Share via

Windows 11 boot Error when being cloned to a new SSD (from Old SSD)

Fajjar Naveed 0 Reputation points
2025-12-29T05:57:44.2866667+00:00

Hello,

I’m experiencing an issue while upgrading the SSD on my HP Victus 15 and would appreciate your guidance.

My system originally had Windows 11 installed on a 500 GB internal SSD. Due to storage constraints, I’m upgrading to a 1 TB SSD. Since the motherboard supports only one SSD, I connected the new SSD externally using an NVMe enclosure.

Here are the steps I followed:

Formatted the new SSD

Cloned the internal SSD to the new SSD using EaseUS Disk Clone

Attempted to boot from the cloned SSD, but encountered a Startup/Boot Error screen

exact error is:

“A required device isn’t connected or can’t be accessed.” Error Code: 0xc000000e

Assuming the issue might be due to a cloning error, I repeated the process multiple times, including using a different cloning software. However, the same boot error persists each time.

While reviewing Disk Management, I noticed that the Windows (C:) partition on the cloned SSD is being recognized as a Basic Data Partition, whereas the EFI System Partition and Recovery Partition appear to have been cloned correctly.

I also attempted to manually make the disk bootable using command-line steps (guided by ChatGPT), but this did not resolve the issue. I then reformatted the SSD and re-cloned it to restore it to its default cloned state.

Although the cloned SSD contains the Recovery partition, Windows Recovery does not initiate automatically on startup. Instead, the system remains stuck on the Startup Error screen.

At this point, I am considering performing a fresh Windows 11 installation on the new SSD, but I would prefer to avoid reinstalling if possible and recover the existing installation.

Could you please advise:

Why the cloned Windows partition is detected as a Basic Data Partition

Whether this could be the reason the system is not bootable

How I can make the system boot now that the cloned SSD is installed internally

If there is a supported method to repair or convert the cloned disk so it can boot properly

Thank you for your time and support.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2025-12-29T05:58:04.9733333+00:00

    The issue you are experiencing with the cloned SSD being recognized as a Basic Data Partition instead of a bootable partition is likely due to the cloning process not correctly transferring the boot configuration data (BCD) necessary for Windows to recognize it as a bootable drive. Here are some steps and considerations to address your concerns:

    1. Why the cloned Windows partition is detected as a Basic Data Partition: This can happen if the cloning software did not properly clone the boot sector or the necessary system files that mark the partition as bootable. The EFI System Partition (ESP) is crucial for UEFI systems, and if the Windows partition does not have the correct boot files or is not marked as active, it will be treated as a basic data partition.
    2. Could this be the reason the system is not bootable?: Yes, if the Windows partition is not marked as bootable or if the necessary boot files are missing or corrupted, the system will not be able to boot from it. The boot error you are encountering is likely a result of this issue.
    3. How to make the system boot now that the cloned SSD is installed internally: You can try the following steps:
      • Boot from Windows installation media (USB/DVD) and select "Repair your computer."
      • Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt."
      • Use the bcdboot command to create a new boot record. For example: 
             bcdboot X:\Windows /s Y:
        Replace X: with the drive letter of your cloned SSD and Y: with the EFI partition.
      • After running the command, restart your PC.
    4. Supported method to repair or convert the cloned disk so it can boot properly: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can use the DISKPART tool to ensure the EFI partition is set up correctly:
      • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
      • Type diskpart and press Enter.
      • List the disks with list disk and select the appropriate disk.
      • List the partitions with list partition and ensure the EFI partition is marked as active. If not, you can set it active using the active command.
      • Exit DISKPART and reboot your system.

    If these steps do not resolve the boot issue, you may need to consider a fresh installation of Windows 11 on the new SSD as a last resort, but the above methods should help in recovering the existing installation if the cloning was done correctly.

    References:

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

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. DaveM121 886.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-29T06:34:21.6866667+00:00

    From your description of the problem, the dick cloning has not been successful, try to find a free version of Macrium Reflect and use that to clone the drive, that is the most reliable software to clone a drive, then c heck if the resulting drive is bootable.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.