Error 0xc000014c HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15

[Derby_4570]

I was trying to convert MRT to GPT through command prompt and it failed so while I was restarting my notebook, I got this issue

I have a USB flash drive loaded with Windows L, tried to set it, but got a error :[FAIL] Could not locate efi/boot/bootx64.efi how can I solve this 🙏💔

[VikramTheGreat · Accepted solution]

Hi @Derby_4570,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I understand how frustrating it is to face error 0xc000014c after trying to convert your disk from MBR to GPT, especially when your HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15 now won’t boot and your recovery USB shows a “Could not locate efi/boot/bootx64.efi” error.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. Recreate the Windows 11 USB for UEFI Boot

Your current USB may be formatted incorrectly or may be missing the EFI bootloader.

Use the official Media Creation Tool:

1. On another working PC, go to: 🔗 Download Windows 11 Tool
2. Run the tool and create a bootable USB (8GB or more)
   • Choose UEFI (GPT) format when prompted
   • This will include the correct bootx64.efi file

2. Boot into UEFI Mode

1. Insert the newly created USB into your HP laptop
2. Turn on the laptop and press Esc repeatedly, then F9 for Boot Menu
3. Select the USB drive labelled UEFI: 

3. Repair Boot Configuration

Once booted into Windows Setup:

1. Click Repair your computer
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt
3. Run these commands: 

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd
 

If bootrec /fixboot gives an “Access Denied” error, try: bcdboot C:\Windows /l en-us /s b: /f UEFI

4. If You Still Can’t Boot

You may need to clean install Windows 11:

• Boot from the USB
• Choose Install Now
• Delete all partitions and let Windows create new GPT partitions
• Proceed with installation

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Derby_4570]

Actually I've already fixed the problem before your reply after many tries by remaking Boot flash and then by help of ChatGPT and Google, and it fixed. But I used commands for BIOS, not UEFI, because I saw like it's not converted to GPT or i don't know maybe me myself made it onto MBR back I guess there. As there there was Windows 10 running on Legacy and still running on it yet because system won't boot without legacy as I have MBR. Anyways I'll give you regards for assisting me. Also I have a question - how can I convert MBR to GPT safely without formatting the disk as formatting  will delete all informations there

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Derby_4570,

Got it 👍 thanks for explaining, glad you managed to get the system booting again!
 

Yes, you can safely convert MBR to GPT without formatting or losing data, as long as you do it correctly. Microsoft provides a built-in tool for this:
 

🔹 Method 1: Using mbr2gpt.exe (Safe & Built-in on Windows 10/11)

1. Check prerequisites:
   • Windows 10 version 1703 (Creators Update) or later.
   • The disk must use MBR and have enough free space for GPT structures.
   • The system firmware must support UEFI (since GPT requires it).
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Run this to validate first (replace 0 with your disk number if needed):  mbr2gpt /validate /disk:0 /allowFullOS
   • If validation succeeds → you can proceed.
4. Convert: mbr2gpt /convert /disk:0 /allowFullOS
5. Once done, go into BIOS/firmware and switch boot mode from Legacy to UEFI.

🔹 Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat