4 Ways to Fix Bootrec /Fixboot “Access Is Denied” Error

Just follow the steps outlines below

Thebootrec /fixboot access is deniederror in Windows is a frustrating error that occurs when you’re trying to resolve problems with your boot configuration data. If you’re at this stage, then your PC is probably already refusing to boot—that’s a problem that you’ll need to resolve.

To fix the bootrec /fixboot access is denied error, follow the steps below.

What Causes the Bootrec /Fixboot Access Is Denied Error?

The bootrec /fixboot access is denied error has a few different causes.

In most cases, there’s a simple reason for it—you’re probably using the wrong command. On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the typical boot loader in use is an EFI (or Extensible Firmware Interface) boot loader. This doesn’t support the use of bootrec /fixboot to fix boot problems.

If you’re using anolder, legacy Master Boot Record, however, it does. Unfortunately, data about this is often confusing online, so it’s important to figure this out before you proceed with trying to repair your boot data, which can (and likely will) stop your PC from working.

If you’re searching for this problem, however, then it’s possible that you already have damaged or corrupted boot configuration data (or BCD). If your BCD data gets compromised, it can directly affect the boot process and generate an error.

It’s important to note that hardware issues can also cause problems—in particular, a failing hard drive. If the drive containing your Windows installation is failing, for example, this can cause data corruption and prevent your PC from booting up. You’ll need tocheck your hard drive healthbefore you proceed.

Use Startup Repair on Windows

If you’re searching for information on the bootrec /fixboot “access is denied” error in Windows, we’ll assume that you’re having trouble booting up your PC.

If that’s the case, you can use the built-inStartup Repairtool (also known as theAutomatic Repairtool) to resolve it. This tool can fix problems that prevent Windows from loading properly.

Once completed, restart your computer and check if it boots up correctly. If the issue persists, you’ll need to try a different method.

Use Diskpart

Diskpartis a command-line utility in Windows that helps you manage disks, partitions, and volumes. It’s a good idea to use diskpart to check that all of your drives and volumes are accessible (including your boot drives) as this may prevent your PC from booting.

You can also use diskpart to delete the existing EFI partition and format it—this should allow you to run the necessary commands to restore your boot configuration files afterward. However, formatting this partitionwill prevent your PC from booting(if it isn’t already), so we’d advise caution before you proceed.

Make sure that you havebacked up your dataas working with diskpart can potentially lead to data loss if it isn’t used carefully. You’ll also need a USB drive or DVD with the Windows installation media to proceed.

Rebuild BCD Using Bootrec and Bcdboot

If you’ve formatted your EFI partition, you should be able to run the bootrec command and restore your boot configuration data (BCD) to it. However, there are three things to note before you begin.

These steps assume that you’re using an EFI bootloader rather than the Master Boot Record (MBR), which hasdifferent steps to followif you need to restore it. This is the default configuration for Windows 10 and 11 PCs.

You’ll also need to know the correct drive letters for your main system partition (containing your Windows installation) and your EFI partition. You can follow the steps above using the diskpart command to help you determine this.

Finally, these instructions will only work for users running Windows 11 (all versions) and Windows 10 version 1709 and later.

Reinstall Windows

If all else fails, and you’re sure that your drive is working properly, you’ll need to consider a more drastic option—reinstalling Windows entirely. This means reinstalling Windows over your existing partition data using Windows installation media.

If you decide to reinstall Windows, you’ll see a fresh configuration (including boot loader) applied to your drive. This should resolve any boot issues, including the bootrec /fixboot access is denied error (which you shouldn’t need to run afterward).

Before you start, remember to create a backup of your important files and data, as repairing or reinstalling Windows may potentially lead to data loss.

To reinstall Windows:

Once the installation is complete, Windows should boot up normally, resolving any boot issues you had previously.

Maintaining Windows 11

For most users with a recent Windows PC, you’ll need to bypass the bootrec /fixboot access is denied error and consider a better option for repairing your bootloader. However, if you’re using an older MBR, or you still can’t recover your PC, you’ll need to consider reinstalling Windows entirely instead.

Run into other problems? You don’t need a fresh installation—you can always tryrepairing Windows 11with a bunch of built-in tools and troubleshooters instead.

Ben Stockton is a freelance technology writer based in the United Kingdom. In a past life, Ben was a college lecturer in the UK, training teens and adults. Since leaving the classroom, Ben has taken his teaching experience and applied it to writing tech how-to guides and tutorials, specialising in Linux, Windows, and Android. He has a degree in History and a postgraduate qualification in Computing.Read Ben’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved