About winload.efi

Winload.efi is an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) file. Executable EFI files are designed for UEFI-based computer systems and are responsible for loading the file into the computer's boot loader for execution tasks. They contain critical data on how the operating system boot process should proceed. Therefore, the Winload.efi file is crucial for the successful startup of the operating system.

If Winload.efi is missing or corrupted, Windows will encounter errors like "Winload.efi 0xc000000e" and fail to start properly, leading to a blue screen, along with other error codes such as 0xc0000225 and 0xc0000001. So, what can be done when Winload.efi is missing or corrupted?

Now, why does the Winload.efi missing or corrupted error occur? Generally, there are several reasons:

Registry errors: This may happen due to errors during reinstallation, leading to registry file issues and causing the Winload.efi file to be missing or corrupted.
Incorrect BIOS settings: UEFI BIOS and legacy BIOS require different boot files and algorithms. Even if Winload.efi is not actually corrupted, incorrect BIOS settings can still trigger the error message.
Corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data) file: Errors during system installation can result in a corrupted BCD file. Attempting to repair the BCD might help in this case.

Method 1: Disable Secure Boot

Restart your computer and wait for the screen to light up. Repeatedly press the BIOS key (usually DEL, F2, ESC, etc., depending on your motherboard model – please search on Baidu to find the specific key for your system) to enter BIOS.
Go to the "Secure Boot" option and disable it. This option is typically found in the "Security" or "Boot" tab.

Method 2: Use Diskpart to Repair System Boot
Command Prompt is a very useful built-in tool in Windows, and its Diskpart feature can help us repair the system boot to resolve Windows blue screen Winload.efi issues caused by boot failures.

Boot your computer using a bootable disk, then select "Repair your computer" - "Advanced options" - "Troubleshoot" - "Command Prompt."

In the Command Prompt, enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each line to execute.

diskpart
list volume
select volume=n
assign letter=m
bcdboot c:\Windows /s m: /f uefi


Method 3: Check and Repair Windows System Files

If the previous methods did not resolve the issue, it's possible that there might be problems with the Windows system files. In such cases, we can use the sfc command in the Command Prompt to check and repair the system files.

Boot your computer using a bootable disk, then select "Repair your computer" - "Advanced options" - "Troubleshoot" - "Command Prompt."

In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter to initiate the system file check and repair task.

Method 4: Repair Corrupted BCD File

BCD stands for Boot Configuration Data, and it is crucial for the successful startup and operation of the operating system. When it gets corrupted or lacks essential information, your computer won't be able to access critical files of the Windows operating system on the hard drive during the boot process, leading to various boot error codes like 0xc00000f, 0xc0000034, and 0xc0000098. This issue can also cause blue screen errors like the Win11 or Win10 blue screen with winload.efi problem. Therefore, we can try using the Command Prompt to repair the corrupted BCD file.

Boot your computer using a bootable disk, then select "Repair your computer" - "Advanced options" - "Troubleshoot" - "Command Prompt."

In the Command Prompt, enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each line to execute.

bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

bcdedit /set {bootmgr} device boot
bcdedit /set {default} device boot
bcdedit /set {default} osdevice boot
bcdedit /set {default} device partition=c:
bcdedit /set {default} osdevice partition=c:
bcdedit /set {default} path \windows\system32\winload.efi