I've been struggling with my computer for 8 hours now, and I'm really stuck. Ever since I updated to Windows 11 yesterday, my PC freezes before I even get to the password screen. I've tried using the Windows Recovery Environment, but my keyboard isn't working there for some reason. I also attempted to enable secure boot, but that didn't resolve anything. Currently, I'm trying to make a bootable USB drive. I have one that's large enough and doesn't hold any important data, but I keep running into the same issue. I'm getting an error that says: 'The application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing or contains errors; File: /windows/system32/boot/winload.efi; Error code: 0xc0000098.' Is there any way to fix this without losing my data? Apologies if my English isn't perfect; I'm typing this on my phone.
2 Answers
The error code 0xc0000098 means your Windows boot manager can't find or load a crucial boot file. This is often due to corrupted boot configuration data (BCD) or missing system files. You should try using Windows installation or recovery media to access the command prompt. From there, you can run 'Startup Repair' or commands like 'chkdsk', 'sfc /scannow', and 'bootrec' to repair the boot process. Also, make sure to check your BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the boot order is correct. When booting, select your language and click 'Repair your computer' instead of 'Install now.' Good luck!
That error typically shows up when using a bootable drive. You might not see an option for selecting a language or repairing the installation. I’ve been in your shoes—I downloaded the Win11 ISO from the official site, used Rufus to put it on my USB, and even confirmed the boot order was correct. I also tried with secure boot on and off and reinstalled the ISO multiple times. It can be super frustrating, but it sounds like you’re doing all the right things! Hang in there.

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