Troubleshoot [Windows 10 Only Boot if I Select Windows Boot Manager From BIOS Boot Options]

Scenario: Windows 10 only boot if I select Windows Boot Manager from BIOS Boot options

Have you ever faced a situation where your computer won't boot without you manually choosing "Windows Boot Manager" in the BIOS boot menu? Don't worry, you're not alone. Just like the user mentioned above, you might be wondering if there's a solution as well.

The good news is, there's a way to restore your system's boot process to its smooth operation. By identifying the underlying cause and making necessary adjustments, you can say goodbye to the inconvenience of manual intervention. Checking your BIOS settings might reveal whether "Windows Launcher" has unexpectedly become the preferred option over the familiar "Windows Boot Manager."

Solutions for manually select “Windows Boot Manager” Windows 10

When Windows 10 only starts by picking "Windows Boot Manager" in BIOS, it means you have to manually choose this option for it to work. It's not about skipping other options; rather, it shows that without your selection, Windows 10 won't start normally.

This behavior may indicate potential issues with the boot configuration, boot order, or the Windows Boot Manager itself. With possible causes, let’s explore the solutions now.

Fix 1. Reconfigure Boot order

An incorrect boot order might prevent Windows 10 from booting automatically. Therefore, please try to reconfigure the boot order and try again.

Step 1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the designated key (usually displayed during startup). Or you can visit the official website of your computer brands to search for specific info.

Step 2. Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section.

Step 3. Ensure that the "Windows Boot Manager" or your primary hard drive is set as the first boot device. By the way, if other boot options are useless, it is worth considering to remove them.

Step 4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Fix 2. Repair Boot Manager

Problems with the Windows Boot Manager can hinder the boot process. Repair it can restore the proper functioning of the boot process by resolving any errors or misconfigurations that may prevent normal startup.

Step 1. Create a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD.

Step 2. Boot from the installation media and select "Repair your computer."

Step 3. Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Repair."

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows repair the boot manager.

Fix 3. Repair corrupted system files

Corrupted system files disrupt the boot sequence, but repairing them restores the operating system's integrity and enables an automatic boot process.

▌Part 1. Run SFC and DISM Scans
Step 1. Type “cmd” in the search bar. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan: sfc /scannow

Step 3. After SFC completes, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management (DISM) scan: dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

▌Part 2. Check for Disk Errors
Step 1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Execute the command: chkdsk C: /f /r /x (Replace "C:" with your system drive letter).

Step 3. Restart your computer and allow the scan to complete.

▌Part 3. Perform a Clean Boot
Step 1. Press Win + R and type msconfig. Press Enter. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the "Services" tab.

Step 2. Check "Hide all Microsoft services" and click "Disable all."

Step 3. Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."

Step 4. Disable all startup programs and close Task Manager.

Step 5. Back in the System Configuration window, click "Apply" and then "OK." At last, restart your computer.

Ensuring a correctly configured boot order, repairing the Windows Boot Manager, scanning for system file and disk errors, and performing a clean boot can help restore smooth and automatic booting.

Bonus reading: Simplify BIOS/UEFI Boot options management with a robust tool

Problems may frequently arise from prolonged computer usage, which may directly affect the boot process. As previously discussed, challenges such as corrupted boot managers or system files can result in a state of boot order misordering or boot options conflict.

For streamlined daily boot management, try AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Its "UEFI BIOS Boot Options Manager" makes BIOS tasks easier. This tool lets you create a troubleshooting USB before system access for repairs.

You can also manage boot settings while in Windows, quickly adjusting the boot sequence, deleting, backing up, restoring, and refreshing EFI/UEFI BIOS Boot Options without manual BIOS entry or complex startup changes. This saves time and safeguards data through quick boot option handling.

Now, let’s see how to use it to effectively manage your UEFI/BIOS boot options.

Step 1. Install AOMEI Partition Assistant, click “Tools” in the top menu, and choose “UEFI BIOS Boot Options Manager” function.

If your system drive is an MBR one, after you click the tool you will get a message that the feature is available only if the current system disk is GPT partition type.

On a GPT drive, the UEFI Boot Options Manager will pop up. In this interface, all UEFI boot orders on your computer will be displayed and you can manage them.

1. How to change boot options

Click a boot option and click the button up and down to change the boot sequence of your computers.

2. How to delete boot options

Click a boot option that is not available or unnecessary to delete the boot option. Please be cautious before you delete a boot option. For system boot and security, it will be unable to delete the current boot option.

3. How to enable one-time boot entry

Select a boot option, then activate the one-time boot entry by clicking the designated button. Upon selecting this option, your computer will exclusively boot from this entry during the upcoming system startup. Subsequent to the initial boot from this entry, the computer will revert to initiating from the default first entry.

4. How to backup boot options

Click the boot option you want to backup to make a backup so that you can recover if necessary.

Select a location on your PC and click "Save" to save the backup.

Then the backup will create a .PAUB file.

5. How to Restore Boot Options

Click to restore the boot option you just backed up if the partition or boot files get lost or corrupted.

Locate the .PAUB FILE you backed up and select it to restore.

If you have a backup of your boot entries with Partition Assistant and your system cannot boot, you can also create a bootable media with this tool and restore the boot entries under WinPE.

6. How to refresh boot options

Click the button to refresh the boot options. The "Refresh" button does not mean reset. If you have modified the boot options, the button does not help to reset the boot options.

7. How to boot into UEFI BIOS Boot Options one-time

You can click the option "Enter UEFI BIOS configuration interface directly only at next boot time".

Once activate this selection, and your computer will promptly enter the UEFI BIOS setup interface during the subsequent boot. Once this choice is employed, your computer will persist in initiating from the default first entry.

You do not have to press any key like DEL or F12 during the upcoming system startup. This will automatically trigger the UEFI BIOS Boot Manager, granting swift access to adjust boot order or modify BIOS preferences.

After changing, you can click "Restart Now" to restart your computer immediately if needed.

Bottom line

If you encounter issues of “Windows 10 only boot if I select Windows Boot Manager from BIOS Boot options” like the help-seeker, you can follow this guidance to troubleshoot that.

As you can see, AOMEI Partition Assistant can offer you a satisfying solution. And this versatile software excels in resolving various computer concerns. For example, you can use it to create a bootable USB, extend drive space, or improve computer performance, etc,. If you are Windows Server users, you can also turn to the Server Edition for easy computer management.