Windows 10 is a powerful operating system, but like any software, it comes with its own set of challenges. One common issue users face is the “Access is denied” error when attempting to run the /fixboot command from an administrator Command Prompt. The bootrec command is a vital tool in the Windows 10 boot configuration toolkit, but it can sometimes present the frustrating and cryptic error: “/fixboot Access is denied.” This guide will walk you through effective solutions to fix this problem and get your computer up and running quickly!
Understanding Bootrec /fixboot Command: What It Is and How It Works
Microsoft provides the Bootrec utility to help users resolve boot-related issues. When your PC fails to boot, Windows automatically launches the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE), where you can access various recovery options such as Startup Repair and Command Prompt to fix your system.
If there’s a problem with these recovery tools, your computer may not be able to recover from boot errors. One common and frustrating issue is the “Bootrec /fixboot Access is denied” error, which is often linked to problems with the Master Boot Record (MBR). The MBR is a vital component of every hard disk partition, and if it becomes corrupted or damaged, your PC may fail to boot into Windows.
In these cases, you might come across error messages such as “fixboot access denied” or “Windows 10 fixboot access denied.” However, don’t worry—there are solutions available to resolve this issue and get your system back up and running.
How to Resolve the Bootrec /fixboot Access is Denied Error
In this section, we will guide you through multiple methods to resolve the Bootrec /fixboot Access is denied error on Windows 10.
Method 1: Run Startup Repair
Before diving into more complicated solutions, try using the Startup Repair tool, which can quickly fix most booting issues.
Follow these steps to run Startup Repair:
- Reboot your computer and immediately press the F8 key while the boot screen is visible to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). On some devices, you may also need to hold the Fn (Function) key. Tip: If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work, turn your computer on and off about three times. This will force the system to boot into the repair environment automatically.
- Once you’re in WinRE, select Troubleshoot from the available options. This allows access to various tools designed to repair your computer without needing to boot into Windows.
- On the next screen, click Advanced options.
- From the Advanced options menu, select Startup Repair. This tool will automatically diagnose and attempt to fix issues preventing Windows 10 from booting correctly.
- Your computer will now reboot and begin Startup Repair. When the menu loads, choose your local user account.
- Enter your local account password (or leave the field empty if you don’t have one) and click Continue.
- Allow Windows to detect any issues with startup. If problems are found, you’ll be given options on how to proceed with fixing them.
Using Startup Repair can resolve many common boot issues related to Bootrec /fixboot Access is denied.
Method 2: Recreate EFI Structure and Reconfigure Boot Files to Fix Access Denied Error
If you’re facing the Bootrec /fixboot Access is Denied error, re-creating the EFI structure and reconfiguring your boot files might help resolve the issue. This process involves advanced steps, so follow the guide carefully.
- Reboot your computer and hold the F8 key on your keyboard while the boot screen is visible to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). On some devices, you may need to press the Fn (Function) key as well. Tip: If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work, turn your computer on and off about three times. This will force WinRE to load automatically.
- Once in WinRE, you will see the Automatic Repair screen. Click on the Advanced options button.
- From the Advanced options menu, select Troubleshoot.
- Navigate to Advanced options > Command Prompt. This will open a Command Prompt window where you can run various commands to fix the issue.
- Enter the following two commands one by one and hit Enter after each:
> diskpart > list disk
- Next, type the following commands, making sure to replace the highlighted part with your specific details:
> select disk [disk number] > list volNote: Replace “disk number” with the disk where Windows is installed (typically “Disk 0” for most users).
- Identify your EFI partition, which usually has around 100MB of storage and is formatted in FAT32. After identifying the correct partition, type:
> select vol [volume number]Replace “[volume number]” with the volume number of the EFI partition. - Next, execute the following command to assign a letter to the EFI partition:
> assign letter=N:
- Now, execute the following commands in order:
> exit > N: > bcdboot C:\windows /s N: /f UEFIThis will repair your bootloader and configure the EFI partition.
- After completing these steps, your computer should restart. Click Continue and check if the error is resolved.
Method 3: Run the CHKDSK Command to Fix Boot Issues
Running the CHKDSK command can help fix disk errors that might be causing the Bootrec /fixboot Access is denied issue. The CHKDSK utility scans your disk for errors and repairs them, which could resolve the problem.
- Reboot your computer and hold the F8 key while the boot screen is visible to enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). On some devices, you might need to hold the Fn (function) key as well. Tip: If the shortcut doesn’t work, keep turning your computer on and off about three times to force WinRE to load automatically.
- From the Choose an option screen, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /rThis command will check and repair any disk errors on your C: drive. - Wait for the scan to finish and follow any on-screen instructions to fix the issues.
Method 4: Rebuild the BCD (Boot Configuration Data)
If running CHKDSK doesn’t resolve the error, try rebuilding the BCD (Boot Configuration Data). This method has helped many users fix the “Bootrec /fixboot Access is denied” issue.
- Reboot your computer and hold the F8 key to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Again, use the Fn key on some devices. Tip: If the shortcut doesn’t work, turn your computer on and off about three times to force WinRE to start.
- From the Choose an option screen, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /rebuildbcdbootrec /fixmbrbootrec /fixboot- These commands rebuild the BCD, fix the MBR (Master Boot Record), and repair the boot sector.
4. After completing these steps, check if the “Access is denied” error returns.
Method 5: Recover Your Files Before Reinstalling Windows
If none of the above methods work, you may need to recover your files and consider reinstalling Windows. Use file recovery software to retrieve important data. Free options like AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard or premium software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro can help.
Final Thoughts
If you still have questions or issues after following the steps above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts for help. For more tech articles and troubleshooting guides, visit our Blog and check out our Help Center for in-depth support.
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