Why is the boot configuration data missing on Windows 10, and how can I fix it?
Why is the boot configuration data missing on Windows 10, and how can I fix it?
3 Answers

Oh, the \”Boot Configuration Data is missing\” error message on Windows 10? It\’s a real headache! Basically, it means your system is throwing a tantrum because it can’t find the boot data it needs to start up. Somewhere along the line, the file that tells your computer how to boot up—known as the BCD (Boot Configuration Data)—got misplaced. Usually, this crucial bit of info is tucked away in a special section of your hard drive.
Let’s dig into a few common culprits behind this issue and figure out how you can get your PC back on track:
- Bad Shutdowns or Messing with BIOS Settings: Sometimes, shutting down your computer the hard way (like pressing the power button) can mess with the boot data. Tinkering with BIOS settings without really knowing what you’re doing might also lead to trouble.
The Fix: Grab your Windows 10 installation media (that’s the fancy name for the USB or DVD with Windows on it). Boot from it, and follow these steps:
- Pick \”Repair your computer\” -> \”Troubleshoot\” -> \”Command Prompt.\”
- In the Command Prompt, type each of these lines one by one:
bootrec /rebuildbcd bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot
- Disk Problems: If your disk partitions are messed up—maybe because the partitions got shuffled around or deleted—your computer might not know where to look for the boot data.
The Fix: For those using UEFI, you might need to create a new partition:
- Use a tool like DiskGenius to create a 300MB FAT32 partition.
- In Command Prompt, use:
bcdboot C:\\Windows /s F: /f uefi /l zh-cn
- Remember, swap out “F:” with the letter of the drive you\’ve just created.
- Files Gone Bad: Sometimes key files are corrupted, and that\’s a one-way ticket to BCD problems.
The Fix: You\’ll need to boot your computer from the installation media again:
- Open Command Prompt and run these commands:
diskpart list vol bcdboot C:\\Windows /s S: /f ALL
- Recovery Mode Mix-ups: If your recovery settings are out of whack, your BCD might not point to the right place.
The Fix: Check if everything’s set up right with:
- Use:
reagentc /info
- Turn on WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) if it\’s off:
- Sort out any misdirected BCD entries:
reagentc /enable
bcdedit /set {current} recoverysequence {recovery-GUID}
If all this sounds too much, here are some quick options:
- Reset Your PC: If you can boot up, head to Settings -> Update & Security -> Recovery -> \”Reset this PC\” to refresh everything safely.
- Third-party Tools: If you\’ve got a tool like MiniTool Partition Wizard, it can guide you through the mountain of tech-talk.
A word of advice: stop messing with BIOS/UEFI unless you know what you\’re doing. And don’t forget to back up your BCD with something like:
bcdedit /export C:\\BCD_Backup
Storing backup on a USB stick can save your skin one day.
And finally, if this keeps happening, you could have a hardware hiccup—your hard drive might be on its way out, folks! So, a health check might be in order.

Let\’s get you sorted with that annoying \’Boot Configuration Data is missing\’ error on your Windows 10. This issue can really mess up your day, but don\’t worry, we\’ve got a straightforward fix for you. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help you out.
First things first, when your PC throws this error, it usually means your BCD file, which Windows needs to boot, has gone rogue. Maybe it’s corrupted or just plain missing. This can happen because of random power outages, hardware glitches, or even a sneaky virus.
So, to get started fixing this, you\’ll need a bootable Windows installation media—something like a USB or DVD. Go grab the official Windows 10 media creation tool from Microsoft, and whip up that bootable media. Pop it into your computer, and restart it while pressing F12 (or whatever key lets your PC know you mean business and want to boot from the USB).
Alright, now let\’s dive into rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data. You\’ll have a few options to get this done but stick with me here.
For the first method, use the Command Prompt.
- On the Windows Setup screen, pick your language and hit \’Next.\’
- Then, tap \’Repair your computer,\’ go to \’Troubleshoot,\’ and select \’Advanced options\’ and \’Command Prompt.\’
- Type in each of these commands, pressing Enter after each:
- bootrec /fixmbr — This one fixes any busted boot info.
- bootrec /fixboot — This writes a new boot sector for good measure.
- bootrec /scanos — Use this to snuff out any Windows installations flying under the radar.
- bootrec /rebuildbcd — This puts the whole BCD back in shape by adding the found installations.
If you run into an \’access is denied\’ hiccup, try these commands:
- bcdedit /export C:\\BCD_Backup
- cd /d C:\\boot
- attrib bcd -s -h -r
- ren C:\\boot\\bcd bcd.old
- bootrec /rebuildbcd
Cross your fingers, restart your PC, and see if Windows behaves itself. Another way to fix the error is using \’Startup Repair.\’ Get back in there with the bootable media, and follow those familiar settings till you pick \’Startup Repair.\’ The system will do its thing, attempting to patch things up on its own. Then, give your computer another restart.
Feeling adventurous? You can also manually edit the BCD with bcdedit in Command Prompt. This option lets you make sure the right partition is marked active, ensuring Windows knows where to launch from.
For systems with BIOS/MBR setup, you want to mark the Windows partition as active. Here\’s how:
- Type diskpart in Command Prompt.
- List your disks with list disk and choose your main drive with select disk X.
- Do list partition and select the right partition with select partition Y.
- Activate it with active and exit.
After all that hard work, don’t forget to remove your bootable media and restart for the final check. Now, to keep your system running smoothly, open the Command Prompt and run:
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- sfc /scannow
These commands help tidy up your system files and reduce the chances of this kind of headache cropping up again.
But if your trouble persists after trying these, it might be worth considering that your hard drive could be failing. This is a good time to resort to professional diagnostics or think about using data recovery tools like EaseUS, especially if there are important files you don’t want to slip through the cracks.
Tackling this BCD issue takes a bit of grit, but following these steps should help you rebuild your Boot Config Data and have Windows 10 purring like before. Little steps all the way should do the trick.

Ah, the dreaded “boot configuration data is missing” error in Windows 10. We’ve all been there, right? Your computer just refuses to start, and it’s frustrating. But don’t worry, we’ve got a few ways to tackle this problem.
First up: Automatic Repair
- Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB: Head over to the Microsoft website and grab the installation files. You’ll need a USB stick to pop them on.
- Boot from That USB: Stick the USB in your computer and restart. Get into the boot menu (tap F2, F8, F12, or Del a few times—one of them should work) and set it to boot from the USB.
- Find the Repair Options: Once you’ve set your language preferences, should be a “Next” button. Click that, then hit “Repair your computer” instead of “Install now.”
- Let Automatic Repair Do Its Thing: Hop over to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. It’s like your computer’s own little mechanic.
Next: Rebuilding that Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
- Use Command Prompt: Follow the first few steps for getting into recovery options, and then open up Command Prompt.
- Type in These Commands: Hit Enter after each one. Trust me, they’re like magic spells for your computer.
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
- Cross Your Fingers and Restart: Type
exit
, yank out the USB, and see if your computer feels better.
Finally, let’s talk hardware:
- Turn Everything Off: Make sure the computer is completely powered down and unplugged.
- Check Those Connections: Open up your computer case and make sure all those cables connecting your hard drive or SSD to the motherboard are solid—loose cables are sneaky culprits!
- Fire It Up Again: Put it all back together, power it on, and see if you’ve got liftoff.
Honestly, if none of this works, it might be time to call in some reinforcements. Maybe a tech-savvy friend or even professional help. Hang in there; these things can often be solved with the right nudge!