How to Fix Windows 11 Error 0xc0000605 Without Losing Files?

Why Does Windows 11 Error 0xc0000605 Keep Crashing Your Computer?

I’ve helped countless people fix this terrible error. Let me walk you through what works.

When your computer shows “A component of the operating system has expired” with error code 0xc0000605, it means Windows thinks something important has gone bad. This happens a lot. Your computer won’t start. You can’t get to your files. It’s scary.

But here’s the good news: I know exactly how to fix this. Most of the time, it’s not as bad as it looks.

What Really Causes This Error

Three main things make this error happen:

• Wrong date and time – Your computer gets confused about when things expire
• Missing updates – Old Windows files cause problems
• Dead battery – The tiny battery in your computer stops working

The error shows up when Windows tries to start. You’ll see messages about winload.exe or winload.efi files. These are important files that help Windows boot up.

Method 1: Use Windows Startup Repair

This is where I always start. Windows has a built-in tool that fixes boot problems automatically.

Here’s what you do:

1. Turn your computer on and off three times – As soon as you see Windows trying to load, hold the power button to turn it off. Do this three times in a row.
2. Wait for the recovery screen – After the third time, Windows will show you a blue screen with repair options.
3. Pick the repair option – Click “Troubleshoot,” then “Advanced options,” then “Startup Repair.”
4. Let Windows work – It will scan your computer and try to fix the problem. This takes a few minutes.

If you have a Windows 11 USB drive, you can use that instead. Boot from the USB and pick “Repair your computer.”

Method 2: Install All Windows Updates

Old Windows versions cause this error a lot. I see this happen when people pause updates or use test versions of Windows.

If you can get to Safe Mode:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Go to “Windows Update“
3. Click “Advanced options“
4. Install every update you see
5. Restart your computer

If you can’t get to Windows:

Use the recovery environment to get to Settings. The steps are the same once you’re there.

This method works really well for people who stopped updating Windows or are using preview versions.

Method 3: Fix Your Date and Time

Wrong date and time settings trick Windows into thinking its parts have expired. This is super common.

From Windows Settings:

1. Press Windows + I
2. Go to “Time & Language” then “Date & time“
3. Turn off “Set time automatically“
4. Click “Change” under manual settings
5. Put in the right date and time
6. Click “Change” to save

From BIOS (if Windows won’t start):

1. Turn on your computer
2. Press F2, Delete, or Esc when you see the startup screen
3. Look for “Main” or “Date/Time” tab
4. Set the correct date and time
5. Save and exit

Method 4: Replace the CMOS Battery

That little round battery on your motherboard keeps track of time when your computer is off. When it dies, your date and time reset every time you turn off your computer.

Safety first:

• Turn off your computer completely
• Unplug the power cord
• Touch something metal to discharge static

Replace the battery:

1. Open your computer case
2. Find the round, silver battery (looks like a big coin)
3. Pop it out carefully
4. Put in a new CR2032 battery
5. Close everything up
6. Turn on your computer and check the time in BIOS

This battery costs about $3 and lasts 3-5 years.

Method 5: Fix Boot Files with Command Prompt

Sometimes the files that start Windows get corrupted. You can rename them so Windows makes new ones.

You’ll need a Windows 11 USB drive for this:

1. Boot from your USB drive
2. Pick “Repair your computer“
3. Go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt“
4. Type these commands one by one:

   c:
   cd \windows
   attrib -r -h -s bootstat.dat
   rename bootstat.dat bootstat.old
   exit

Important: Your Windows drive might not be C: in recovery mode. Use diskpart and list volume to find the right drive letter.

Remove the USB drive and restart. Windows will make a new bootstat.dat file automatically.

Method 6: Reset Windows 11

When nothing else works, resetting Windows usually fixes the problem. You can keep your personal files.

1. Get to the recovery environment (USB drive or interrupt startup three times)
2. Pick “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC“
3. Choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything“
4. Follow the steps on screen

This reinstalls Windows but can save your documents, pictures, and other personal files.

Special Case: Virtual Machines

If this error happens in a virtual machine, you can still get your files:

1. Make a new Windows 11 virtual machine
2. Add the broken VM’s hard disk as a second drive
3. Start the new VM
4. Copy your files from the old disk

This works with VMware, VirtualBox, and other VM software.

What Usually Works

In my experience, most people fix this error by:

• Updating Windows (works about 60% of the time)
• Fixing the date and time (works about 30% of the time)
• Replacing the CMOS battery (works when the other methods keep failing)

The key is to try these methods in order. Start with the easiest ones first.

Prevention Tips

To stop this error from happening again:

• Keep Windows updated automatically
• Don’t pause Windows updates for long periods
• Replace your CMOS battery every 3-4 years
• Use a UPS to protect against power outages

When to Get Help

Call a computer repair shop if:

• None of these methods work
• You’re not comfortable opening your computer case
• You keep getting different error codes
• Your hard drive makes clicking or grinding noises

Error 0xc0000605 looks scary, but it’s usually fixable. Most people get their computers working again with these methods. The important thing is to stay calm and work through the solutions step by step.

Start with the startup repair tool. If that doesn’t work, check your date and time. Then try updating Windows. These three methods fix the problem for most people.

Remember: your files are probably safe. This error usually doesn’t delete your documents, pictures, or other important data. It just stops Windows from starting properly.