How do I know whether my computer has a Stop Code 0xc000021a?

A blue-colored screen with the message Your PC ran into a problem and needed to restart will appear on your machine.

What are the common reasons for Stop Code 0xc000021a?

Corrupted system files, faulty device drivers, incompatible software, and damaged registry entries are among the most likely causes.

Is it possible to troubleshoot Stop Code 0xc000021a without losing my data?

Methods such as Safe Mode, System Restore, unlocking a computer without a password , and Startup Repair can be applied to fix the issue often without affecting your files.

How can I ensure no more Stop Code 0xc000021a is happening in the future?

To avoid this error, update your system frequently, avoid installing incompatible programs, and update your device drivers.

How to Effectively Resolve Windows Stop Code 0xc000021a [7 Ways]

By Samuel Spenser Published on July 17,2024Fix Windows

It can be very annoying to encounter Windows Stop Code 0xc000021a, especially when you have been working on something very important. It causes a sudden PC restart, showing a blue screen containing quite a shocking message. To make your system work properly, it is important to know how to explain why it has started acting this way.

In this article:

Part 1. What is Windows Stop Code 0xc000021a
Part 2. 7 Ways on How to Troubleshoot Stop Code 0xc000021a
Part 3. FAQs About Stop Code 0xc000021a

Part 1. What is Windows Stop Code 0xc000021a

BSOD, or the 0xC000021A Windows Stop Code, is a known error that means that the system has encountered a critical issue and should restart. When this happens, the computer develops a blue screen with the following notice: Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. It can happen on different versions of Windows and not just one generation of an operating system.

Some reasons that cause the 0xC000021A error are listed below:

Influenced software/program participation: Faulty or corrupted programs.

Third-party applications that do not fit: Applications incompatible with OS.

Broken system registry: Damaged registry files disrupt the system's normal running.

Loading of incomplete system libraries: Essential system files have failed to load properly.

Part 2. 7 Ways on How to Troubleshoot Stop Code 0xc000021a

If Windows Stop Code 0xC000021A occurs, it is important to try different troubleshooting methods to fix the problem. Here are seven ways to fix this error, beginning with imyPass Windows Password Reset.

Method 1: Using imyPass Windows Password Reset

imyPass Windows Password Reset is an efficient software for resetting forgotten or lost Windows passwords. It is simple to use and comes with numerous features that make regaining access to your system easier.

imyPass Windows Password Reset

4,000,000+ Downloads

Reset forgotten passwords quickly.

It also allows one to create additional administrative accounts if need be

Supports multiple versions of Windows.

It can be used to create a bootable USB/CD for password recovery purposes.

Support Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP and any laptop brands like HP, Lenovo, Dell, Sony, and more.

Free Download

Step 1

Download imyPass Windows Password Reset and install it on a computer that works properly.

Step 2

Next, launch the tool. Then, choose either Burn CD/DVD or Burn USB from its menu to create a virtual disk.

Step 3

Please switch off the locked computer system; insert the bootable disc or drive before turning it on, and continuously press down any key(s) till the startup screen is displayed.

Step 4

Now, choose the specific account used when the PC was locked. An option to Reset the Password will appear; click it, though not to reset any password.

Step 5

Reboot generally after this stage; you won't require a password when logging in to your previously locked-out user account in the future.

Method 2: Reinstall Windows 10

Reinstalling Windows 10 can resolve persistent issues by providing a fresh installation of the operating system. This method can also address issues such as Windows 10 PIN not working, ensuring that the system is reset to a clean state.

Pros

It ensures that the system is clean.
It helps to solve most software issues.

Cons

Time-consuming.
Loss of data may occur if not backed up.

Step 1

Insert Windows 10 CD/DVD or USB. Select Create Installation Media USB for Another PC.

Step 2

Follow the prompts and install a new copy of Windows 10.

Method 3: Perform a System Restore

System Restore rolls back your computer's state to a previous point, potentially resolving the 0xC000021A error by undoing recent changes introduced into it.

Pros

This returns the system to a known good state.
Non-destructive to personal files.

