Restore Windows Boot Loader: How To Guide

Learn how to fix and restore the boot loader in Windows 10, 8, and 7 with this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re experiencing boot issues, error messages, or missing boot options, this tutorial covers everything you need to know. Dive deep into step-by-step instructions and essential tips for restoring the boot loader and ensuring smooth startup of your Windows system.

Restore Windows Boot Loader: How To Guide

The operating system Windows 10 won’t load – what should I do?

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The System Won’t Boot. Recover Windows Bootloader with bootrec, fixmbr, fixboot commands 👨‍💻⚕️💻

The System Won’t Boot. Recover Windows Bootloader with bootrec, fixmbr, fixboot commands 👨‍💻⚕️💻

Solution 1. Recover The Data Lost Because of The Damaged Bootloader

A program to recover deleted files Windows 10

Recovering Windows bootloader, damaged or overwritten system files, file system errors or HDD bad sectors are onluy some of the things to cause loss of data.

Restoring Windows boot sector can make the operating system work again but it can result in loss of user files. It is not always possible to restore Windows operability without a clean installation of the operating system which can also cause loss of files.

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Solution 2. Recover Windows 10 Bootloader From The Command Prompt

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Repair Windows With the Automatic Recovery Console / How to Enter the Recovery Environment 🛠️👨‍💻⚕️

Repair Windows With the Automatic Recovery Console / How to Enter the Recovery Environment 🛠️👨‍💻⚕️

If damaged, Windows bootloader can be recovered with the use of command prompt.

If the system won’t load, launch the diagnostic utility from the boot disk:

  • Start the computer using the boot disk.
  • In the menu that appears, go to System Restore / Troubleshooting / Advanced Options / Command Prompt.
Advanced Options Windows 10

If you can load Windows, do the following:

  • Press Windows + R.
  • Type cmd in the window that appeared and press Enter.

Use the command bootrec.exe to recover the bootloader:

  • Type in the command prompt: bootrec.exe /fixboot

    bootrec.exe /fixboot

    Command Prompt Windows 10: bootrec.exe
  • Restart the computer.

Solution 3. Bootloader Recovery Software Windows 10

If you don’t have an authentic Windows boot disk at hand, you can load the computer, including for the purpose of recovering the bootloader, with the help of a boot selection disk such as LiveCD. As a rule, such disks feature several programs for bootloader recovery Windows 10. Such programs can be launched right from LiveCD - they are portable and do not require an operating system to start from the computer’s hard disk.

For this purpose, do the following:

  • Find a LiveCD image which is good enough for your needs, and record it onto a CD\DVD or a flash drive.
  • Connect the LiveCD to your computer and turn it on. The computer will automatically boot from LiveCD (the boot sequence should be changed in BIOS or UEFI so that CD or USB comes first).

  • Run the bootloader recovery software from your LiveCD:

    • EasyBCD;
    • MultiBoot;
    • FixBootFull.

    Follow the program’s directions.

  • Wait until the recovery process is complete.
  • Restart the computer without using LiveCD.
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How to Create a Reanimator USB Drive with Windows PE to Boot Your Computer 👨‍💻 💊 💻

Solution 4. Recovering Windows 10 Bootloader After Installation of Linux, Ubuntu

Sometimes the main operating system Windows 10 won’t boot if Ubuntu Linux is instaled as the second operating system. It is connected with the probable overwriting of Windows boot sector.

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How to Reset Windows 10 or 8 PC If The Operating System Won't Boot 🔄💻📀

This is what you should do to recover Windows loader and still have the opportunity to load Ubuntu Linux:

  • Save Ubuntu Linix boot sector. To do it, start the terminal and enter:

    dd if=/dev/sda3 of=/linux.boot bs=512 count=1

    As a result of this command, the boot record will be copied to the user directory which the PC is using. Go to the user folder and copy this file into the partition where Windows is installed.
  • Start the computer using Windows boot disk.
  • In the menu that appears, go to System Restore / Troubleshooting / Advanced Options / Command Prompt.

