Encountering the infamous “Bootmgr Is Missing” error can really throw a wrench into the gears for Windows users. It’s one of those head-scratching moments where you’re left wondering, “What just happened?” But fear not! In this all-inclusive guide, we’re diving deep into the belly of this beast. We’ll unravel the mystery behind Bootmgr, why it decides to play hide-and-seek, and, most importantly, how to kick it back into gear.understanding the topic

So, what’s the deal with Bootmgr anyway? Well, it’s short for “Boot Manager”, and it’s the Windows superhero responsible for getting your system up and running smoothly. Think of it as the middleman between your computer’s BIOS and the operating system, making sure everything kicks off without a hitch.

But even heroes have their kryptonite, and Bootmgr is no exception. It can fall prey to corruption for various reasons like abrupt shutdowns, pesky system file errors, disk gremlins, malware invasions, or even good ol’ hardware hiccups. When Bootmgr decides to go AWOL, your system throws up the dreaded “Bootmgr Is Missing” error, leaving you stuck at square one.

The good news? Tackling this glitch isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Windows has got your back with some built-in tools to save the day. You’ve got two main options: let the Startup Repair tool do its thing automatically, or roll up your sleeves and dive into the Command Prompt for some hands-on magic.

For most folks, the Startup Repair tool is the go-to hero. It scans your system for any boot-related mishaps and tries to fix ’em up on the fly. But if that doesn’t quite do the trick, fear not! The Command Prompt is here to save the day. With a few nifty commands, you can rebuild your boot setup from scratch, bringing Bootmgr back from its mysterious vacation.

In the following sections, we’ll walk you through each method step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned tech wizard or just dipping your toes into the Windows waters, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to the “Bootmgr Is Missing” error and hello to a smooth-sailing Windows experience!

So, Let’s See How To Fix “Bootmgr Is Missing” On Windows Desktop Or Laptop

Before diving headfirst into the intricate process of fixing the Boot Manager glitch, it’s wise to run a few preliminary checks to rule out any external factors that might be contributing to the error. First things first, make sure to unplug any external storage devices connected via USB, like Flash Drives or external HDD/SSDs. These little guys could be sneaky troublemakers, potentially messing with the boot process and triggering this pesky error. Once you’ve given them the boot, restart your computer to see if the issue sticks around without them.

Next up, it’s a good idea to take a peek into your BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) settings to check on the status of your primary hard drive or SSD connection. Sometimes, a wonky drive or a loose SATA cable connection might be the culprit behind the Bootmgr error. By digging into the BIOS, you can make sure everything’s snug and secure, and address any potential hardware hiccups that might be causing the problem.

Here’s the lowdown on how to do it:

  • Restart Your Computer: First off, give your computer a reboot. As it fires back up, keep your eyes peeled for that magic key you need to press to get into the BIOS. It’s like a secret handshake; each computer brand has its own variation – look out for F2, F10, Del, or Esc usually. >> BIOS Setup: What It Is & How To Open Or Use It?
  • Enter the BIOS: Once you’ve got that key down, start mashing it during startup until you find yourself in the BIOS interface. You usually sneak in before you even see the Windows logo.bios key on boot screen
  • Navigate BIOS Menus: Inside the BIOS, it’s like a maze of menus. Use your arrow keys to navigate through. Hunt down options related to “Storage”, “Drives”, or “SATA Configuration” – they might be labeled differently depending on your BIOS flavor.
  • Check Drive Status: Now, this is where the detective work begins. Look for your main drive – the BIOS should have a list of connected drives. Make sure it’s there and listed correctly. If it’s playing hide and seek or labeled as “Not Installed”, that could spell trouble.Check HDD or SSD Connection Status In BIOS
  • Inspect SATA Connections: While you’re in there, take a peek at the SATA connections. Make sure those cables linking your drive to the motherboard are snug as a bug in a rug. Loose connections could be causing all sorts of havoc, including that pesky “Bootmgr Is Missing” message.

While you’re in the BIOS, double-check that your HDD/SSD is set as the primary boot device in the boot sequence settings. If your system is trying to boot from something else first, like a CD-ROM or a USB drive, it could throw a wrench into the works and prevent the OS files from loading properly.

