Error code 0xc0000225

[wazzalox]

I press the on button and get a message titled Recovery. It says a required device isn't connected or can't be accessed.

Error code is 0xc0000225

I tried F1, F8  and Esc to no avail. I never got any installation media with the machine.

There's no way past this. I tried the usual, turning it off and back on etc.

Any clues.

Wazza

[Max3Aj]

Hi @wazzalox, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

The 0xc0000225 error typically means that Windows is unable to find the system files needed to boot, often due to:

• A corrupted or missing boot configuration (BCD)
• A failed Windows update or driver installation
• A damaged SSD/HDD

Since you don’t have installation media, you’ll need to either create one or use HP’s recovery options. Try these steps:

Check if HP Recovery Works (F11)

1. Turn off the laptop completely.
2. Press and hold F11, then turn the laptop back on.
3. If the HP Recovery Environment appears, try "System Restore" or "Startup Repair."

If F11 doesn’t work, proceed to creating installation media.
 

Create Windows Installation Media

Since you don’t have recovery media, use another PC to create a bootable USB:

1. On another working PC, download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
2. Plug in a 8GB+ USB drive and create a bootable Windows installer.
3. Insert this USB into your HP laptop.
4. Turn on the laptop and press F9 to access the Boot Menu.
5. Select your USB drive and boot from it.

Repair Boot Issues

Once in the Windows installation screen:

1. Click "Repair your computer" (don’t install Windows yet).
2. Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options"
3. Try these:
   • Startup Repair
   • Command Prompt, then type:
     bootrec /fixmbr
     bootrec /fixboot
     bootrec /scanos
     bootrec /rebuildbcd
     Press Enter after each command.

Last Resort: Reinstall Windows

If the repair steps don’t work, you may need to reinstall Windows:

1. Boot from the USB and select Install Now.
2. Choose Custom Installation and format only the Windows partition.
3. Follow the on-screen steps to reinstall Windows.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[wazzalox]

Thanks Max. I actually solved it myself but I can't remember what I did now. I was searching around and came across something that sounded like it might do the trick. I tried it and it did.

[Max3Aj]

Thank you for your response @wazzalox. 
Nice one! Sometimes the best fixes come from just tinkering around and trying things out. If the issue pops up again, at least you know there are multiple ways to tackle it. 

Is there anything else I can help you with? 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support