Solved: Windows Boot Manager Not Showing in BIOS

Why is Windows Boot Manager not showing up in BIOS?

"I try to boot my computer and it says reboot and select proper boot device. When I go to my bios what usually shows windows boot manager along with my ssd and hdd isn’t there. Now it is only showing my SSD and HDD and neither are being able to boot."

Before diving into the troubleshooting steps, it is important to understand the role of the Windows Boot Manager. The Boot Manager is responsible for loading the operating system from the system disk into the computer's memory.

It presents a menu to the user, allowing them to select the desired operating system if multiple OS installations are present. If the Windows Boot Manager missing from BIOS, it indicates a potential problem that needs to be addressed.

Several factors can contribute to the Windows Boot Manager not appearing in the BIOS. Let's explore some common causes:

◤ Outdated BIOS:
An outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues with the Windows Boot Manager. It is crucial to keep the BIOS firmware up to date to ensure proper functioning. If the BIOS version is outdated, it might not recognize the Boot Manager.
◤ Improper boot configuration:
Incorrect boot configuration settings can also lead to the Windows Boot Manager not showing up in the BIOS. This can occur due to manual changes made to the boot settings, accidental modifications, or issues during system updates.
◤ Faulty hardware connection:
A faulty hardware connection, such as a loose hard drive cable or a malfunctioning disk drive, can prevent the BIOS from detecting the Windows Boot Manager. It is essential to ensure that all hardware components are properly connected.

How to fix Windows boot manager not showing in BIOS?

To resolve the issue of the Windows boot manager missing from BIOS, follow these step-by-step troubleshooting methods:

Method 1. Change boot order in BIOS

Various computers may have distinct BIOS settings, but they typically share similar boot options. To modify the boot sequence, access the BIOS menu, usually achieved by pressing the F2 or Delete key during startup. Once inside the BIOS, navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Sequence" settings.

Within these settings, you'll find a list of all bootable devices or methods and their current sequencing. Adjust this sequence to align with the method you intend to use for Windows installation. For example, if you're utilizing a flash drive, set it as the first primary boot drive in the sequence.

Once you've made the necessary changes, save them and proceed with restarting the computer. By doing so, the issue will be resolved, and you'll gain access to the Boot Manager as desired.

Method 2. Remove all external devices

During system startup, your computer might detect removable media such as USB flash drives or external hard drives as bootable devices. This can cause confusion and result in a situation where no boot options are available. To tackle this issue effectively, follow these steps:

Step 1. Remove any USB flash drives or external hard drives from your computer.

Step 2. Restart the computer to see if the problem persists.

If the error still occurs, please carefully unplug the main USB cables connected to the PC motherboard. This action will permanently disconnect the problematic USB device.

Method 3. Restart all power and data cables

Without a hard drive, accessing the boot manager becomes impossible. If your computer is unable to detect the hard drive, it is possible that the power and data cables connected to it have been dislodged or misplaced. As a consequence, a "missing boot manager" error may occur.

To rectify this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open your computer case carefully to gain access to the internal components.

Step 2. Locate the hard drive and identify the power and data cables connected to it.

Step 3. Proceed to restart the system by unplugging and then re-plugging these power and data cables. By doing so, any potential data or power glitches will be resolved.

Step 4. After completing the cable adjustments, power on your computer and observe the boot screens.

Method 4. Create a new boot sector

A "missing boot manager" error may arise if there is corruption or boot damage in your partition, particularly in the Windows partition. Such issues could be attributed to various factors, including an aging hard drive, virus infections, or malware attacks. In such cases, we highly recommend creating a new boot sector using the following method:

Step 1. To begin, access the start menu and search for "Command Prompt."

Step 2. Right-click on the Command Prompt option and select "Run as administrator." This step is essential to enable developer configurations.

Step 3. Once the Command Prompt opens, input the command "bootrec /fixboot" and press enter.

Step 4. After executing the command, you will see the message "Operation completed successfully."

Step 5. Now, restart your computer using the "Ctrl + Alt + Del" keys, and then selecting the restart option.

