- The Windows Recovery Environment provides valuable tools like Startup Repair and Command Prompt, which can help diagnose and resolve the error.
- You may need to explore more advanced options, such as rebuilding the BCD manually, disabling Secure Boot in BIOS, or performing a system restore.
Basic Fixes:
- Disconnect all external devices: Error code 0xc00000f can indicate issues with the boot configuration data (BCD), but sometimes, it may arise due to conflicts with external devices like USB drives, external hard disks, or printers.
- Check device hardware and connections: Another crucial step is to inspect your device’s hardware thoroughly. You can begin by ensuring all hardware components are securely connected and there are no loose cables.
- Run CHKDSK Command: Bad drive sectors may cause the error on Windows 11, and using tools like the Windows chkdsk can fix it.
Fix 1: Run a Startup Repair
Running Startup Repair can potentially resolve error code 0xc000000f by diagnosing and fixing common startup issues, corrupted system files, missing Boot Configuration Data (BCD) entries, or other repairable issues. It examines critical system files and configurations for corruption or discrepancies and attempts to repair them for a successful boot.
Step 1: Launch the Windows Recovery Environment page by force rebooting your device. This is done by pressing the Power button 4 times.
Step 2: Navigate to the Troubleshoot option.
Step 3: Select Advanced options from the available options.
Step 4: Finally, choose the Startup Repair option.
Fix 2: Rebuild the BCD Manually
Your computer boots smoothly using a Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file. This file acts as a roadmap, telling the system where to find important information and setting the boot order. When BCD is damaged or missing, you get the error code 0xc00000f. Thankfully, you can repair your BCD and get your PC back up and running by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Boot your device using Windows installation media and select Repair your PC .
Note: You can try accessing the Windows Recovery Environment if you don’t have an installation media.
Step 2: Head to Troubleshoot .
Step 3: Choose Advanced Options .
Step 4: Click on Command Prompt .
Step 5: Type the command below and press Enter . When prompted, press Y on your keyboard.
bootrec /fixmbrbootrec /fixbootbootrec /scanosbootrec /rebuildbcd
Fix 3: Disable Secure Boot in BIOS
Disabling Secure Boot allows the system to load without strict verification, potentially resolving the error. Here’s how you can disable Secure Boot on your device:
Step 1: Restart your device and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 , F10 , Delete , or Esc ).
Step 2: Press F7 or click Advance Mode .
Step 3: Go to the Security section. Locate the Secure Boot Control option and select Enabled .
Note: The name may differ depending on your device.
Step 4: Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Tip: Press F10 to Save and exit.
Fix 4: Perform a System Restore
System Restore allows you to restore your system to a stable state, eliminating the error code 0xc000000f. This process can be particularly helpful if the error occurred after you recently installed new software, updated a driver, or made any system changes. Follow the steps below to restore your device to working condition from the BIOS setup.
Note: You can only use this method if you previously created a System Restore point .
Step 1: Force reboot your PC by pressing the Power button up to 4 times until you see the Windows Recovery Environment screen.
Step 2: Head to Troubleshoot .
Step 3: Choose Advanced options .
Step 4: Navigate to System Restore .
Step 5: Enter the Administrator password when asked to do so. Once done, click on the Continue button.
Step 6: In the System Restore window, select the restore point you want to revert to and click Next .
Note: Click Scan for affected programs ‘ to view the changes made to the System before the restore point was created.
Step 7: Confirm the restore point and click Finish to initiate the system restoration process.
As a last resort, you may reset the computer or consider a clean install of Windows 11 .
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- Set the connected printer as default from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Set as default, and retry printing your file.
- Rollback the recently installed Windows Update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
Basic Fixes
- Reconnect printer : If you’re using a wired printer, its loose USB connection to your PC may result in ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’. Replug the printer and replace its cable if it is worn out.
- Update the USB drivers : Obsolete USB drivers can create printer connectivity issues. Head to the Device Manager app, expand ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’, right-click the buggy USB port, and select Update driver.
- Use the HP Smart app to connect the printer : If your Windows 11 PC doesn’t detect your HP printer , install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store, and use it to configure printer settings.
- Update Windows : Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.
Fix 1: Set the Connected Printer as Default
If your preferred printer isn’t set as default, you may run into the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ issue on Windows. Ensure your printer has adequate paper and ink and use the following steps to set it as a default printer:
Step 1: Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I shortcut, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar, and click Printers & scanners .
Step 2: Select your preferred office or home printer.
Step 3: Ensure the Printer status isn’t Offline and click Set as default to assign it as a default printer for all printing operations.
Tip: If the Printer status is labeled ‘Offline’, check its power source and try reconnecting it to your PC.
Fix 2: Reinstall Printer Drivers
Corrupt printer drivers can cause unusual printing errors. To fix this, first remove the printer from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and re-plug the printer. Then, reinstall the printer drivers using the Device Manager app to restore normalcy.
Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, and select Device Manager .
Step 2: Expand Software devices , right-click your printer, and select Uninstall device . Restart your PC and let Windows 11 automatically install compatible printer drivers.
Fix 3: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Do you still face the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while printing a PDF on Windows 11? Running the in-built printer troubleshooter should fix it in no time.
Step 1: Select Printers & scanners under Windows settings (check the above steps), and click your connected printer.
Step 2: Select Run the troubleshooter and wait a few seconds to let it resolve the issue.
Fix 4: Tweak Permission Settings on a Program
If you face the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ in a specific app, give it full control over your PC to print files and documents seamlessly.
Step 1: Right-click the app icon and select Show more options .
Step 2: Select Properties from the right-click context menu to open it.
Step 3: Open the Security tab and click Edit .
Step 4: Enable the Allow checkmark beside Full control and click Apply followed by OK to save changes.
Fix 5: Rollback the Recent Windows Update
Lastly, a buggy Windows Update can malfunction your connected printer showing the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while initiating a new print. To fix it, rollback the recent Windows Update using these easy steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Uninstall updates , and click it to open the system settings.
Step 2: Locate the recently installed Windows Update using the ‘Installed on’ timestamp, and click Uninstall to remove it. Select Uninstall when prompted to confirm the action.