  • Navigate to Boot Options: Once you’re inside the BIOS, look for the section that handles boot options or boot sequences. It might go by a different name depending on your BIOS version.
  • Check Boot Order: In the boot options menu, you’ll find a lineup of devices in the boot sequence. Make sure your HDD or SSD is sitting pretty at the top. If it’s not there, tap away on those F5 or F6 keys to bump it up to pole position.
  • Adjust Boot Priority: Some BIOS setups allow you to pick the primary boot device directly instead of rearranging the order. Find the option to choose your primary boot device and give your HDD/SSD the starring role it deserves.
  • Save Changes and Exit: Once you’ve confirmed that your HDD/SSD is leading the charge, head to the BIOS exit menu. Save your changes to the boot sequence settings and gracefully exit the BIOS stage.

By diligently running through these preliminary checks—disconnecting external devices, securing hardware connections, and tweaking boot sequence settings—you can nix any potential external factors that might be aggravating the Bootmgr error. Once you’ve squared away these initial steps, you can confidently move forward and tackle the error head-on using the troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide.

Solution #1: Using Startup Repair Utility

Fixing Boot Manager issues can be a breeze with the user-friendly Startup Repair tool, conveniently tucked away within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This handy solution is perfect for folks who like a simple, automated way to tackle common startup snags.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the most of this solution:

  1. Prepare Bootable Windows Installation Media: First things first, gather your trusty bootable Windows installation media. Whether it’s a USB flash drive or a DVD loaded with the installation files for your specific version of Windows, make sure it’s ready to roll. >> How To Make Bootable USB Flash Drive – Explained
  2. Boot from Installation Media: Pop that installation media into your computer and give it a reboot. During startup, dive into the boot menu to pick the installation media as your boot device. Just follow the on-screen cues to get things rolling. >> Quick Boot USB or CD/DVD Directly From Boot Menu: Step-By-Step Guide
  3. Access Windows Recovery Environment: Once your computer boots from the installation media, you’ll land on the Windows Setup screen. Pick your preferred language and keyboard layout, then hit up “Repair your computer” nestled in the bottom left corner.
  4. Choose Troubleshoot Option: Next up, in the window that pops up, opt for “Troubleshoot” to dive into the advanced troubleshooting options.
  5. Select Startup Repair: Now, within the Troubleshoot menu, track down and tap on the “Startup Repair” option. This nifty tool will kick into gear, scanning your system for any boot-related hiccups and working its magic to fix ’em up.
    windows 8 or windows 10 startup repair or automatic repair
    Startup repair or automatic repair option in Windows 8 or Windows 10 WinRE

    Startup repair option in Windows 7 WinRE
    Startup repair option in Windows 7 WinRE
  6. Follow On-screen Instructions: Sit back and relax as the Startup Repair utility gets to work diagnosing and repairing any issues it uncovers with your boot configuration. Just keep an eye out for any prompts on the screen, which might include the occasional computer reboot during the repair process.
  7. Completion and Verification: Once the repair job is done, give your computer another reboot and let it start up like usual. Take a peek to see if that pesky Bootmgr error has been kicked to the curb. If all goes well, your system should fire up Windows without a hitch.

Remember, it’s crucial to use the same version of Windows installation media that matches the operating system installed on your computer. Trying to repair Windows 10 with Windows 7 or 8 installation media might not yield the results you’re after and could even lead to more headaches down the line. So, always double-check compatibility between your computer’s Windows version and the installation media you’re using for repairs.

Solution #2: Manually Fixing Bootloader

When it comes to manually restoring the boot manager or bootloader via Command Prompt, the first step is getting into the CMD interface. While there are various ways to do this, the recommended and most reliable method is through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Just follow the steps mentioned above to access the WinRE.

Alternatively, you can directly open CMD by pressing the Shift + F10 keys on the setup page.

Open CMD Using Shift + F10 Key Combo on Windows Installation Setup

Moving Forward, Let’s Insert Some Commands in CMD:

Before diving into the details of restoring either the MBR or UEFI Boot Manager, the first step is to figure out which bootloader your system is using. These two boot managers operate differently, so resolving issues with each may require slightly different approaches.