Note: Before restarting your computer, ensure that all removable devices, such as USB drives or external hard drives, are disconnected from your system.

Method 5. Rebuild Windows BCD

If your boot configuration data (BCD) is missing, corrupted or misconfigured, then you have to rebuild it to remove the “Windows boot manager is not showing in BIOS” error. Boot configuration data is the primary key to opening the boot manager. If you don't have it, you won't be able to access the manager or even view the option.

Step 1. First, open the Start menu, type "Change Advanced Startup Options," and hit enter. Here, select"Restart now" in the advanced startup option. You will be redirected to the advanced options menu.

Step 2. Now select "Troubleshoot," then select "Advanced Options".

Step 3. Select "Command prompt" in the next menu and wait until cmd Prompt opens.

Step 4. Now type "bootrec/rebuildbcd" and hit enter. It will take a few seconds if you see a successful installation message. In the final step, you have to adjust the attribute files.

Step 5. Type "attrib c:\boot\bcd -h -r -s" in the same command prompt and hit enter. It will remove the read-only and hidden files from the Windows bcd. Now execute another command, "ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old," to rename the stored bcd. Now you have access to rebuild the bcd file.

Step 6. Now again, type "bootrec /rebuildbcd" and hit enter. This time it will ask to add a boot to the list. Type"Y" and press enter. Wait for a few seconds until you see the "Operation successful" message on the screen.

Step 7. Restart your computer, and now you will be able to access the boot manager.

Method 6. Enable the boot menu using Command Prompt

The boot menu plays a crucial role in managing BIOS and other essential functions of your computer. On the other hand, the boot manager appears on the startup flash screen, but it is often not visible because it is usually turned off by default. However, you can easily enable it using simple Command Prompt commands.

To turn on the boot manager, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the start menu and type "cmd" to search for the Command Prompt.

Step 2. Right-click on the Command Prompt icon and select "Run as administrator" to ensure you have the necessary system privileges.

Step 3. In the Command Prompt window, type the command "bcdedit /set {bootmgr} display bootmenu yes" and press enter.

Step 4. Upon executing the command, you will receive the "Operation successful" message on the screen.

Note: Always run the Command Prompt as an administrator to access system settings effectively.

Bonus reading: How to enable boot options step by step

The issue of the Windows boot manager not showing in BIOS may bring you great inconvenience. If the above methods doesn’t work on solving the problem, you may keep asking “How do I get Windows boot manager in BIOS?”

If you want to enable the Windows Boot Manager from BIOS menu, you may find AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to be a suitable solution. This disk partition management software is compatible with various Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.

One of its notable features is the "UEFI BIOS Boot Options Manager", which enables you to easily and swiftly change the boot order, delete, back up, restore, and refresh your EFI/UEFI BIOS boot options.

The software streamlines these tasks, eliminating the need for manually entering the BIOS and making complex boot item modifications, thus saving you valuable time in managing boot options efficiently.

Notes:
✦ AOMEI Partition Assistant is capable of removing the Windows Boot Manager from the BIOS on different brands of computers, making it a versatile solution for managing boot options.
✦ It is essential to note that AOMEI Partition Assistant is exclusively compatible with GPT disks. If your disk is currently using the MBR (Master Boot Record) partition style, you must first convert it to GPT before utilizing the software to enable the Windows Boot Manager.

Here are the steps to turn on the Windows Boot Manager using AOMEI Partition Assistant:

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

Step 2. Boot from the alternative startup item, and then click on "Windows Boot Manager." Subsequently, click the "Enable" button on the right.

Step 3. After successfully deleting the Windows Boot Manager, you can opt to immediately restart your computer by clicking "Restart Now". Alternatively, you can simply click "Cancel" to close the Manager window.

Conclusion

The Windows Boot Manager not showing in the BIOS can be a frustrating issue, but it is not without solutions. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can identify and resolve the underlying causes of this problem.

If the basic steps don't work, you can try AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to enable the Boot Manager. By taking these steps, you can regain control of the boot process and ensure the smooth operation of your computer. In addition, it is a professional boot repair tool that can directly fix your system boot issues.