How to repair Surface with Windows RT 8.1 update failure (step-by-step)

Surface RT recovery from Windows RT 8.1 update

As you probably already know, Microsoft has removed temporarily the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store due an undisclosed issue that is affecting a limited number of users. Basically this is the reason many users are not able to find the update in the Store.

Now the software giant hasn’t officially stated which was the real problem that made them pull out the new bits, but if you tried to update your Surface RT to Windows RT 8.1 and you stumble upon the error code: 0xc000000d you can still recover without having to reinstall the OS, just follow the steps below:

Instructions

The step-by-step instructions below should help to fix the following specific error code:

Recovery

Your PC needs to be repaired

The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information

File: \BCD

Error code: 0xc000000d

Before diving into the solution, you’ll need a Windows RT USB recovery drive. If you have already created one previously, great! If not you’ll need to figure out to how to get your hands on an another device (same model) and use this guide to create a recovery drive, then comeback to this guide.

1. Connect the USB recovery drive to your Surface RT, and while pressing the volume down button, press the power button, release after seeing the Microsoft Surface logo.

2. Select your language and then tap Troubleshoot.

3. Tap Advanced options.

4. Next, tap Start-up Repair. If this fails in the following screen tap the Advanced Options to go back and launch the Command Prompt.

5. Type the following command and press Enter.

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Bootrec rebuildbcd command to fix Surface RT installation

6. Type Exit and press Enter to quick the Command Prompt.

7. Tap Continue to boot once again to Windows RT 8.1.

8. If everything worked out OK, the Windows RT 8.1 update will resume without you having to do a clean install of the operating system.

9. Finally just follow the OOBE (Out Of the Box Experience) instructions (e.g., accepting the licensing, configuring settings, etc.).

Update: Microsoft releases Surface RT Recovery Image to fix this mysterious Windows 8.1 issues. Download it here!

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About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.