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Win11 v25H2, winload.efi with Error 0xc0000098, full repair needed FAT32 partition

Max N 0 Reputation points
2026-06-11T23:51:05.67+00:00

I am on Windows 11, updated 25H2 as of 1/28/2026.

The problem I've been dealing with is \windows\system32\winload.efi and the accompanying Error code: 0xc0000098. I've been dealing with this for about a year, maybe a bit less, and have made efforts to try and fix it. Sometimes I'll be able to log into my PC perfectly fine, other times it will take an hour or two, going through DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION black screens.

I've gone into Command Prompt and put in

wcim
diskdrive get status

and get the answer

Status
OK
OK
OK

But, just to be sure, I went into System > Settings > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Disks and Volumes, and it gives me the following information.
INTEL SSDPEKNW512G8, Disk 0, Online, Healthy

SYSTEM FAT32, Full repair needed, EFI system partition, system volume

Windows (C:), NTFS, Healthy, Basic data partition

(No label) NTFS, Healthy, Microsoft recovery partition

CT1000P3SSD8, Disk 1, Online, Health

(Hard drive name) (D:), NTFS, Health, Basic data partition

I am currently running a recovery drive, as that's what I've seen some online sources say.

As I was writing this, another disk did pop up.

PNY USB 2.0 FD, Disk 2, Online

RECOVERY (E:), FAT32, Health, FAT32 partition (XINT13), Boot Volume

Am I doing the proper procedures to see if I can repair FAT32, or is FAT32 something that I can only get healthy again solely at a computer repair shop?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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  1. EmilyS726 238.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-06-12T02:58:56.4633333+00:00

    Hello

    I think it is reasonable to attempt repair first, especially if it is a logical error on the disk.

    Follow the AI answer and do steps 1-3.

    Before step 4, which is trying to rebuild BCD, run the chkdsk command first. 

    chkdsk R: /f /r

    See what the result says first.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-06-11T23:51:17.7266667+00:00

    The FAT32 EFI System Partition can be repaired without a repair shop, but the focus should be on fixing the boot configuration and winload.efi error 0xc0000098 rather than “repairing FAT32” as a file system.

    For error 0xc0000098 involving winload.efi, the supported approach is to rebuild the boot configuration from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using Command Prompt. The documented procedure for a missing or invalid boot configuration is:

    1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (for example, from the recovery drive already created or from automatic repair).
    2. Open Command Prompt.
    3. Use diskpart to identify the EFI System Partition and assign it a drive letter:
      • Run: 
             diskpart
     list disk
     select disk <disk-number>
     list part
      • Identify the partition labeled System (this is the EFI System Partition).
      • Select it and assign a letter, for example R: 
             select partition <system-partition-number>
     assign letter=r:
     exit
    4. Rebuild the BCD store on the EFI partition using bcdboot:
      • In Command Prompt (outside diskpart), run: 
             cd /d r:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\
     ren BCD BCD.bak
     bcdboot c:\Windows /l en-us /s r: /f UEFI
      • Replace c:\Windows if the Windows folder is on a different drive letter in WinRE.
      • Replace en-us if a different language is required.
    5. Reboot the device: 
         shutdown -f -r -t 00

    This process recreates the boot files on the EFI FAT32 partition and addresses 0xc0000098 when it is caused by a corrupted or missing BCD or related boot files, without needing to reformat the partition or use a repair shop.

    If Windows still intermittently fails to boot or shows DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION after rebuilding the BCD, run Startup Repair from WinRE:

    1. Boot to Windows Recovery Environment.
    2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart.
    3. Let Startup Repair scan and attempt to fix issues such as missing or damaged system files, corrupted BCD, or incompatible drivers.

    Startup Repair and the BCD rebuild together address most boot issues related to winload.efi and 0xc0000098 without needing file-system-level FAT32 repair.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

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