To identify the boot manager type your system is using, follow these steps:

  • Open Diskpart: Launch the Command Prompt and type “diskpart”, then press Enter. This command starts the Diskpart utility, which is used for disk management tasks.
  • List Disks: Inside Diskpart, type “list disk” and press Enter. This command provides an overview of the disks connected to your system, showing details about their partitions and configurations.

Now, let’s determine if your computer is using the MBR or UEFI Boot Manager:

  • Inspect the GPT Block Section:
    • If your system uses the MBR Boot Manager, navigate to the GPT (GUID Partition Table) block section of your disk. This area should be blank.
    • Alternatively, if you see a white star on the GPT Block, it indicates that the disk is configured with the UEFI GPT Boot Manager.Checking MBR Bootloader

Once you’ve successfully accessed the CMD on your computer, the next step is to address and resolve any issues that may be lurking within the system volume. It’s important to note that, for the most part, the steps involved in this process remain consistent, encompassing routine tasks such as Steps 1, 2, and 4. However, it’s crucial to pay extra attention when you reach Step 3. This is the pivotal moment where you must execute Boot Manager-specific actions, finely tuned to align with the unique characteristics of your system.

Step 1: Identifying “Windows” and “System Reserve” Drives

In this pivotal first step of troubleshooting, our goal is to figure out which drive letters correspond to the “Windows” and “System Reserve” partitions. Here’s how to do it using Command Prompt:

  1. List Volumes:
    • Fire up CMD and type “diskpart”, then hit Enter to open the Diskpart utility.
      command 1
    • Issue the command “list vol” to generate a handy list of all volumes on your PC. This list gives you the lowdown on each drive’s attributes.
      command 2
  2. Note Down Volume Letters:
    • Write down all the volume letters you see during the “list vol” command. You’ll need these letters later to identify the “Windows” and “System Reserve” drives.
    • Once you’ve got the info you need, bid Diskpart adieu with the “exit” command.
      command 3
  3. Explore Drive Directories:
    • Methodically delve into the directories of each drive to find the files we’re after.
    • Use the command format “drive letter:” (like “c:”) to switch to the drive you want to explore, then hit Enter.
    • Type “dir /a” to reveal all the files in the drive, giving you a peek into what’s inside.command 4
  4. Identifying “System Reserve” Drive:
    • The “System Reserve” drive usually comes in a small package, typically ranging from 50 to 100 MB or sometimes up to 500 MB. This little guy is home to important bootloader files like “bootmgr” or “boot”.
    • Take a look at the contents of each drive to pinpoint the one holding these bootloader files.command 5
  5. Verifying “Windows” Drive:
    • Make sure you’re on the right track by checking each drive’s directories for a folder named “Windows”. This folder marks the main operating system drive of your computer.command 6

Step 2: Format “System Reserve” Drives

Now that we’ve pinpointed the “System Reserve” drive, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and give it a good formatting to wipe out any pesky remnants of corrupted boot manager files. This step is crucial for setting the stage for a pristine restoration of the MBR or GPT.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to format the “System Reserve” drive:

  1. Access Diskpart: Fire up Diskpart by typing the “diskpart” command in Command Prompt and hitting Enter. This nifty tool gives us some serious disk management muscle.command 7
  2. List Volumes to Find “System Reserve” Drive: Within Diskpart, type the “list vol” command to pull up a handy list of volumes on your system. This helps us spot the volume number linked with the “System Reserve” drive.command 8
  3. Select the “System Reserve” Drive: Use the “select vol {System Reserve Disk Vol No.}” command, swapping out “{System Reserve Disk Vol No.}” with the actual volume number of the “System Reserve” drive. For example, if it’s volume number 2, your command will be “select vol 2”.
  4. Format the Drive: Fire up the formatting process by typing “format fs=ntfs quick”. This command swiftly formats the “System Reserve” drive with the NTFS file system, ensuring a speedy and effective cleanup. Don’t forget to bid Diskpart farewell after formatting with the “exit” command.command 9

Step 3: Recreating and Fixing the MBR or UEFI GPT Bootloader

With the “System Reserve” drive all spruced up, it’s time to dive into the meaty task of recreating and fixing the MBR or GPT boot manager to get your system booting smoothly again. Here’s your roadmap for navigating this crucial phase:

