During the installation of Windows 7/8/10/11 on a virtual machine or for a clean install, you might encounter the following error:
File: \windows\system32\boot\winload.exe
Status: 0xc000035a
Info: Attempting to load a 64-bit application, however this CPU is not compatible with 64-bit mode.
This issue typically arises when attempting to install a 64-bit operating system on a 32-bit CPU. However, it can also occur due to misconfigurations in BIOS settings and registry files. If you’re confident that your processor supports 64-bit architecture, you can try the following solutions:
How to Fix Windows Installation Error 0xc000035a
This error frequently arises from issues such as corrupted system files, outdated Windows software and drivers, the installation of incompatible software or drivers, or corruption in registry files. Prior to resolving the Windows installation error 0xc000035a, it’s essential to address these potential culprits by cleaning your PC.
Step 2. SCAN your Windows PC
Step 3. Click Fix button to Repair Error
Solution 1: Reset BIOS
A misconfigured BIOS always creates problems. To fix the Windows installation error 0xc000035a, you need to reset BIOS to its default settings.
Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default
Solution 2: Update BIOS Firmware
Must check for BIOS firmware and if found outdated, update them. Before installing the latest BIOS firmware, make sure you are downloading the compatible firmware from the official site. Installing the wrong firmware can damage PC permanently.
Updating BIOS
Solution 3: Run SFC (System File Checker Tool)
The System File Checker (SFC.exe) is a useful command-based tool that scans for corrupted system files and repair them. Corrupted system files cause several problems including the 0xc000035a error.
System File Checker Tool - Step by Step
sfc /scannow
Solution 4: Run DISM Command
The Deployment Image Service Management Tool (DISM) is a command-line utility in Windows operating systems that is used to service and manage Windows image files. DISM plays a crucial role in system maintenance, software deployment, and Windows recovery, making it a powerful tool for configuring and repairing Windows installations.
DISM Command - Step by Step
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Solution 5: Install all the pending Windows Updates.
Pending Windows updates refer to software updates and patches that have been downloaded and are ready to be installed on a Windows operating system but have not yet been applied. These updates are often essential for security, stability, and performance improvements and should be regularly installed to keep the system up to date.
Complete Windows Updates - Step by Step
1. Windows Updates
Step 1: Right-click on Start → Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down to find Windows updates and then click on Check for updates.
2. App Update
To update the installed application on your computer, you can follow the following steps.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Store. Click on your profile picture at the top of the MS Store and select Settings.
Step 2: Turn On App Updates.
Step 3: Open Microsoft Store Library. To access your Microsoft Store Library, simply click on the library icon located on the left sidebar. Once there, you’ll find a button labeled “Get updates.” Click on this to initiate a scan for the latest updates available for the apps you have installed.
Step 4: For the third-party application, check for their updated version on their official site and install them.
3. Driver Update
Step 1: Open Device Manager. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand all the drivers manually and look for the driver with a yellow exclamation mark. Right-click on it and select Update.
Solution 6: Check for malware
If your PC is infected with malware, it may stop various functionality and cause the Windows Installation Error 0xc000035a. It is advisable to run malware scanner in boot mode so that the infected core files can be treated.
Kaspersky Rescue Disk - Step by Step
Step 1: Download the Kaspersky rescue disk from the official Kaspersky website or using the following link:
https://www.kaspersky.com/downloads/free-rescue-disk
Step 2: Make a bootable USB/DVD drive using the Rufus/Win32 Disk Imager.
Step 3: Boot your PC using the Bootable USB Drive.
Step 4: Update the Antivirus database first.
Step 5: Run a System Scan and follow the instructions on your PC’s screen.
Solution 7: Re-install the Virtual Machine (64-bit)
If you are getting the error code 0xc000035a, when using a virtual machine such as VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper-V, etc, then follow this section to solve the problem.
Reinstall the virtual machine, ensuring that you select the 64-bit option during installation. If you initially installed a 32-bit virtual machine and are attempting to install a 64-bit operating system on it, you might encounter the installation error mentioned above.
Summary:
The Windows installation error 0xc000035a occurs when you try to install 64-bit windows on a 32-bit supported system. You can fix this error by applying the solutions given in this article.