How to Fix "BOOTMGR is Missing" Error in Windows 10

BOOTMGR, short for Boot Manager, is a program that loads the Windows operating system into your computer’s memory. When you turn on your computer, the BIOS looks for the BOOTMGR program on your hard drive and executes it, allowing Windows to start.

However, sometimes the BOOTMGR program can become corrupted, damaged or missing, which leads to the error message “BOOTMGR is missing” appearing on your screen. This error message indicates that your computer cannot boot into Windows, and as a result, you cannot use your computer until you fix the problem.

Fixing the BOOTMGR error is essential because it prevents you from accessing your computer and your files. In this guide, we will discuss the various methods to fix the BOOTMGR is missing error in Windows 10.

Causes of the BOOTMGR Error

Several factors can cause the BOOTMGR is missing error in Windows 10. These include:

Corrupt or missing system files: If the BOOTMGR program or other critical system files become corrupted or missing, your computer may not be able to boot into Windows.
Damaged hard drive or disk errors: Physical damage to your hard drive or disk errors can prevent your computer from accessing the BOOTMGR program or other system files.
Incorrect BIOS settings: If the BIOS settings are incorrect, your computer may not be able to locate the BOOTMGR program or may not be able to boot from the correct drive.
Boot order issues: If the boot order is incorrect, your computer may be trying to boot from a non-bootable drive or device, causing the BOOTMGR is missing error to appear.

Methods to Fix BOOTMGR is Missing in Windows 10

Here are several methods you can try to fix the BOOTMGR is missing error in Windows 10:

Method 1: Use Windows Startup Repair

Insert the Windows installation media and boot from it
Select your language preferences, then click on “Repair your computer”
Choose the “Troubleshoot” option, then “Advanced options” and select “Startup Repair”
Follow the prompts to complete the repair process

Method 2: Rebuild the BCD

Boot from the Windows installation media
Choose “Repair your computer,” then “Troubleshoot,” and “Command Prompt”
Type “bootrec /scanos” and press Enter
Type “bootrec /rebuildbcd” and press Enter
Follow the prompts to complete the process

Method 3: Check and Repair the Hard Drive

Boot from the Windows installation media
Choose “Repair your computer,” then “Troubleshoot,” and “Command Prompt”
Type “chkdsk C: /f /r” and press Enter (replace “C” with your drive letter)
Wait for the scan to finish and follow the prompts to repair any errors found

Method 4: Fix the Master Boot Record (MBR)

Boot from the Windows installation media
Choose “Repair your computer,” then “Troubleshoot,” and “Command Prompt”
Type “bootrec /fixmbr” and press Enter
Type “bootrec /fixboot” and press Enter
Type “bootrec /rebuildbcd” and press Enter
Follow the prompts to complete the process

Method 5: Change the Boot Order in BIOS

Restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS setup (usually F2, F10 or Del)
Navigate to the “Boot” tab and change the boot order to prioritize the correct drive or device that contains Windows
Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup

Prevention Tips

To prevent the BOOTMGR is missing error from occurring in the future, you can follow these tips:

Keep your system updated with the latest Windows updates and security patches
Regularly backup important files and data
Avoid installing unreliable or untrusted software
Be cautious when modifying BIOS settings, and only make changes if you know what you’re doing.

Conclusion

The BOOTMGR is missing error can be frustrating, but with these methods, you should be able to fix the issue and regain access to your computer.