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How to Fix Boot Configuration Data Store Errors in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Boot Configuration Data (BCD) errors in Windows 11 can prevent your computer from starting correctly. These errors often appear during startup and can be caused by corrupted files or incorrect system settings. Fixing BCD errors is essential to restore your PC’s normal boot process.

This guide will walk you through simple and clear steps to troubleshoot and fix BCD errors. No advanced technical knowledge is needed, and each step is explained carefully to help you understand what to do and why.

Following these instructions will help you get your Windows 11 system back up and running without unnecessary confusion. Let’s begin with some quick notes before diving into the fixes.

Remember, taking your time and following each step exactly will increase your chances of success.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before you begin fixing Boot Configuration Data errors, make sure to check a few things:

  • Have a Windows 11 installation media or recovery drive ready. You will need this to access repair tools if your system cannot boot normally.
  • Back up important files, if possible. Some repair steps can risk data loss, so it’s best to save your important documents beforehand.
  • Know your Windows version. These steps apply specifically to Windows 11, but most also work for Windows 10.
  • Have basic computer skills. You will be using command prompt commands, but don’t worry — instructions will be simple and clear.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Try Automatic Repair

Sometimes, Windows automatically detects boot issues and attempts a repair on its own. Here’s how to trigger that manually:

  1. Turn off your PC completely by holding the power button.
  2. Turn it on and as soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button again to force shut down.
  3. Repeat this process 2-3 times. On the third restart, Windows should enter Automatic Repair mode.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows try to fix the boot errors automatically.

This step is important because Windows can sometimes fix minor BCD issues without further intervention.

Step 2: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to Repair BCD

If automatic repair doesn’t work, you need to access Windows Recovery Environment and use command prompt commands to fix BCD manually.

Access WinRE

  1. Insert your Windows 11 installation USB or DVD, then restart your PC.
  2. Press the appropriate key to boot from USB/DVD (usually F12, F2, ESC, or DEL depending on your PC).
  3. When the Windows Setup screen appears, click Next, then click Repair your computer at the bottom left.
  4. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Rebuild the BCD Store

In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one. Press Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Explanation of each command:

  • bootrec /fixmbr – Repairs the Master Boot Record, which is essential for starting your system.
  • bootrec /fixboot – Writes a new boot sector to the system partition.
  • bootrec /scanos – Scans all disks for Windows installations not currently in the BCD.
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd – Rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data store completely.

If bootrec /fixboot returns an “Access is denied” message, try the following command to fix the EFI partition:

bootsect /nt60 sys

After running these commands, type exit and press Enter. Then restart your computer.

Step 3: Use System File Checker and Disk Check

Sometimes corrupted system files or disk errors cause BCD problems. Running System File Checker and disk checks can help fix these issues.

  1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (as shown in Step 2) and open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C: /offwindir=C:Windows

This command scans your Windows files for corruption and repairs them.

  1. Next, run a disk check to fix bad sectors:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x

Here, C: represents your system drive. Adjust if your Windows is installed on another letter.

After these scans finish, restart your PC and check if the problem is resolved.

Step 4: Reset or Repair Windows 11

If BCD errors persist, you can try resetting Windows or performing an in-place repair, which reinstalls Windows without deleting your personal files.

Reset This PC

  1. Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC in WinRE.
  2. Choose Keep my files to preserve your data but reinstall Windows system files.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

In-Place Upgrade Repair

Alternatively, if you can boot into Windows, download the Windows 11 installation media tool from Microsoft’s website. Run the setup and choose the option to upgrade while keeping your files and apps. This process repairs system files including BCD without deleting data.

Alternative and Advanced Methods

If the above steps don’t work, you can try these advanced options:

  • Manually recreate BCD store: Use bcdedit commands after backing up the current BCD file.
  • Use third-party recovery tools: Some tools specialize in repairing boot errors.
  • Check hardware: Faulty drives or loose cables can cause boot issues. Run diagnostics on your hard drive and check physical connections.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes Boot Configuration Data errors in Windows 11?

BCD errors can be caused by corrupted system files, failed updates, malware, hardware issues, or improper shutdowns.

Can I fix BCD errors without installation media?

Sometimes Windows automatic repair can help without media. However, having bootable USB or DVD is recommended for full repair options.

Will fixing BCD errors delete my files?

Most BCD repair steps do not affect your personal files. However, resetting or reinstalling Windows may risk data loss, so backup is important.

What if I get “Access is denied” during repair commands?

This usually relates to EFI partition permissions. Running bootsect /nt60 sys often resolves this.

How can I prevent BCD errors in the future?

Regularly update Windows, avoid abrupt shutdowns, and periodically check your disk health to reduce the risk of boot errors.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above solutions fix your Boot Configuration Data errors, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support or your PC manufacturer’s helpdesk for professional assistance.
  • Consult the official Microsoft Recovery Guide: Windows Recovery Options.
  • Consider professional data recovery services if your data is critical and inaccessible.
  • As a last resort, perform a clean Windows installation after backing up all data.

Conclusion

Fixing Boot Configuration Data errors in Windows 11 is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Starting with simple automatic repair and moving to command prompt fixes ensures you cover all common issues. Running system checks and considering resets or repairs can restore your system without losing data.

Always keep recovery media ready and back up your files regularly to avoid data loss in case of boot problems. With patience and careful following of this guide, you can resolve BCD errors and get back to using your PC smoothly.

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