Can not recover windows 11

[Bogie41]

Windows updates caused errors in operating my computer.  Decided to  a full recovery which I had on usb dated 2024.  Now comes up with computer needs to be repaired, 

Application or operating system couldn't be loaded because a required file is missing.

windows/system32/boot/winload.efi

error code: Oxc0000225

Need installation media, P/C administrator, P?C device manager. 

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Bogie41,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your computer shows an error stating “A required file is missing: \windows\system32\boot\winload.efi (Error code: 0xc0000225)” after attempting to recover Windows 11 using a USB recovery drive. Let’s go through a few steps to repair your system and get it running again.

Check the Recovery USB

Ensure the recovery USB is not damaged or corrupted.

If possible, recreate a new Windows 11 installation media using another computer by visiting the official Microsoft Media Creation Tool page.

Boot from the USB Installation Media

Insert the USB drive, power on the computer, and immediately press Esc repeatedly.

Choose F9 – Boot Device Options, select your USB drive, and press Enter to boot from it.

Run Automatic Startup Repair

When the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language and click Next.

Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

Follow the prompts and allow the tool to repair any missing or corrupted boot files.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

From the same Advanced options menu, open Command Prompt.

Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr   

bootrec /fixboot   

bootrec /scanos   

bootrec /rebuildbcd  

Close the window and restart the computer to check if Windows loads properly.

Check Drive Partition Format (if recovery still fails)

Make sure the USB recovery media matches your system’s boot type:

GPT/UEFI for modern systems.

MBR/Legacy for older BIOS systems.

You can verify this in BIOS under Boot Mode or UEFI/Legacy settings.

Reset or Reinstall Windows (if needed)

If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, boot from the USB again.

Select Install now, then choose Custom (Advanced), delete only the main Windows partition, and reinstall Windows 11 cleanly.

This will reinstall the OS but can retain data if other partitions are left untouched.

Following these steps should help you recover your system and fix the missing winload.efi error.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[Bogie41]

Ended up doing the full new install with media creation tool.  Slicked hard drive and install.  Seems to be working okay.  I did so a backup on some data and pictures that I can not get back on my computer.  Any ideas?

Thanks for your help.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Bogie41,

Thank you for the response.

I understand you were able to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool, but now you’re unable to access the data and pictures you backed up earlier. Let’s go through a few steps to help you recover your files.

Check the Backup Location

Verify where your backup was stored — an external drive, USB stick, or cloud storage (like OneDrive or Google Drive).

Connect the storage device to your PC and ensure it shows up under File Explorer → This PC.

Access the Backup Files Manually

If you copied the files manually (not using Windows Backup), open the drive and look for folders like Users → [YourName] → Documents / Pictures.

Try searching by file type (for example, search for “.jpg” or “.docx” in the drive).

Restore from Windows Backup (if used)

If you used Windows Backup and Restore, open Control Panel → Backup and Restore (Windows 7) → Select another backup to restore files from.

Follow the prompts to browse and restore your data.

Check for OneDrive or Cloud Sync

If you were signed in to a Microsoft account before the reinstall, your files might have been synced automatically.

Go to onedrive.live.com or reinstall OneDrive and sign in — your pictures and documents may reappear once syncing completes.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,