The “The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information” error (0xc0000034) in Windows 11 is a real pain because it totally messes with your system boot. Usually, it pops up as a blue or black screen telling you Windows can’t start up properly. The root cause? That stubborn BCD file — which is basically Windows’ GPS for finding the OS. If you’ve hit this, it’s like Windows lost its way and can’t find where it lives anymore. Thankfully, there are ways to fix this, ranging from auto repair tools to manual command line tweaks. The goal here is to get your PC back up and running without losing your data, if possible. Usually, these fixes do the trick, but on some setups, you might need a couple of tries or different approaches. Of course, Windows has to make it more complicated than it should sometimes.
If you’re stuck staring at that error screen, here’s a few methods that tend to help. Some work instantly, others might need a bit of patience. Just don’t overlook the basics like making sure your bootable USB is set up right. That’s step one for most of these fixes.
How to Fix the BCD Missing Error in Windows 11
Method 1: Run Automatic Startup Repair
Windows’ built-in Startup Repair is usually the first step — it often finds and fixes the BCD problem on its own. The reason it works is because it scans and attempts to repair common boot issues automatically. On most machines, this can fix the error, especially if it’s just a small file hiccup.
- Boot from installation media: You’ll need a Windows 11 bootable USB or DVD. If you don’t have one, you probably need to create it first. You can do that from the Microsoft website, using the Media Creation Tool. Once you’ve got your boot media ready, restart your PC and press the key that opens the boot menu (usually F12, F11, Esc, or F8).Select your USB or DVD drive to boot from it. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
- Access repair options: When the Windows setup screen pops up, instead of clicking “Install now, ” look for the option to click “Repair your computer”. It’s usually at the bottom left.
- Run Startup Repair: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Pick your Windows installation (probably C: drive) if prompted. The magic begins and Windows will try to automatically fix what’s wrong. Expect it to scan and maybe repair your BCD or other boot files. If it finishes successfully, it’ll reboot, hopefully without that pesky error.
Note: Sometimes this repair takes a few minutes. If it does fix the problem, great. If not, no worries — just move on to other methods.
Method 2: Manually Rebuild BCD Using Command Prompt
When automatic repair doesn’t cut it, rolling up your sleeves and rebuilding the BCD manually via command line can be a lifesaver. This is more involved but often the most reliable fix—assuming the disk isn’t damaged.
- Get into Command Prompt: Again, boot from your Windows 11 installation media, then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. You’ll see a black window with a blinking cursor. That’s what you need.
- Run the following commands, one at a time:
bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcdHere’s why these help: fixmbr repairs the master boot record, fixboot repairs the boot sector, scanos searches for Windows installations, and rebuildbcd rewrites the BCD store. On some setups, the bootrec /fixboot command can throw an “Access denied” error, which might mean you need to format and reinitialize the EFI partition — but that’s a more advanced step and not always necessary.
At the prompt, in case it asks, press Y to confirm adding Windows to the boot list when you run bootrec /rebuildbcd. After all commands finish, close the window and restart the PC. Fingers crossed—sometimes you need to repeat a few steps or run it in a different order, but mostly this works if the BCD is what’s throwing everything off.
Method 3: Refresh or Reset Windows 11
If the previous methods don’t help, might be time for a reset or refresh. This can restore your Windows files without totally wiping everything, but beware: it’s not always 100% guaranteed that personal data stays safe. For a safer bet, back stuff up if you can.
- Access Reset This PC: Boot from your install media, then go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. It’s like doing a fresh install, but with an option to keep your files (which isn’t always reliable).
- Pick the reset option: Choose “Keep my files” if possible, then follow on-screen prompts. Or go for “Remove everything” if you’re ready for a clean slate. Just know that resetting will reinstall Windows and could wipe your apps or data, so be cautious.
Method 4: Run Disk Check for Hard Drive Errors
Sometimes, underlying disk issues can cause boot hiccups, especially if the disk is failing or has bad sectors. Running chkdsk can help detect and repair these problems — and maybe fix your boot files along the way.
- Access Command Prompt: Boot with the install media again, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Run the disk check: Type
chkdsk /r /f C:and hit Enter. Replace C: with whichever drive Windows is on if different. This process can take a while, and it’s best to do it when you’re patient. Not sure why, but sometimes this drags out repairs that automatic tools miss.
Method 5: Data Recovery Before a Full Reinstall (Last Resort)
If all else fails, and Windows still refuses to boot, think about pulling out the hard drive and connecting it to another machine— or using a live Linux distro or data recovery tools. This way, you can rescue your important files before risking a complete wipe.
Once your data’s safe, reinstall Windows 11 fresh — it’s like giving it a new shot at life. Just make sure you have your activation key handy, and a backup of anything irreplaceable.
Summary
- Start with automatic startup repair — it’s quick and usually fixes small issues.
- If that fails, try manually rebuilding the BCD using commands like
bootrec. - Consider resetting or refreshing Windows for more involved problems.
- Run a disk check to make sure the drive isn’t causing trouble.
- As a last resort, recover data and do a clean install of Windows.
Wrap-up
This error can be a real headache, but in most cases, fixing the BCD or running startup repair will get Windows back on track. Sometimes, hardware issues or corrupt disks are behind it, so don’t forget to check those if all else fails. Just remember to back up your data regularly because boot failures can sometimes be a sign of deeper problems. Good luck, and hopefully, this helps someone get their system back faster — because of course, Windows has to keep us on our toes.