How to Fix BOOTMGR is missing error in Windows 10?

A stubborn error “BOOTMGR is missing” pop up on your display when your system is malfunctioning or facing some real problems, or some files are corrupted or missing. Despite pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del button simultaneously to restart the system the error pop up again on the screen. Let’s understand in detail what happens when the error occurs.

What is BOOTMGR?

BOOTMGR is a short form for Windows Boot Manager which is a software and usually runs on volume boot code. Usually, the BOOTMGR file is a read-only file where no changes can be done it is usually placed in the boot directory of the partition and is set in the active mode. Majorly it plays a crucial role in starting the Windows operating system by reading the boot configuration data and displaying the Windows system selection menu.

What BOOTMGR is Missing Error depicts?

Usually, the BOOTMGR issue occurs shortly after the system is turned on, shortly after the Power On Self Test (POST) is complete.

When this error occurs, Windows has originally commenced loading. You may encounter the message as shown below:

“BOOTMGR is missing. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart”

In addition, you may get various messages like

“BOOTMGR is missing. Press any key to restart“

“CDBOOT: Couldn’t find BOOTMGR“.

Why BOOTMGR is Missing Error in Windows occurs?

There are a lot of possible causes for BOOTMGR errors, including the most common “BOOTMGR is missing” error message. However, based on our research and the users’ comment I have summarised some most common reasons for this issue that are as follows:

Corrupt and misconfigured files.
Hard drive and operating system upgrade issues.
Corrupt hard drive sectors.
Outdated BIOS
Damaged or loose hard drive interface cables
Trying to boot from a non-bootable source
Virus or Malware intrusion

How to Fix BOOTMGR is Missing Error in Windows?

There are few solutions listed below with images with that the “BOOTMGR is missing” error can be fixed. Keep reading!

Restart your Computer

Though it is the most common solution to see, however, it can fix many of the issues which are just a fluke. So whenever your Windows computer shows you “BOOTMGR is missing, please try to restart your PC by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del keys or any key”, first you just need to follow what the error message suggests.

Sometimes, a restart may not be able to solve the BOOTMGR problem. You can try the next method to fix the issue.

Disconnect all external media or non-bootable devices

The next troubleshooting method one can try is disconnecting all external media connected to your USB, Flash drive or optical drive. As the system will start booting the system by reading these external media which are non-bootable media.

Once the USB or Floppy are disconnected restart the PC and look out for the error.

Check all the internal data and power cables

As we have already discussed, Bootmgr is missing error might be caused by loose or unplugged cables or unplugged controller. There are chances of hard disk cables hanging loose or not connected properly to the motherboard. Just power off your computer and cut off the power supply and open the PC case. Check the cables of the hard drives are connected properly.

Set your hard disk as the first boot device

Sometimes the hard disk is not set to first in the boot menu and that can create this error. To set the hard disk as the first boot device follow these steps:

Press Ctrl+Alt+Del keys altogether to restart your computer.

Once you see the logo of your PC, press F12 continuously to enter into the boot menu. The boot menu can vary from system to system. So the key to enter into the boot menu can be different, usually, it’s F2, F8, F10, F12, Esc or Del. You can consult the manufacturer of your PC in case of doubt.

Here, under the Boot tab, press up and down arrow keys ↑ or ↓ to select your correct boot volume. Mostly it should be Hard Disk or Hard Drive.

Lastly press + or – keys to shift your boot drive on the top to act as the first boot device.

Press F10 to save the settings changed and then press Esc to exit the boot menu.

Your computer will automatically boot and check for the error.

Changing the BOOT order from BIOS

Once the BOOTMGR is Missing error appears on the screen press Ctrl+Alt+Del key altogether to restart the computer.

Once the system’s logo appears to start pressing F12 or F2 or F8 or F10 or Esc or Del key continuously to get in the boot menu. The key to getting into the BOOT menu varies for different computer manufacturers. Consult before hitting the key.

Navigate to Boot tab and scroll up and down arrow to select the Hard disk option and press F10 to save the changes and exit the window. Restart the computer it will run normally.

Run the Startup Repair without CD/DVD

Windows start repair program can help in replacing the missing or corrupted file. To run a Windows repair program press F8 key several times during the booting process to enter into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options> Startup Repair option.

This might help in resolving the issue.

Run the Startup Repair with CD

If the above methods not worked for you, you can try running startup repair using a CD (Windows installation disc). To do so follow these steps:

Insert the Windows install CD and restart your computer and boot from the CD.

Just press any key when you see the “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message on your computer screen.

Click on the option Repair your computer.

Select your preferred language, time and keyboard method.

Select the preferred drive of your Windows installation and click Next. Usually, it is C:\.
Select StartupRepair and wait for the process to accomplish.

Run System Restore

This method will work only if you have already enabled System Restore on your Windows. Follow these steps for restoring your computer using System Restore:

Insert the Windows Installation Disc and restart your computer and boot from the disc.

Just press a key when “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message appears on your computer screen.

Select the language, time, and the keyboard method and click on the option Repair your computer.

Select the preferred drive of your Windows installation and click Next. Usually, it is C:\ and Click on Next.

$Select the preferred drive of your Windows installation and click Next. Usually, it is C:\ and Click on Next.$

Now, select System Restore from the System Recovery Options box and follow the on-screen System Restore wizard to select a restore point.
Click Finish and Restore your PC.

Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data using bootrec.exe

Insert the Windows 10 installation CD and restart the computer.

When the message pop-up “Press any key to boot from the CD or DVD“. The system will start booting through the installation CD.

Select “Repair your computer” from the menu once the language, time and keyboard method is set.

Navigate to Windows installation drive of your preference usually, it is c:\ and then hit the Next button and select the Command prompt option.
Type the bootrec /rebuildbcd command in the window and hit enter to run the program.

Conclusion

The bottom line of this entire tutorial is to guide you the easiest solution for solving the BOOTMGR is missing error manually by following each troubleshooting method one after the other until the error is fixed. Let us know in the comment section which method worked for you? Wanna some more Devicetricks? Stay tuned to this space to get the latest updates on errors related to Windows, macOS, and Android.

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