14 Best Tips & Tricks to Fix Windows 11 Bootloader

Is your Windows 11 PC refusing to boot after the recent software update? As terrible as this issue sounds, it’s actually a classic problem that has existed on the Windows landscape for ages. Frankly speaking, I have also had a few encounters with it during my long PC journey. Based on my personal experience and the solutions that have always rescued me, I would like to share the 14 best tips and tricks to fix the Windows 11 bootloader. Read on to…

How to Fix Windows 11 Bootloader Like a Pro

So, what causes the bootloader issue on Windows 11? Well, it’s mainly due to a corrupted or missing bootloader. For those uninitiated, it’s designed to load the operating system efficiently. That’s the reason why when it goes out of track or starts malfunctioning, your PC tends to throw a number of dreading errors like “Operating System Not Found”, “Boot Device Not Found”, or a black screen with no response.

Fixing the Windows 11 bootloader requires a variety of solutions, ranging from simple restarts to advanced command-line repairs. Having said that, let’s get started with the guide without any delay!

1. Restart Your PC

Never overlook a simple restart as it can sometimes fix boot issues caused by minor glitches. For those unaware, restarting forces your Windows device to reinitialize system processes, which may sort out temporary problems.

• To get going, press the Power button to turn off your PC.
• Now, make sure to wait 10-15 seconds, then press the Power button again.
• If your PC still doesn’t boot, be sure to try a force shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds before restarting.

3. Check Boot Order in BIOS

If your PC is set to boot from the wrong drive, it may fail to load Windows. The boot order should be set correctly in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

• Turn off your PC and turn it back on.
• Press the BIOS key (commonly F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) repeatedly as the PC starts.
• Navigate to Boot Order/Boot Priority settings.
• Ensure your primary system drive (HDD/SSD) is listed as the first boot device.
• Save changes and restart the PC.

2. Disconnect External Devices

It’s worth pointing out that external devices like USB drives, external hard disks, or connected peripherals can sometimes interfere with the boot process. If Windows is trying to boot from the wrong device, it can cause boot failure.

• Therefore, turn off your PC and unplug all external devices, including USB drives, external SSDs, and printers.
• Restart the PC and check if Windows boots normally.

4. Use Automatic Repair

Windows 11 comes with a robust built-in Startup Repair tool that you can use to automatically detect and fix bootloader issues on your PC.

• To take advantage of the auto repair feature, you need to first turn off your PC and press the power button to turn it on.
• As soon as Windows starts loading, make sure to press and hold the Power button to force shutdown.
• After that, you have to repeat this three times until you enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• Then, click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• Next up, run through the on-screen instructions to complete the repair.

5. Run Bootrec Commands to Repair the Bootloader

The Bootrec utility is highly effective in fixing Master Boot Record (MBR), Boot Configuration Data (BCD), and boot sector errors. Therefore, it would be great to run the Bootrec commands in order to repair the bootloader.

• To start off, boot into Windows Recovery Mode using a bootable USB or recovery media.
• Now, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
• Up next, be sure to run the following commands one by one:
  • bootrec /fixmbr → Repairs the MBR.
  • bootrec /fixboot → Fixes the boot sector.
  • bootrec /scanos → Scans for installed operating systems.
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd → Rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data.
• After running these commands, you have to restart your PC and check if it resolves the problem.

6. Use CHKDSK to Fix Drive Errors

It’s secret that disk errors can make life rather difficult for Windows and prevent it from booting correctly. So, make full use of CHKDSK to scan and repair bad sectors or corrupted file structures.

• To get started, boot into Command Prompt from Windows Recovery.
• After that, type: chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter.
• Next, you need to wait for the scan to complete, then restart the PC.

7. Run SFC and DISM Commands

If system files have been corrupt, running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) will prove to be the well-timed solution.

• On your PC, head over to the Command Prompt in Windows Recovery Mode.
• Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

• After completion, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
• Restart your PC.

8. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Using bcdedit

If the BCD is missing or corrupted on your Windows device, rebuilding it can let you resolve the boot issues.

• To get it done, bring up the Command Prompt from Windows Recovery Mode.
• Type: mathematicabcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup attrib C:\Boot\BCD -h -r -s del C:\Boot\BCD bootrec /rebuildbcd
• Having run the command, restart your PC.

9. Set the Correct Partition as Active

Keep in mind that if the system partition is not set as active on your PC, Windows won’t boot.

• Fire up the Command Prompt in Recovery Mode.
• Now, you need to type: diskpart list disk select disk 0 list partition select partition 1 (or the partition where Windows is installed) active exit
• Once you have successfully run through the above command, do not forget to restart the PC to force the change come into effect.

10. Enable CSM or UEFI in BIOS

Be warned that a mismatch between BIOS settings and disk partitioning (MBR/GPT) can cause boot failure on your PC.

• To do so, enter BIOS/UEFI Settings.
• Now, locate the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) and enable it if using MBR.
• If you are using GPT, be sure to activate the UEFI mode instead.
• In the end, make sure to save your settings and restart your device.

11. Restore Windows Using System Restore

Did the bootloader problem start right after the recent Windows 11 update? If you are nodding in the affirmative, it would be apt to roll back Windows to a previous restore point as this solution might help sort out this frustrating issue.

• To get going, be sure to boot into Windows Recovery Mode.
• Now, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
• After that, choose a restore point and follow the on-screen instructions.

12. Check and Repair Windows Bootloader Using bcdboot

It’s important to mention that the bcdboot command allows you to recreate boot files. Therefore, I’d recommend you check and repair the Windows bootloader with the help of the bcdboot.

• On your PC, launch the Command Prompt from Windows Recovery Mode.
• Now, type: bcdboot C:\Windows /s C: > press Enter.
• Once you have run the command without any glitches, restart your PC.

14. Perform a Clean Windows 11 Installation

Should the bootloader continue to malfunction on your PC, now is the right time to perform a clean Windows 11 installation.

• First off, you have to create a Windows 11 bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool.
• After that, you need to boot from the USB and select Custom Installation.
• Next, make sure to format the system partition and reinstall Windows.

13. Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Data

If nothing has worked in restoring life back to the Windows 11 bootloader, resetting your PC may be the best option.

• To get going, you need to boot into Windows Recovery Mode.
• After that, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
• Next, select Keep my files and go through the on-screen instructions.

Wrapping up…

There you go! Fixing a Windows 11 bootloader requires a systematic approach, starting with simple solutions like restarting and checking BIOS settings, then moving to advanced fixes like running Bootrec commands, repairing the BCD, and using CHKDSK. If all else fails, resetting or reinstalling Windows can restore your system. These methods ensure that your PC can boot properly without losing essential data. Try them in order and let us know which one worked for you!