How to fix the BCD error code 0xc0000098 in Windows 11

What is the BCD Error Code 0xc0000098

0xc0000098 is a BCD-related (Boot Configuration Data) issue. It was reported to prevent users from booting Windows 11 all the way to the desktop. The reason why such an error occurs indicates the BCD file is corrupted and lacks booting entries on it. Once error 0xc0000098 appears, users are presented with the following text:

Despite being unable to boot up the system completely, it is still possible to fix the issue using a Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive or DVD Installation Media. Make sure to get yourself ready with this and hop straight to the solutions down below.

1. Repair essential Boot sectors

This method involves an in-built utility known as Command Prompt. It is a special environment designed to enter various commands. What we are going to do is enter a list of necessary commands to repair MBR (Master Boot Record), BS (Boot Sector), and BCD (Boot Configuration Data) respectively. It is important to make sure all of these sectors are fine and not corrupted. We will first have to access the Windows Setup window and then execute the necessary commands we discussed above.

To access the Windows Setup window, you have to:

1. First, insert your Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive or DVD Installation Media.
2. Shut down your PC by pressing and holding the Power button until it turns off.
3. Next, press the Power button again to start booting. Once your motherboard or laptop logo appears, try pressing one of these buttons a F2, F8, F10, F12, Del, or Delete until you end up in BIOS. You can also google which buttons initiates BIOS on your laptop or motherboard model (in case you have a PC).
4. Once you are in BIOS, navigate to Boot settings, and set priority to the bootable drive you have inserted. Save the changes and quit BIOS (most often by clicking F10).
5. If all steps are done correctly, you will see the Windows Installation Setup window.

Inside the Windows Setup window:

1. Click on Next and choose Repair your computer in the bottom left corner.
2. Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options and select Command Prompt.
3. Once Command Prompt is open, insert the following list of commands. Make sure to click Enter after each command is entered.

C:
dir
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootsect /nt60 sys
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

4. After all commands are entered and executed, close the Command Prompt and click Continue on the very first screen from which we navigated Troubleshoot.

2. Run Startup Repair

This option is a bit easier since it does not involve entering commands as we did above. The procedure is done from the same Windows Setup window we used in the previous steps. Here is what you should do:

1. Boot to the Windows Setup window again and choose Repair your computer as we did above.
2. Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options and select Startup Repair.
3. Select your operating system and wait until Windows 11 finishes the diagnosis and fixing of errors respectively.

3. Check your hard drive for errors

Another useful command which many users can find helpful is CHKDSK. The command allows you to check the hard drive for potential errors or corruption symptoms and fix them eventually.

1. Navigate to the same Command Prompt we used above.
2. Type in this command chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.
3. If necessary, replace C: with your actual hard drive letter.

4. Run the SFC scan

System File Checker is another Windows utility helping users detect and resolve potential corruption or the absence of files inside of the system. The command line of this utility can be executed in the same Command Prompt console we already used in the methods above.

1. Open Command Prompt as we did in the very first method above.
2. Enter this command sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows\ and press Enter to start the scan.
3. If your Windows is installed on another drive, replace C:\ with the letter of the drive where you have your Windows 11 installed. However, C:\ is usually the standard for most users, so if you are unsure about your drive letter, just leave it as it is with C:\.
4. After finishing the SFC scan, exit Command Prompt and choose Continue to boot up again.

Summary

Not all solutions are perfect, however, we truly hope this helped you get rid of the issue and stop facing the same error screen over again. Windows 11 is still a young system having some bugs that are yet to appear. Many users reported having other problems as well right after installing fresh Windows 11 on their PC. Should other errors or issues appear while using your system, search it up using the keyword search on our website. Chances are there is an article dedicated to them.