Have you ever turned on your PC, only to be met with a black screen and the error code “0x0000225”?
It’s a moment of panic—your system won’t boot, and you’re left wondering why.But don’t worry. This error, although alarming, is often recoverable with a few careful steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what the error means, why it happens, and how to fix it—even if you’re not a tech expert. Each method is explained in detail, so take a deep breath and follow along.
💡 What Is Error Code 0x0000225?
Error 0x0000225 typically means that Windows cannot find the system files required to start.
The most common cause is damage to the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), which stores boot-time information for Windows. If BCD is missing or corrupted, Windows won’t know how to start up.
🔍 Common Causes of Error 0x0000225
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Corrupted BCD file | Startup configuration data is missing or unreadable |
| Hard disk failure | Damaged sectors or physical drive issues block file access |
| Sudden power loss | Unexpected shutdowns can corrupt critical files |
| Failed update or disk cloning | Changes to the boot partition or settings cause mismatch |
These issues can occur unexpectedly and are often the result of improper shutdowns or disk write errors.
🛠 Fix 1: Run Startup Repair
Why this works:
Windows includes a built-in tool designed to automatically detect and fix startup issues, requiring minimal user input.
Steps:
- Force shut down your PC by holding the power button for 5–10 seconds.
- Repeat this process three times.
- On the fourth boot, Windows should enter Recovery Mode automatically.
- Choose: Advanced Options > Startup Repair, then follow the on-screen instructions.
This method is the least risky and should be your first option.
🧰 Fix 2: Rebuild the BCD
Why this works:
Since the BCD often causes this error, rebuilding it can resolve the issue directly.
Steps:
- Boot from a Windows installation USB or recovery drive.
- Choose: Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt
- Run these commands one by one:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
If you get “Access is denied” when running bootrec /fixboot, try this alternative:
(Make sure to assign a drive letter (like S:) to the EFI partition beforehand using diskpart.)
💾 Fix 3: Check the Disk for Errors
Why this works:
If the hard drive has bad sectors, Windows may fail to read critical files, causing a boot failure.
Steps:
- In Recovery Mode, open Command Prompt
- Enter the following command and press Enter:
Allow the scan to complete. This may take some time but can fix disk-level problems.
🔃 Fix 4: Use System Restore
Why this works:
If you created a restore point earlier, this allows you to roll back the system to a healthy state.
Steps:
- In Recovery Mode, go to System Restore
- Select a restore point dated before the issue started
- Let Windows perform the restore
🧯 Fix 5: Clean Install Windows (Last Resort)
Why this works:
If all else fails, reinstalling Windows from scratch can wipe out corrupted data and give you a fresh start.
Steps:
- Boot from a Windows installation USB
- Select Install Now > Custom (Advanced)
- Choose the drive with your previous Windows installation and proceed
⚠️Make sure to back up important data before doing this.
Summary Table
| Solution | Priority | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Repair | High | Low |
| BCD Rebuild | High | Medium |
| Check Disk | Medium | Medium |
| System Restore | Medium | Low |
| Clean Install | Low | High |
Try these methods in the order listed, starting with the least invasive ones.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I can’t access Recovery Mode. What should I do?
Try turning your PC off and on three times in a row using the power button. On the fourth time, Windows should enter Recovery Mode automatically.
If that doesn’t work, you can create a bootable USB on another computer using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, and start your PC from that to access repair options
Q. “bootrec /fixboot” says access is denied—how do I fix that?
This is a known issue on some UEFI systems. Instead of bootrec /fixboot, you can use this alternative command:
bcdboot c:\windows /s s: /f UEFI
Before running it, assign a letter (like S:) to the EFI partition using diskpart. This will recreate the boot files and usually resolves the problem.
🧩 Final Thoughts
Startup errors like 0x0000225 can be scary, but they’re often fixable with the right approach. Try the safer fixes first, and don’t rush into reinstallation. And if you’re unsure or uncomfortable with advanced commands, consider reaching out to a trusted technician or Microsoft support.
You’ve got this—just take it one step at a time.
✔️For more troubleshooting guides,check out:
▶︎Is your Windows screen black, flickering, or just not working? Your ultimate guide to fixing it.
▶︎Fixing Windows 11 Update KB5058411: Common Errors and Solutions
▶︎🔧 Introducing Windows Update Error 0x80073701 – Missing Files? Let’s Fix It Like a Pro
