Fixed: I Can't Get into BIOS on Start up Only Boot Manager

User case: Only Windows Boot Manager in the booting option

"I want to change the booting source from SATA to the SSD NVMe, but there is only "Windows Boot Manager" option in the Boot menu. Does anyone know how to solve this?"

In today's fast-paced digital world, being able to access your computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is crucial for various tasks such as boot order change, hardware configuration, system diagnostics, and even setting up your operating system.

However, some users encounter a perplexing issue where they find there is only the Windows Boot Manager when accessing the BIOS. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this common problem and provide step-by-step solutions to help you get back into your computer's BIOS normally.

Reasons for the only Windows Boot Manager in BIOS issue

Before proceeding to the troubleshooting method, you should have a basic understanding of the causes behind the "I can't get into BIOS on start up only Boot Manager" problem.

1. UEFI and Legacy Boot Modes

One reason you might see only the "Windows Boot Manager" is the boot mode configured in your system. Modern computers often support both UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) and legacy BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) boot modes. If your system is set to UEFI mode, it might prioritize the "Windows Boot Manager" by default.

2. Boot Order Priorities

The boot order, also known as the boot sequence, determines the priority in which devices are checked for bootable operating systems. If the "Windows Boot Manager" is placed at the top of the boot order, it will be the default option presented during startup.

3. Bootloader Configuration

The configuration of the bootloader can influence which options appear during booting. If the configuration is set to display only the "Windows Boot Manager," other operating systems or bootable devices may not be visible in the boot menu.

Solution to the only Boot Manager issue

Encountering only the "Windows Boot Manager" can be concerning, but there are several solutions you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

Method 1. Checking hard drive connections

Ensure that all hard drive cables and connections are secure. A loose connection could prevent the system from detecting other bootable drives.

So, you can reconnect the cable from the hard drive or replace the cable with a new one to see if you can see other boot options in the BIOS.

Method 2. Verifying operating system installation

When you have more than one OS installed on your PC, please double-check that other operating systems are correctly installed on separate partitions or drives. An incomplete or improperly installed operating system might not appear as a boot option.

If the second operating system is in the wrong place, you can reinstall the system first and boot into the BIOS to see if only Windows Boot Manager appears on startup.

Method 3. Repairing boot configuration data

Use the Windows Recovery Environment to repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). Corrupted BCD entries could lead to limited booting options. Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Place the Windows installation DVD into the computer and commence the PC's startup.

Step 2. Upon receiving a prompt, press any key to continue.

Step 3. Opt for a language, time zone, currency, and keyboard settings; afterward, proceed by clicking "Next."

Step 4. Locate and select "Repair your computer."

Step 5. Indicate the desired operating system for mending and click "Next."

Step 6. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt to carry out the subsequent commands:

Bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup

ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old

Bootrec /rebuildbcd

Method 4. Enabling boot entry manually

If none of the above methods is available, I recommend you use a UEFI BIOS Boot Options Manager called AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to change your boot order manually. Besides, it can also allow you to delete, backup, restore, and refresh your EFI/UEFI BIOS Boot Options without entering into BIOS settings.

You can download the demo version to see how to have one-time boot entry enabled:

Note: This feature is only workable on a GPT system drive, if your system disk is of MBR style, you can convert MBR to GPT in advance.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Click the "Tools" main tab and select "UEFI BIOS Boot Options Manager".

Step 2. Click a boot option and click the button to enable a one-time boot entery. Once you click the option, the computer will boot from this entry only the next time system startup. After the PC boots from the entry once, the PC will boot from the defaulted first entry.

Step 3. Then, you can click the "Restart Now" button to restart your computer immediately if needed. If you do not want to restart the computer immediately, you can just click the "Cancel" button or just close the Manager window.

Conclusion

Facing the "I can't get into BIOS on startup, only boot manager" issue can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can resolve it. By following the troubleshooting methods outlined in this article, you can regain access to your BIOS and take control of your system's configuration.