How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 in Windows

Try before resorting to the nuclear option

The “Error code: 0xc0000185”Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)pops up when there’s an issue with your computer’s Boot Configuration Data (BCD). System file corruption, malware infection, and interference from external USB drives can also trigger the error.

This tutorial does two things: provide more insight into the 0xc0000185 error code and offer solutions. Follow the instructions below to get your PC booting correctly again.

Disconnect External Accessories and Restart Your PC

The 0xc0000185 blue screen error sometimes pops up if your computer (unsuccessfully) attempts to boot from a USB drive. Shut down your computer (press and hold thePower buttonfor 10-15 seconds) and unplug any storage device from its USB ports.

If your PC’s battery is removable, take it out, wait a few minutes, and reinsert it. Turn on your computer and wait for it to boot Windows.

Run the Startup Repair Tool

Windows Startup Repair tool (formerly called Automatic Repair) analyzes your PC’s startup log files to diagnose and repair complex startup issues automatically. Follow the steps below to run the Startup Repair tool from theWindows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Depending on your computer brand or model, you can also access WinRE by repeatedly pressing theDelorEsckey. Rebooting your computer in 3-4 successions is another way to boot into the advanced startup options menu.

Shut down your PC, turn it back on, and shut it down when the Windows logo appears on the screen. Do that 3-4 times, and your PC should automatically enter the recovery environment.

Exit the recovery environment and reboot your PC when the tool diagnoses/repairs your startup log files.

Troubleshoot or Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 in Safe Mode

Stubborn malwareand incompatible/outdated drivers can prevent Windows from starting.Boot your PC in Safe Modeand run a complete system scan to remove malware infection.

We recommend using theWindows Malicious Software Removal ToolandMicrosoft Defender. You should also scan for outdated drivers and install updates available for your device drivers.

Boot into the advanced recovery environment and follow the steps below to enter Safe Mode.

We recommend booting into “Safe Mode with Networking” so you can have internet access to download driver updates.

Run the ChkDsk Utility

File system corruption in your PC’s hard disk drive (HDD) can prevent it from booting Windows. Use the ChkDsk utility to find and repair corruption and errors in your hard disk. Boot your computer into the Advanced Recovery environment and follow the steps below.

ChkDsk will scan your hard drive for physical errors, bad sectors, and corruption. The utility should automatically restart your computer after scanning for errors and fixing them. Otherwise, close the Command Prompt, exit the recovery environment, and reboot your PC manually.

Rebuild Your PC’s Boot Configuration Data

Corruption in your PC’s Boot Configuration Data (BCD) will trigger the 0xc0000185 error code. That explains the “The Boot Configuration Data for your PC is missing or contains errors.” message on the BSOD screen.

Your computer’s boot applications and settings are its Boot Configuration Data (BCD). Boot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment and follow the steps below to rebuild its BDC.

Close the Command Prompt, exit the recovery environment, and restart your computer.Reopen Command Promptin the recovery environment and proceed to step #3 if the 0xc0000185 error code persists.

bcdedit /export c:bcdbackup

attrib c:bootbcd -r -s -h

ren c:bootbcd bcd.old

bootrec /rebuildbcd

bcdedit /export C:BCD_Backup

cd boot

attrib bcd -s -h -r

ren c:bootbcd bcd.old

bootrec /RebuildBcd

Close the Command Prompt and reboot your computer. Run a repair of your device’s Master Boot Record (see next section) if the 0xc0000185 BSOD error persists.

Repair Your PC’s Master Boot Record

The data in the first sector of your computer’s hard disk is the Master Boot Record (MBR). The MBR helps your PC locate and boot the Windows operating system. A glitch in the MBR can cause Windows boot failures and error codes like 0xc0000185.

Boot your computer into the recovery environment and follow the steps below to fix any corruption in the MBR.

Close the Command Prompt, exit the Windows Recovery Environment, and restart your computer.

Perform a System Restore

If youenabled System Protectionormanually created a restore point, you can undo system changes causing the 0xc0000185 error. System Restore returns your Windows PC to an earlier point when it booted correctly.

Perform a system restore if the error code 0xc0000185 occurs after installing an app, driver, or Windows update. Boot into the recovery environment and follow the steps below.

Note:Performing a system restore will uninstall applications, Windows updates, and drivers installed after the restore point is created. Personal files and documents saved on your hard disk remain unchanged.

Format Your Hard Drive and Reinstall Windows

If the error code 0xc0000185 persists, you might have to reinstall your operating system (using a Windows installation media) as a last resort. Our tutorial onWiping & Reinstalling Windows 10andCreating/Using a Windows 11 Recovery Drivehas step-by-step instructions.

Note that performing a clean reinstall of Windows deletes everything on your hard drive. Send your PC to Microsoft or a repair shop if you have important files on the hard drive. They could fix the problem (without wiping your PC) or helpextract files from your hard drive.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 in Windows#

Disconnect External Accessories and Restart Your PC#

Run the Startup Repair Tool#

Troubleshoot or Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 in Safe Mode#

Run the ChkDsk Utility#

Rebuild Your PC’s Boot Configuration Data#

Repair Your PC’s Master Boot Record#

Perform a System Restore#

Format Your Hard Drive and Reinstall Windows#

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