Error 0xc0000098

Question

When my computer goes to boot up it either buffers for a couple seconds on the hp loading screen then freezes or it loads me into recovery mode with the error code 0xc0000098. This problem popped up yesterday after an update to windows 11 and everything I have found online has given no solution without needing to download something from another computer. I would like to factory reset the device.

Answer 1

Error 0xc0000098 indicates a boot problem where a required system file is missing or corrupt. Recent Windows 11 updates are known to trigger this in some cases.

To factory reset the device using only built‑in tools, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

1. Force Windows into WinRE (if it does not appear automatically)
   1. Power on the PC.
   2. As soon as the HP/Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button to force shutdown.
   3. Repeat this power‑on → force‑off cycle 2–3 times.
   4. On the next start, Windows should show Automatic Repair → select Advanced options to enter WinRE.
2. Start a reset from WinRE
   1. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot.
   2. Select Reset this PC.
   3. Choose Keep my files (keeps personal files but removes apps and settings) or Remove everything (full factory‑style reset).
   4. Choose Cloud download or Local reinstall if both are offered:
      • Cloud download uses fresh Windows files from Microsoft (requires stable internet).
      • Local reinstall uses files already on the device (no second PC needed).
   5. Confirm and let the reset complete. The PC will restart several times.

If reset fails or is not available, use the other recovery options in WinRE such as Startup Repair or, if present, System Restore, as described in the recovery options documentation.

For Azure VMs or other virtual environments affected by 0xc0000098 after a Windows update, the documented fix is to repair or replace the corrupt system binary on the OS disk from another VM, but that scenario does require another machine.

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References:

• Recovery options in Windows
• Troubleshooting Windows unexpected restarts and stop code errors
• Windows boot error 0xc0000098 on an Azure VM
• May 13, 2025—KB5058405 (OS Builds 22621.5335 and 22631.5335)

Answer 2

Hi,

Thank you for posting your question here!

That update clearly broke the boot chain and that error 0xc0000098 usually means corrupted boot config data. If the goal is a full factory reset without another computer, we can do that directly from recovery. Kindly try these:

A factory reset from Windows Recovery

1. Power on the PC
2. As soon as the HP logo appears force shut it down by holding the power button
3. Repeat this power interrupt two to three times
4. On the next boot you should land on Preparing Automatic Repair then Recovery

Once in Recovery

1. Select Troubleshoot
2. Select Reset this PC
3. Choose Remove everything
4. When asked how to reinstall choose Local reinstall
5. Select Just remove my files
6. Confirm Reset

This does not need another computer or a USB. It uses the existing Windows image on the drive.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thank you and I appreciate your effort.

Best Regards,

Angelique P.