If you are using Windows 11 and are caught in a stupid start up loop that shows error code 0xc0000142 it's usually linked to corruption inside the Windows startup process. Which annoyingly can include damaged system files, broken registry references, failed updates, driver conflicts, or startup services that no longer load correctly. Since there are a lot of potential causes, you're going to have to work through a lot of potential fixes so follow along as we guide you through them.

Takeaways:

  1. Learn how to fix Windows start up looping error 0xc0000142
  2. What's causing Windows 11 start up loop error code 0xc0000142

Use Startup Repair

Startup Repair is designed specifically for systems that fail before reaching the desktop. But it sadly doesn't always solve the problem, so prepare yourself for that.

  • Hold Shift while selecting Restart
  • Open Troubleshoot
  • Select Advanced options
  • Choose Startup Repair
  • Select your Windows installation if prompted
  • Allow Windows to scan and repair startup files
  • Restart the computer

How to Fix Windows Startup Error 0xc0000142

Repair System Image Files (SFC & DISM)

Most of the time these two commands will solve the problem without any more work. They take a bit of time to action but are worth doing before anything else. How you access Command prompt will depend on how bad the boot loop is.

  • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  • Run the System File Checker by typing sfc /scannow and press Enter.

How to Fix Windows Startup Error 0xc0000142 guide

  • Run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool with

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

How to Fix Windows Startup Error 0xc0000142 solution

Note: Do not interrupt the process, as it may take several minutes to complete.

Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with the bare miniumum of drivers and services. This should allow you to boot into Windows where you can start fixing things.

  • Open the Windows Recovery Environment
  • Select Troubleshoot
  • Open Advanced options
  • Choose Startup Settings
  • Select Restart
  • Press the Safe Mode key when prompted
  • Once inside Safe Mode:
  • Uninstall recently added software
  • Remove new drivers
  • Disable startup applications
  • Restart normally and test boot stability

Use System Restore

  • Interrupt boot three times to enter recovery Mode (Advanced Start up Options)
  • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
  • Now just follow the steps within the System Restore tool.

Annoyingly sometimes this process will fail. Usually because there are no system restore point to choose from. Even if you have made system restore points sometimes the tool just can get to them. If this happens you will probably have to clean install Windows on your system. If this happens I suggest removing the drive from your computer and copying the data off before formatting it and reinstalling Windows again.