If your Boot Configuration Data is missing or corrupted, you can read this post to learn how to repair Boot Configuration Data Windows 10 with the easiest way and powerful built-in methods.
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) in Windows 10 is a critical database that stores boot-time configuration parameters, determining how the operating system starts. It replaces the older boot.ini file and is typically located in the EFI system partition for UEFI systems or the Boot partition for BIOS systems.
The BCD contains essential components such as boot loader entries, which specify available operating systems and their executable paths, and boot parameters that modify boot behavior. For instance, it can set default operating systems or enable debugging options.
Management of BCD is primarily done through the command-line tool bcdedit, allowing users to view and modify entries. If BCD becomes corrupted, it can lead to boot issues, which can often be repaired using Windows recovery tools like Startup Repair.
In summary, understanding BCD is essential for managing and troubleshooting the boot process in Windows 10.
Boot Configuration Data is an essential component of the Windows operating system that stores boot-time configuration parameters. When there are problems with the BCD, users may experience various issues during system startup. Here are some common symptoms of BCD-related issues:
✎ Boot failure messages: One of the most prominent symptoms is receiving error messages during the boot process, such as “Boot configuration data file is missing required information” or “Windows failed to start”.
✎ Blue screen of death (BSOD): Users may encounter a BSOD, which can occur if there are critical errors during the boot process linked to corrupted BCD settings.
✎ Automatic Repair loop: The system may enter an automatic repair loop, attempting to fix the problem but failing to resolve it, leading to repeated restarts without successfully booting.
✎ Missing operating system: In some cases, users may receive a message indicating that there is no operating system found, which can be attributed to BCD misconfigurations.
✎ Corrupted Windows installation: A damaged BCD can lead to corruption in the Windows installation, resulting in missing files or components essential for booting.
These symptoms can stem from various underlying causes, including hardware changes, software installations, or malware infections. It’s crucial to address BCD issues promptly to restore normal system functionality.
To repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) in Windows 10 with minimal hassle, AOMEI Partition Assistant stands out as one of the easiest tools to use. When BCD errors prevent Windows from starting, AOMEI’s “Rebuild MBR” function can swiftly resolve these issues. This feature is designed to fix the Master Boot Record (MBR), often the underlying cause of BCD errors, without the need for technical commands or complex troubleshooting steps.
Beyond “Rebuild MBR”, AOMEI Partition Assistant also includes a feature called “Boot Repair” that can fix system errors easily and quickly. It is most suitable when the system fails to boot, boot fails after the update, boot sector corrupts.
With AOMEI Partition Assistant, you simply need to boot from a prepared USB drive and use the tool’s clear interface to rebuild the MBR on the affected disk or repair it automatically. This process is not only quick but also minimizes the risk of human error. Compared to traditional command-line methods, AOMEI’s solution provides a safe, user-friendly experience.
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard on a working PC. In the main interface, click Tools > Make Bootable Media and follow the wizard to create a Windows 10/11 bootable USB drive.
Step 2. Connect the bootable media created via AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard to the computer with a boot issue and enter BIOS to boot computer from the USB drive.
Step 3. Once logged in, the AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard will run automatically. In the main interface, right-click the system disk that contains corrupted MBR and choose Rebuild MBR.
Step 4. Set the type of MBR for Windows 10 in the pop-up window. (Choose a proper MBR type according to your operating system.)
Step 5. Click Apply and Proceed on the toolbar to commit Rebuild MBR operation.
Step 1. Prepare a blank USB and connect it to a working PC that has installed AOMEI Partition Assistant, click "Recover" >"Boot Repair" and then click the "create a bootable disk" option to create a WinPE "Boot Repair" disk.
Step 2. Boot the PC that cannot boot into WinPE. It will automatically load the Boot Repair tool and start the boot entries scan process. All boot entries will be displayed.
Step 3. Select the repairable boot entries you want to repair and click the "Repair" button to start the repair.
Step 4. Once the repair is repaired successfully, you can remove the bootable disk and boot the PC from the original system drive.
If you don’t want to use a third-party boot repair tool, here are several built-in methods to repair the BCD. Below, we will outline four effective methods to help you get your system up and running again.
Windows 10 comes with a built-in Automatic Repair tool that can fix common startup issues, including BCD problems.
Step 1. Insert a Windows 10 installation USB/DVD and restart your computer.
Step 2. Access the boot menu (usually by pressing F12, F10, or Esc) and select the installation media.
Step 3. Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.
Step 4. On the installation screen, select Repair your computer at the bottom left.
Step 5. Click on Troubleshoot, then select Advanced options.
Step 6. Click on Startup Repair and follow the prompts. Windows will attempt to diagnose and fix startup problems automatically.
If the Automatic Repair doesn’t work, you can manually rebuild the BCD using the Command Prompt.
Step 1. Boot from the Windows 10 installation media as described in Method 1, then select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Step 3. After executing the commands, type exit and hit Enter to close the Command Prompt. Restart your computer to check if the issue is resolved.
If you have previously created a restore point, you can revert your system to a previous state before the boot issues began.
Step 1. Boot from the Windows 10 installation media, then select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Step 2. Log in with your username and password.
Step 3. Follow the prompts to select a restore point. Choose one from a date before the issue occurred and follow the instructions to complete the restoration process.
Step 4. After the process is complete, restart your computer and see if the issue persists.
If BCD issues are caused by system file corruption, using the DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool) and SFC (System File Checker) commands can help repair the underlying issues.
Step 1. Boot from the Windows 10 installation media and navigate to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 2. Enter the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3. After the DISM command completes, run:
sfc /scannow
Step 4. Once the scans are finished, type exit to close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Repairing Boot Configuration Data in Windows 10 can feel daunting, but with the right steps, you can get your computer back up and running smoothly. Whether you opt for command-line methods or built-in recovery options, being proactive can save you from future headaches.
As you can see, the easiest way to repair Boot Configuration Data Windows 10 is by using a third-party tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant. Its easy-to-use interface and powerful features can easily and quickly repair it. If you encountered BCD issues on a Windows Server computer, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server would be a good choice.