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0xc000021 Stop Code on Windows: 9 Quick Ways to Fix it
Faulty system files are the chief causes of this issue
7 min. read
Updated onApril 2, 2024
updated onApril 2, 2024
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Key notes
Windows 10installation issues or BSoD-inflicting errors are quite rare. However, once you bump into an installation error like 0xc000021a, the problems intensify quickly.
Blue Screens of Deathcan mean many things but nothing good, so you can rest assured that this is a serious issue.
The gravity of this error means it’s hard to address it, especially if you alreadyformatted your system partitionbefore the error occurred.
We can only suspect the reason for this critical error, so we’ve gathered various solutions below to tick all the boxes.
If you’re stuck with this installation issue and unsure how to move on and resolve it, make sure to check the steps below.
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What does stop code 0xC000021A mean?
The stop code 0xC000021A means that some corrupt system files are on your PC. It could also denote an incomplete software installation or failed OS upgrade.
This stop code, sometimes referred to as error 0x00021a, prevents users from booting into their PCs normally.
How do I fix the stop code 0xc000021a on Windows 10?
1. Create a bootable drive again with genuine Windows
First things first. If you can, try reinstallingWindows 10on an alternative PC. That’s the best way to check if yourbootabledrive is bootable in the first place.
The procedure is the same for both DVD or USB thumb drive, meaning that, if you’re able to boot on at least one PC, the problem lies in the other PC.
In this case the installation drive is probably properly configured and created.
If you’re unable to boot on any given device you’ve tried to, make sure to create the bootable drive with theWindows 10installation from the scratch and try booting again.
If you’re not sure how to do it properly, follow these steps:
USB
DVD
2. Run a BSoD fixer
As mentioned before, the cause of this stop error is hard to pinpoint. To gain more time and fix the BSoD quicker, we recommend running a generalblue screen troubleshooting tool.
3. Unplug all peripheral devices
Another possible culprit that can certainly cause criticalsystem errorsinvolves peripheral devices. Peripheral devices can occasionally cause a stall in the loading process.
Furthermore, that halt can lead to more than a fewerrors, including theBlue Screen of Deathcrash with the 0xc000021aerrorcode that comes along.
So, make sure to leave only the mouse, keyboard and monitor plugged in while booting from USB or DVD.
You should disable everything else just in case one of the secondary devices are preventing theWindows 10installation process to commence.
On the other hand, if you’re still unable to boot, make sure to check the additional steps.
4. Upgrade via the OS
Some users managed to resolve the issue by installing an older Windows iteration and then upgrading toWindows 10with theMedia Creation Tool.
5. Run SFC
Sometimes, the corruption of system files can lead to many problems in many departments and could cause the stop code 21a.
Due to virus infection or integrity issues, certain boot files can get corrupted, which will eventually result in a critical system error, just like the installationerrorthat bears the 0xc000021a code.
There are various ways to address this, but the best way to overcome this and similar issues is to useSystem File Checkerand scan forerrors.
In addition, it’s highly recommended to perform a full scan with athird-party antivirusto get rid of the malware infections.
If this isn’t enough, continue with the additional solutions we presented below.
6. Try running DISM scan
Once the scan is finished, check if the 0xc000021A during Windows 10 installation is still there. If you could not run theSFCscan before, try running it after completing the DISM scan.
Also, if you’re dealing with corruption, check out ourcomplete guide on how to use DISMinWindows 10.
7. Rebuild BCD
In the preferred scenario, after you rebuild BCD, the installation files should load seamlessly, so you can finally move to the reinstallation process.
8. Disable driver signature enforcement
Disabling ofDriver signature enforcementis a security measure that blocks drivers that aren’t digitally signed to run inWindows 10.
9. Check the HDD health
However, if you’re more into details, check out our guide for thebest HDD health check software for PC users.
We certainly hope that this was a helpful read and that you’ll be able to overcome the installationerrorwith the stop code 0xc000021a inWindows 10.
Also, the BSoD-inflictingerrorsare quite rare, but to make sure you have the best solutions to fix them, check out ourhelpful Windows 10 Blue Screen Loop guide.
Additionally, make sure to share your questions or suggestions regarding this and similar installationerrorsin the comments section below.
More about the topics:BSoD error codes,System Errors
Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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