  • Type in the command prompt:

    bootrec.exe /FixMbr

    bootrec.exe /FixBoot

    Command Prompt: bootrec.exe

As a result of, Windows bootloader will be restored, but there is high risk of damaging Ubuntu Linux loader. To restore its operability do the following:

  • Restart Windows, open a console window with administrator rights and enter:
    bcdedit /create /d “Linux” /application BOOTSECTOR

    • bcdedit /create /d “Linux” /application BOOTSECTOR

  • Copy the disk ID which will be shown as {ID} after this command.
    Here is an example of disk ID: {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23}

  • Enter the following command using the copied ID:
    bcdedit /set {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23} device partition=c:
    partition=c: indicates the partition where Windows is installed.

    • bcdedit /set {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23} device partition=c:

  • Now use the file you have saved previously and the disk ID:
    bcdedit /set {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23} path \linux.boot
    bcdedit /displayorder {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23} /addlast
    bcdedit /timeout 10

    • bcdedit /set {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23} path linux.boot
    bcdedit /displayorder {с3454a4v-9652-fg78-94re-d8d2d3lh5a23} /addlast
    bcdedit /timeout 10

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How to Recover Windows 10, 8, 7 System Files (SFC, DISM)⚕️📁💻

How to Recover Windows 10, 8, 7 System Files (SFC, DISM)⚕️📁💻

After you have done it, your computer can boot with either Windows or Ubuntu Linux.

Is the Windows 10 bootloader recovered now? Leave your feedback and ask questions in your comments.

Vladimir Artiukh

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a boot loader in the context of a Windows operating system?

    A boot loader is a program that loads an operating system into memory when a computer is powered on. In the context of a Windows operating system, the boot loader is the Microsoft Windows Boot Manager, which is responsible for loading the Windows operating system and its associated files.

  • What are some common reasons why a boot loader may become damaged or corrupted?
    1. Accidental deletion of boot loader files.
    2. Corrupted or damaged hard drive sectors.
    3. System crash or power outage.
    4. Malware or virus infection.
    5. Improper system shutdown or restart.
    6. Incompatible hardware or software changes.
    7. Unsuccessful BIOS update.
  • What is the difference between a master boot record (MBR) and a GUID partition table (GPT)?

    A master boot record (MBR) is an older partitioning system used to store information about the partitions of a hard drive. It is limited to a maximum of four primary partitions, and is not able to handle drives larger than 2TB. A GUID partition table (GPT) is a newer partitioning system that uses a globally unique identifier to identify each partition. GPT is able to handle drives larger than 2TB, and can support up to 128 primary partitions. GPT also includes additional features such as improved data integrity and support for larger sector sizes.

  • How can you identify whether your computer is using MBR or GPT partitioning?

    You can identify whether your computer is using MBR or GPT partitioning by using a disk management tool such as Disk Management in Windows or Disk Utility in Mac OS. You can also use the command line tool ‘fdisk’ to identify the partitioning type.

  • What are the steps involved in restoring the Windows boot loader using the installation media?
    1. Insert the Windows installation media into your computer.
    2. Restart your computer and boot from the installation media.
    3. Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method.
    4. Click “Repair your computer” at the bottom left of the window.
    5. Select “Troubleshoot”.
    6. Select “Advanced options”.
    7. Select “Command Prompt”.
    8. Type the following commands: bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, and bootrec /rebuildbcd.
    9. Reboot your computer and check if the Windows boot loader is restored.

