Alex Ruben
How to Resolve Blue Screen Error Code 0xc0000221 in Windows
If you’re facing the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with the error code 0xc0000221 and the message “Your PC/Device Needs to be Repaired,” it can be a frustrating experience. This guide will take you through a series of systematic steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue, restoring your computer to normal operation. This tutorial is applicable for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users on both PCs and laptops.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A functioning computer or laptop that can be rebooted.
- Access to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
- Basic knowledge of how to use the Command Prompt.
Step 1: Access Windows Recovery Environment
To begin, you need to access the Windows Recovery Environment. Follow these steps:
- Turn off your computer completely by pressing the power button.
- Turn it back on and as soon as it starts booting, press the power button again to turn it off. Repeat this process a total of three times.
- On the fourth boot, Windows will automatically enter the Recovery Environment and display a message stating that your PC did not start correctly.
Step 2: Navigate to Advanced Options
Once in the Recovery Environment, you will have several options:
- Click on Advanced options.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced options again.
Step 3: Open Command Prompt
From the Advanced options menu, follow these steps to open the Command Prompt:
- Click on Command Prompt. If it is not visible, you may need to select Startup Repair first, and then return to select Command Prompt.
Step 4: Execute Boot Repair Commands
In the Command Prompt window, you will type several commands to repair the boot issues:
- Type the following command and press Enter:
- Next, type:
- Then type:
- Finally, type:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
If you receive an “Access Denied” message, simply ignore it and continue to the next command.
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Step 5: Run System File Checker and Disk Check
After executing the boot repair commands, you should also check for any corrupt system files and disk errors:
- Type the following command to run the System File Checker:
- Once that is complete, run a disk check by typing:
sfc /scannow
chkdsk /f /r C:
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
After all the commands have been executed successfully, type exit to close the Command Prompt and then select the option to restart your computer. This should resolve the BSOD issue.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few additional tips to help you troubleshoot:
- If the issue persists after running these commands, consider checking for hardware issues, such as RAM or hard drive failures.
- Make sure your Windows system is up to date, as updates often include important fixes and improvements.
- If you have recently installed new software or drivers, try uninstalling them to see if that resolves the issue.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the Blue Screen Error Code 0xc0000221 effectively. Regular maintenance, such as running system checks and keeping your software updated, can help prevent similar issues in the future. For more troubleshooting guides and resources, consider checking additional tutorials available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Blue Screen Error Code 0xc0000221 mean?
This error usually indicates that there is a problem with the system files or boot configuration data that is preventing Windows from starting correctly.
Can hardware issues cause this error?
Yes, faulty hardware, particularly related to RAM and storage devices, can lead to this error code. It’s advisable to run hardware diagnostics if software fixes do not resolve the issue.
Is there a way to back up my data if I can’t boot into Windows?
Yes, you can use a bootable USB drive with a recovery tool or a live operating system to access and backup your files before attempting repairs.