How to Rebuild the BCD in Windows

This article explains how to rebuild the BCD.

These instructions apply to Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista.

If you’re using Windows 7 or Windows Vista, startSystem Recovery Options.

In Windows 11/10/8, selectAdvanced options.

Command Promptwon’t start immediately.

your rig will show a “Preparing” screen for a short time while it readies the computer.

If Command Prompt asks for your account name and password, provide those details.

You should see one of the following messages at thecommand line.

Option 1

If you see that message, move on to Step 7.

That’s fine; you’ll just need to take a few extra steps to rebuild the BCD.

Finish up with Step 10 toward the bottom of the page.

There’s no need to specify a file extension.

Those attributes restricted the actions you could take on the file.

Now that they’re gone, you could manipulate the file more freely (specifically, rename it).

You could delete the BCD file entirely since you’re about to create a new one.

Try rebuilding the BCD again.

At theAdd installation to boot list?question, typeYorYes, followed by theEnterkey.

You should see this on the screen to show that the BCD rebuild is complete:

reboot your machine.

Assuming that an issue with the BCD store was the only problem, Windows should start as expected.

If you still have issues, use theDiskpart commandto make your Windows installation the active drive.