Comments (18)

  • CMO999
    CMO999 1.09.2019 20:14 #
    I tried the command prompt in recovery menu, and when I tried to use the bootrec.exe command it says Access Denied. What can I do?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
      Hetman Software: Data Recovery 4.09.2019 13:09 #
      Make sure you have an administrator rights on this PC. Run the command prompt as administrator.
      Reply
  • DJAMEL
    DJAMEL 11.09.2018 19:45 #
    I have a genuine Windows 7 version that refuses to perform factory restore. Is there a solution and thanks
    Reply
  • Djamel K
    Djamel K 5.09.2018 22:44 #
    I want to solve a problem recovery manager Not responding or not working in a computer COMPAC CQ58
    Reply
    • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
      Hetman Software: Data Recovery 6.09.2018 10:43 #
      Try to start it using a boot or installation disk.
      Reply
  • Nicholas Anstey
    Nicholas Anstey 3.11.2016 22:53 #
    What are some other tools or methods that can be used to repair or restore the Windows boot loader?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 23:20 #
      1. Using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE): WinRE is a built-in tool that can be used to repair boot loader issues. It can be accessed by pressing the F8 key during the boot process.
      2. Using the Windows Installation Media: If you have a Windows installation media, you can use it to repair the boot loader. You can access the repair options by booting from the installation media and selecting the “Repair your computer” option.
      3. Using EasyBCD: EasyBCD is a free boot loader utility that can be used to repair and restore the Windows boot loader. It is available for both Windows and Linux operating systems.
      4. Using Bootrec.exe: Bootrec.exe is a command line utility that can be used to repair the Windows boot loader. It can be accessed by typing “bootrec” into the command prompt and then following the on-screen instructions.
      5. Using System Restore: System Restore is a built-in Windows tool that can be used to restore the system to an earlier point in time. This can be used to repair corrupted or missing boot files.
      Reply
  • Darren Bamford
    Darren Bamford 3.11.2016 20:02 #
    How can you rebuild the BCD (Boot Configuration Data) using the Bootrec tool?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 20:22 #
      1. Boot from the Windows installation media.
      2. Select Repair your computer.
      3. Select Troubleshoot.
      4. Select Command Prompt.
      5. Type bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter.
      6. When prompted, type Y and press Enter to add installation to the boot list.
      7. Type exit and press Enter to close the Command Prompt window.
      8. Select Continue to restart your computer and complete the BCD rebuild process.
      Reply
  • Paris Blackett-Ord
    Paris Blackett-Ord 3.11.2016 17:13 #
    What is the Bootrec tool, and how can it be used to troubleshoot boot loader problems?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 17:28 #
      Bootrec is a command-line tool used to troubleshoot boot loader problems in Windows. It can be used to repair the master boot record (MBR), the boot sector, and the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. It can also be used to rebuild the BCD store from scratch, allowing Windows to start normally again. Bootrec can also be used to scan for and fix corrupted system files, which can cause boot loader problems.
      Reply
  • Kirk White
    Kirk White 3.11.2016 14:10 #
    What is the "repair your computer" option in the Windows installation media, and how can it be used to fix boot loader issues?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 14:39 #
      The "Repair Your Computer" option in the Windows installation media is a feature that allows users to troubleshoot and repair certain issues with their computer. It can be used to fix boot loader issues by allowing users to access the advanced startup options menu. From here, users can access a variety of tools and options, including the ability to repair the boot loader. This can be done by selecting the "Repair Your Computer" option and then selecting the "Troubleshoot" option. From there, users can select the "Advanced Options" menu and then select the "Command Prompt" option. Once in the command prompt, users can use the bootrec.exe command to repair the boot loader.
      Reply
  • Kyle Childers
    Kyle Childers 3.11.2016 11:02 #
    How can you create a bootable USB drive or DVD for Windows installation media?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 3.11.2016 11:31 #
      1. Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft.
      2. Connect your USB drive or insert your DVD into your computer.
      3. Open the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool and select the ISO file you downloaded.
      4. Select the USB drive or DVD as the destination media.
      5. Click Begin Copying and wait for the process to finish.
      6. Once the process is complete, your USB drive or DVD is now bootable and ready to be used as Windows installation media.
      Reply
  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 20.07.2018 14:56 #
    Read how to restore Windows 10, 8, 7 boot loader and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.
    Reply
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