(How to fix Windows installation error 0xc000035a) How to resolve Windows installation error 0xc000035a: While installing Windows 7/8/10/11 on a device, you may encounter the following error:
File: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe
Status: 0xc000035a
Information: Attempting to load a 64-bit application, but this CPU is not compatible with 64-bit mode.
This issue typically arises when trying to install a 64-bit operating system on a 32-bit CPU. However, it can also occur due to incorrect configurations in BIOS settings and registry files. If you are confident that your processor supports 64-bit architecture, you can try the following solutions:
How to fix Windows installation error 0xc000035a
This error often occurs due to issues such as corrupted system files, outdated Windows programs and drivers, incompatible software or drivers, or corrupted registry files. Before addressing the Windows installation error 0xc000035a, it is essential to tackle these potential causes by cleaning up your computer.
3 Steps to Fix This Error
Step 1. Download the PC repair tool Outbyte[File size: 16.4 MB]
Step 2. Scan your computer running Windows
Step 3. Click the "Repair" button to fix the error
Solution 1: Reset BIOS
A misconfigured BIOS always leads to issues. To fix the Windows installation error 0xc000035a, you need to reset the BIOS to its default settings.
Reset BIOS/UEFI to default mode.
Step 1: Open BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 2: Go to the "Exit" tab → Select Load Setup Defaults, press F10 to save and exit.
Solution 2: Update BIOS Firmware
You should check for BIOS firmware updates, and if you find any outdated versions, update them. Before installing the latest firmware, ensure you download the compatible firmware from the official website. Installing incorrect firmware can permanently damage your computer.
Update BIOS
Step 1: Click on the Start menu and search for MSInfo, then open the application.
Step 2: In MSInfo, you will find details about the BIOS manufacturer and version number.
Step 3: Look for the latest BIOS version on the manufacturer's official website and download it.
Step 4: Double-click the downloaded file to install it.
Solution 3: Run SFC (System File Checker)
The System File Checker (SFC.exe) is a useful command-line tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Corrupted system files can cause many issues, including error 0xc000035a.
System File Checker - Step by Step
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows 8, 10, and 11
Step 2: Now run the following command.
sfc /scannow
Step 3: Let the process finish and then exit Command Prompt.
Solution 4: Run DISM Command
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is a command-line utility in Windows operating systems used to service and manage Windows image files. DISM plays a crucial role in system maintenance, software deployment, and recovery of the Windows operating system, making it a powerful tool for configuring and repairing Windows installations.
DISM Command - Step by Step
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows 8, 10, and 11
Step 2: Now run the following commands.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Let the process finish and then exit Command Prompt.
Solution 5: Install All Pending Windows Updates.
Pending Windows updates refer to software updates and patches that have been downloaded and are ready to be installed on the Windows operating system but have not yet been applied. These updates are often essential for improving security, stability, and performance and should be installed regularly to keep the system up to date.
Completing Windows Updates - Step by Step
- Windows Updates
Step 1: Right-click on Start → Settings.
Open Settings Windows 11
Step 2: Scroll down to find Windows Updates and then click on Check for updates.
windows_updates
- Update the App
To update the installed applications on your computer, you can follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store. Click on your profile picture at the top of the MS Store, then select Settings.
Open MS Store Settings
Step 2: Enable app updates.
Enable automatic app updates
Step 3: Open the Library Microsoft Store. To access your Microsoft Store Library, simply click on the library icon on the left sidebar. Once there, you will find a button called "Get updates," click this to start searching for the latest updates available for the applications you have installed.
Step 4: For third-party applications, check for the updated version on its official website and install it.
- Update the Driver
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Right-click on the Start menu and select "Device Manager."
Open Device Manager
Step 2: Manually expand all drivers and look for the driver with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on it and select Update.
update_driver
Solution 6: Check for Malware
If your computer is infected with malware, it can disrupt many functions and cause the Windows installation error 0xc000035a. It is advisable to run a malware scan in safe mode so that any infected core files can be addressed.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk - Step by Step
Step 1: Download Kaspersky Rescue Disk from the official Kaspersky website or using the following link:
https://www.kaspersky.com/downloads/free-rescue-disk
Step 2: Create a bootable USB/DVD drive using Rufus/Win32 Disk Imager.
Step 3: Boot your computer using the bootable USB drive.
Step 4: First, update the antivirus database.
Step 5: Run a system scan and follow the instructions displayed on your computer screen.
Solution 7: Reinstall the Virtual Machine (64-bit)
If you are receiving error code 0xc000035a when using a virtual machine like VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, etc., follow this section to resolve the issue.
Reinstall the virtual machine, ensuring to select the 64-bit option during installation. If you initially installed a 32-bit virtual machine and are trying to install a 64-bit operating system on it, you may encounter the aforementioned installation error.
Conclusion:
The Windows installation error 0xc000035a occurs when attempting to install 64-bit Windows on a 32-bit supported system. You can fix this error by applying the solutions provided in this article.
