How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 on Windows

Having error code 0xc0000185 show up when trying to start your Windows PC can be frustrating. This specific error indicates that a critical system file is missing or corrupt, preventing Windows from booting properly. Not to worry – this issue can be resolved with some strategic troubleshooting. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what causes the error 0xc0000185 and how to fix error code 0xc0000185 on Windows PC.

Key Takeaways

• Error code 0xc0000185 means a core system file in Windows is damaged or missing
• Potential fixes include using System Restore or the Windows recovery environment, running SFC and DISM scans, repair installing Windows, or repairing the boot configuration data (BCD)
• Preventative steps like regular backups and drive scans can help avoid this error in the future

What Causes Error Code 0xc0000185?

Error code 0xc0000185, at its core, means that Windows is unable to start because it cannot locate a system file it requires to load the operating system properly. Some potential reasons you may get this error include:

• A recent Windows update was interrupted, corrupt, or incompatible
• The hard drive containing Windows has errors, bad sectors, or failed components
• Critical operating system files like winload.exe or winresume.exe are damaged or deleted
• The master boot record (MBR) or boot configuration data (BCD) has become damaged

So in summary – something happened to either damage critical Windows system files themselves or components involved in the boot process. Understanding the potential causes will help guide our troubleshooting approach.

How to Fix Error Code 0xc0000185 on Windows

Try Using System Restore

One of the first things to try if error 0xc0000185 appears out of the blue is using System Restore. System Restore monitors changes to Windows system files and can roll back recent changes if problems emerge.

To try System Restore to fix error 0xc0000185:

1. Boot to the Windows recovery environment (WinRE)
2. Choose “Troubleshoot”
3. Select “Advanced Options”
4. Click on “System Restore”
5. Choose a restore point prior to when the error began occurring
6. Allow System Restore to run and reboot to see if the error still appears

If the latest changes and updates are causing conflict or damage, restoring an earlier version of those system files could resolve error 0xc0000185.

Run Startup Repair from WinRE

The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is an important troubleshooting tool built into Windows 10 and 11. It can be used to access system restore, recovery options, and run diagnostics.

One WinRE utility called Startup Repair can automatically detect and restore damaged system files related to the boot process. To try it:

1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment by rebooting and selecting “Troubleshoot”
2. Choose “Advanced Options”
3. Select “Startup Repair”
4. Allow Startup Repair to run through its automated checks and repairs

Startup Repair may replace corrupt files, rebuild the BCD store, or make other restorations to system components involved in loading Windows at boot. After it finishes, check if Windows starts normally without error 0xc0000185 appearing.

Scan for System File Damage Using SFC

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that verifies the integrity of all protected system files. If any have been altered or corrupted, SFC will replace them using a known good cached copy.

To run SFC to check for file damage that could cause error 0xc0000185:

1. Boot to the Windows Recovery Environment
2. Open the Command Prompt
3. Type “sfc /scannow” and hit Enter
4. Allow the scan to fully complete
5. Reboot and see if the error still occurs

With luck, SFC will detect and restore any damaged system files responsible for the failure. This could resolve error code 0xc0000185 if it was caused by something overwriting or changing a critical Windows system file.

Repair With DISM in WinRE

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is another command-line tool in WinRE that can check for and repair system file issues. It is more robust than SFC alone, as DISM can pull fresh system files from trusted online sources if needed.

To leverage DISM to fix error 0xc0000185:

1. Boot to WinRE and launch a Command Prompt
2. Type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”
3. Agree to let DISM connect online if prompted
4. Allow DISM to scan, detect, and restore any damaged files
5. When finished, restart and check if error 0xc0000185 persists

Between SFC and DISM, you have a powerful combination to scan for file corruption and restore Windows system files to their original untouched state. If something was overwritten or changed that is causing error 0xc0000185, these tools should theoretically fix it.

Repair Install Windows

If none of the prior solutions have resolved error 0xc0000185, a Windows repair install may be necessary. This is an automated process that reinstalls Windows over itself, preserving data and applications.

The advantage with a repair install is it completely replaces all Windows system files using fresh copies from Microsoft’s servers. If file corruption is at fault for error code 0xc0000185, this should wipe it out.

To perform a Windows 10 or 11 repair install:

1. Boot from the Windows ISO installer media
2. Click “Next” at initial screen
3. Select “Repair your computer”
4. Go to “Troubleshoot” then “Reset this PC”
5. Choose “Keep my files” when prompted
6. Allow the repair install to fully complete
7. Check if Windows now boots without error 0xc0000185

By fully replacing Windows system files using the repair install, you eliminate any remnants of corruption that could be preventing Windows from starting properly.

Repair the Boot Configuration Data

The boot configuration data (BCD) is a special registry hive that manages settings and parameters for booting Windows 10/11. If this data gets out of sync or damaged, it can sometimes manifest as error 0xc0000185.

To rebuild and repair the boot configuration data to potentially fix this error:

1. Boot to the Windows Recovery Environment
2. Open Command Prompt
3. Type: “bootrec /rebuildbcd”
4. Allow BCD rebuild operation to finish
5. Then run: “bootrec /fixboot”
6. Finally enter: “bootrec /fixmbr”
7. Reboot when complete and test if error is resolved

Reconstructing the boot configuration data can restore boot parameters to a clean functional state if they’ve been altered incorrectly or corrupted in some way.

Perform Regular Backups

Going forward, performing regular Windows and data backups is a smart preventative step. Backups give you the ability to easily roll back to a previous known working state if system file damage ever results in error 0xc0000185 again.

On Windows 10 and 11, leverage the built-in System Image Backup tool to periodically create system images stored on an external hard drive or network location. Or utilize a trusted third party backup program to backup volumes, partitions, or entire disks.

Stay on Top of Drive Errors

It’s also a good idea to be proactive monitoring the health of your system drive for potential issues. Use the built-in Windows Disk Check (chkdsk) utility to periodically scan for and resolve bad sectors or file system errors:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt
2. Type “chkdsk C: /f” to scan drive C
3. Agree to run chkdsk on next reboot
4. Allow scan to fully complete
5. Review results for identified errors

Catching and resolving disk problems early could help prevent eventual file system damage that causes nasty issues like error code 0xc0000185 down the road.

Wrapping Up

While error 0xc0000185 can seem ominous, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. Start by using System Restore or Startup Repair to roll back recent system changes that could be causing conflict. Run SFC and DISM scans to check for and replace altered system files. Consider a Windows repair install or BCD rebuild to completely reset system components to a clean state. And employ preventative measures like backups and drive monitoring to help avoid issues in the future.

With the right combination of reactive and proactive measures, error code 0xc0000185 can often be swiftly fixed and kept at bay for good. So don’t fret if you encounter this error – just work through some of these suggested resolution steps until Windows is happily booting again.