Cons

There must be a point of restoration from before this incident occurred.
Sometimes, however, it does not fix such errors when it predates restore points and times.

Step 1

To begin, click Advance Startup, then navigate to System Restore.

Step 2

Choose any restore point, click the Next button, and follow the onscreen directions

Method 4: Disable the Driver Signature Enforcement Feature

Disabling driver signature enforcement enables you to install drivers that are not digitally signed, which sometimes fixes the problem of 0xC000021A.

Pros

This is a quick fix for driver-related issues.
Permits otherwise blocked drivers to work well.

Cons

It decreases the system security level.
The issue at hand is temporary.

Step 1

Restart your computer, press F8/F11, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart.

Step 2

Turn off the feature by pressing F7 during rebooting of your system.

Method 5: Reset BIOS

Resetting the BIOS can correct problems caused by incorrect settings or configurations in the BIOS setup utility.

Pros

Restores default System Settings.
It can fix a wide variety of boot-related problems.

Cons

Requires knowledge about how to access the BIOS.
BIOS settings may require reconfiguration after reset.

Step 1

Reboot your PC, then press the F2/F8/Del key combinations on your keyboard to access the BIOS interface.

Step 2

Locate and choose Reset Configuration Data. Store these changes after exiting from BIOS, then restart your machine.

Method 6: Utilize Windows Boot Repair Tool

Windows Boot Repair Tool is a utility designed to fix various boot-related problems, such as the 0xC000021A error. It also helps correct MBR, Partition Boot Sector and BCD.

Pros

It automatically fixes boot-related issues.
Can resolve multiple boot errors simultaneously.

Cons

Requires a bootable USB drive or CD/DVD.

Step 1

Plug an empty USB into your computer. Install and open the EaseUS Partition Master, pick Create bootable media, and then Next. Choose the USB as the target disk, then create the bootable media.

Step 2

Plug the unbooting USB into the PC with trouble, restart it, and press F2/F8/F11/Del to enter BIOS. After restarting, change the USB to a booting device and then save the changes.

Step 3

In the Toolkit Section of EaseUS Partition Master, click on Boot Repair when it opens up.

Step 4

To verify what causes blue screen errors, select the Blue Screen Error button listed above and follow the solution guide provided.

Method 7: Fix Corrupted Installation-related System Files

Corrupted system files need to be repaired to fix the 0xC000021A error and other problems. Fixing corrupted or missing system files is vital for running the OS properly.

Pros

Addressing corrupt system files directly.
Suitable for a variety of issues.

Cons

Windows installation media is required.
It's a time-consuming process.

Step 1

Insert your installation media and reboot your computer. Choose language preference, then select Repair Your Computer.

Step 2

Click Troubleshoot and then click Command Prompt. Type chkdsk C: /r and press Enter. Instead, write sfc /scannow, then press Enter.

Step 3

Restart your computer once the scans are complete to check whether the error was resolved.

FAQs.

What is Windows Stop Code 0xc000021a?

When it occurs, this error message signifies a problem that causes system failure.
How do I know whether my computer has a Stop Code 0xc000021a?

A blue-colored screen with the message Your PC ran into a problem and needed to restart will appear on your machine.
What are the common reasons for Stop Code 0xc000021a?

Corrupted system files, faulty device drivers, incompatible software, and damaged registry entries are among the most likely causes.
Is it possible to troubleshoot Stop Code 0xc000021a without losing my data?

Methods such as Safe Mode, System Restore, unlocking a computer without a password, and Startup Repair can be applied to fix the issue often without affecting your files.
How can I ensure no more Stop Code 0xc000021a is happening in the future?

To avoid this error, update your system frequently, avoid installing incompatible programs, and update your device drivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering Stop Code 0xc000021a can be very disturbing; however, it can be easily fixed with the right troubleshooting steps. Follow the steps below, which include using imyPass Windows Password Reset, among others. This way, you will be able to return to your usually stable system without seeing such notifications anymore.

Samuel Spenser

Samuel Spenser, a senior editor from imyPass, is an expert on password unlocking and recovery. He has more than 3-year experience in writing tutorials about password recovery for Windows.