  1. Recreating MBR Bootloader Files (Use this command if your Windows is configured with MBR with old BIOS): Enter the command “bcdboot {path to windows folder} /s {path to System Reserve drive}”. Replace “{path to windows folder}” with the actual path to the “Windows” folder, and “{path to System Reserve drive}” with the drive letter of the formatted “System Reserve” drive. For example, “bcdboot d:\windows /s c:” will do the trick. Make sure to double-check those paths for accuracy.command 10
  2. Recreating UEFI GPT Bootloader Files (Use this command if your Windows is configured with GPT with new UEFI): Input the command “bcdboot {path to windows folder} /s {path to System Reserve drive} /f UEFI”. Again, replace “{path to windows folder}” with the real path to the “Windows” folder, and “{path to System Reserve drive}” with the drive letter of the formatted “System Reserve” drive. For instance, “bcdboot d:\windows /s c: /f UEFI” gets the job done. Keep an eye on those paths!command 10.2
  3. Reconfiguring the MBR: Get things in order by running “bootrec /fixmbr” to sort out the bootmgr file and ensure a clean MBR.
  4. Reconfiguring Boot Files: Next up, run “bootrec /fixboot” to straighten out the boot files. If you encounter an “access is denied” hiccup, try this workaround; type “bootsect /nt60 sys” first, then rerun the “bootrec /fixboot” command.fixing access denied error on fixboot command
  5. Rebuilding the BCD (Boot Configuration Data): Seal the deal with “bootrec /rebuildbcd” to rebuild the BCD, making sure Windows installations are properly recognized. If CMD says “Total identified windows installation: 0”, don’t sweat it—that’ll be sorted out in the next step.command 11

By methodically following these commands, you’ll breathe new life into your MBR or GPT boot manager. The “bcdboot” command ensures those vital bootloader files find their cozy spot in the “System Reserve” drive, laying the groundwork for a successful boot.

Step 4: Finally Reactivating System Reserve MBR Bootloader Drive

In this final step of the recovery process, we’ll focus on getting the “System Reserve” MBR or GPT boot manager drive back into action. This ensures that the boot manager is active and ready to kick-start your Windows system without a hitch. Follow these steps carefully to wrap up the restoration:

  1. Accessing Diskpart: Start by launching Diskpart. Just type “diskpart” into Command Prompt (CMD) and hit Enter. This brings up the Diskpart utility, your go-to tool for disk management tasks.
  2. Listing Volumes: Once in Diskpart, issue the “list vol” command to see a list of volumes on your system. This helps us find the volume number linked with the “System Reserve” drive.
  3. Selecting the “System Reserve” Drive: Use the “select vol {Volume number of System reserve drive}” command, replacing “{Volume number of System reserve drive}” with the actual volume number of the “System Reserve” drive. For example, if it’s volume number 2, your command will be “select vol 2”.
  4. Activating the Drive: Now, let’s make things official. Type “active” to activate the selected volume. This step marks the “System Reserve” drive as the active partition, ensuring it’s ready to play its crucial role in booting up your system.
  5. Exiting Diskpart: Wrap up your Diskpart session by typing “exit” and hitting Enter. With that, you’re done interacting with Diskpart, and the “System Reserve” drive is good to go.command 12
  6. Restarting Your Computer: Now, it’s time to put your work to the test. Restart your computer to see the final result of your successful restoration efforts. With the “System Reserve” MBR or GPT bootloader drive back in action, your Windows startup should be smooth sailing.

By following these steps with meticulous precision, you ensure the thorough reinstatement of the essential components within the Master Boot Record. The outcome? The boot manager strides back into action, orchestrating the boot process with finesse. The grand finale of this procedure unfolds in the triumphant resurrection of your Windows operating system, signaling the successful resolution of MBR or GPT Boot Manager-related glitches and the complete restoration of your computer’s operational integrity. Raise the curtain on a flawlessly operational system!

