installation that should be added to the BCD, thereby completing the rebuilding process. Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

2] Checking hardware components for possible faults

To ensure that the occurrence of the error is not related to any malfunctioning physical hardware component in the system, checking the same can be a significant step toward resolving the problem. Checking the Device Manager for any malfunctioning hardware and running the Windows Memory Diagnostic and chkdsk to check for the RAM and hard drive issues as detailed below can rule out the possibility of faulty hardware:

Type in Device Manager on the Windows Search Bar on the Desktop to open the same.
Check for any red (X) or yellow (?) question marks beside any hardware device to identify possible anomalies on the hardware part.
Type in Windows Memory Diagnostic on the Windows Search Bar on the Desktop to check for the health of the RAM.
To check for any faults on the hard drive, use the chkdsk /f on the elevated Windows Terminal to evaluate the hard drive’s health and fix them (/f), if any.

Read: How to scan for hardware changes in Windows

3] Booting from alternative Installation media

Since users have predominantly encountered the error while trying to upgrade, creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 installation files and booting the system from the same can also help resolve the issue. Installation media offer independent instances of the Operating System, which can assist the users in repairing the existing Windows Installation while avoiding any potential boot problems.

5] Repairing possible file system inconsistencies

Any potential corruption of the system files can also contribute to Error Code 0xc00000f0. Hence, checking for any possible inconsistencies on the part of the system files can help eliminate the possibility of errors arising from corrupt system files. You can use the sfc /scannow command on the elevated Windows Terminal to find and fix the issues.

6] Disable Third-Party apps and Security Software

As the possibility of Third-Party Applications blocking the Windows Installer cannot be ruled out in the present context, performing a clean boot can help restart the system with minimal drivers and applications. It can be a significant step in avoiding any conflicts arising from device drivers or other third-party applications installed in the system, thereby negating the possibility of the error.

Conclusion

Adopting the above-mentioned steps can help resolve the error effectively, facilitating a successful upgrade to Windows. However, caution should be exercised since attempting system changes might lead to data loss and instability.

How to boot without a recovery disk?

To boot your computer without a recovery disk, click Start, choose Settings, and click on Security > Recovery. Next, click Restart Now next to Advanced Startup. This will enable you to access troubleshooting and recovery options without needing a physical recovery disk.

Why does my Windows 11 upgrade keep failing?

To upgrade to Windows 11, check your PC meets requirements, update drivers, disable incompatible software, and follow Microsoft’s troubleshooting guide. Incompatibility, outdated drivers, and inadequate specs can cause issues.