Moreover, safeguarding the well-being of your MBR or GPT takes a crucial turn with the implementation of a top-notch antivirus solution. While Windows Defender and some free antivirus tools provide a basic safety net, they may not always suffice when confronted with the intricate dance of ever-evolving malware. Enter professional-grade antivirus programs. These stalwarts, renowned for their advanced threat detection capabilities, raise the bar, offering a fortified defense against the myriad of cyber threats. It’s akin to having a cybersecurity superhero on standby, safeguarding your Boot Manager’s protection!

AVAST Antivirus


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19 COMMENTS

  1. This ( your fix for a missing boot manager) doesn’t work. I built the miniXP you recommended and booted it from a USB drive. Runs Great. Thanks. BUT solution 3.2 doesn’t work. bootrec is not a recognized command. Apparently these commands don’t work outside a recovery environment, and if I could bring up an RE I wouldn’t have gone through all this…

    Am I missing something?

    • Sometimes this (3.2 solution) commands doesn’t work on some windows and in that case, I want you to use startup repair and that’s the only option which can help you to repair your windows, or otherwise use system restore if startup repair wont works.

      • I tried to install windows 7 on my pc but on installation of upto 6 %it showed error missing corrupt files and upon starting for installation i had formatted my hard disk, after that when i restared my pc it showed me bootmgr is missing .. What to do

        • Ask a friend if you could download an iso of win7 make sure it’s correct edition? Same as yours. Run a hash check on it and then if its a sound download burn it to a disc. Then to be even more reliable use universal USB creator and make a windows 7 live USB. Go into your bios on your machine make sure your pc can boot from USB then set your cd drive as first device and USB as 2nd device. Leave this as your default setting. This way you can always run either windows or Linux rescue and diagnostics discs and/or USB sticks on your machine in case you run into such issues or even completely bork your harddrive. I had the same problem as you. I used puppy Linux live cd copied all of my sensitive data off the drive onto an external drive and then reformatted the drive to “unallocated” don’t repartition it as windows is too stupid to install in this manner. It prefers to set up it’s on boot sector! So very crucial to leave it unallocated after formatting it. I couldn’t be bothered with recovery, 9 out of 10 times it fails, don’t have that kind of time to waste!!!! So I’d advise to just do as i did, get your data off, wipe the drive and reinstall windows. If you have a licence your windows should automatically reregister with this? I can’t guarantee win 7 will do this as i can only speak of experience doing this with win 10 pro!;-) good luck. All else fails, just dump windows and use Linux mint !:-)

    • The commands do work but you have to leave out the hyphens I.o.w. just type disk part and hit return. I got as far as list partitions as I deleted mine as per someone else’s instructions and created a new one. But for some strange reason I could not reinstall as error of bootmanager missing?!!! So I really don’t know what to do other than give up on windows and just run Linux on this machine, I had the feeling the day would come???!!!!!

  2. Before getting this error, it was showing me “This windows copy is not genuine” and yesterday i took apart my cpu to clean it, and since then it hasn’t started. Is it possible that not genuine windows is the cause of this error?

  3. Thanks for your help, Madhur Tj!

    In my case, my USB external hard drive was causing some sort of interference in the boot procedure. To fix, I removed the USB, launched BIOS, changed the boot order so UEFI boot was top priority (instead of CD/DVD drive), rebooted and viola. Then plugged the USB back in after another test boot and everything’s back to normal.

    Cheers again.

  4. I performed Solutions 1 through 3. Still encountered the error. On a whim, I reran the Windows Startup repair option again. It found a problem, fixed it, and the computer booted fine.

  5. I was facing the same issue that in my Macbook the bootmgr was missing due to which the hard disk was not working properly and this problem was solved by the tips you have provided and also by contacting Apple iPad Support.

  6. There are so many ways to fix the BOOTMGR Is missing error if your computer or laptop is facing which are windows based.here we have seen a solution to fix it on windows.there are also many more ways to fix it.you may know those in detail.It will really prevent your computer to be affected or crashed down.

  7. I like the way you mention the good points about to Fix Bootmgr Is Missing Error On Windows Desktop Or Laptop. here i seen some good solution to fix it. keep updating such type of information.

  8. I was facing this issue since very long. Thanks for posting this solution with us. looking forward for some more informative post. keep sharing.

  9. be sure upload an antivirus for secure your device and many things related to security have discussed so read carefully and follow them. really great post with the best information.

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