Summary: The ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error is a boot-related Windows system error caused by faulty or damaged BCD (Boot Configuration Data) or a Broken EFI structure. In this post, we will look at numerous ways to fix this error and get our system back online. And if this error has caused data loss, then you can try this professional data recovery software.
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The ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error message is a rare error that occurs when there is a problem with system boot files. This error pop-up is displayed when the computer is forced to shut down while writing data on the disk. There could be other possible reasons for this error, which we will discuss later.
With some basic troubleshooting tips, you can easily resolve this error on your own. But first, let’s see what this error is and why it occurs.
What is Bootrec?
Bootrec is a utility in Command Line that is used to fix startup or boot failures by updating the master boot record code and the partition boot sector code. It also rebuilds and updates the BCD or Boot Configuration Data. You can access this utility in the Windows Recovery Environment.
Why does the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ Error Occur?
When it comes to system errors, they can be caused by multiple reasons. Similarly, there are numerous reasons behind the generation of the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot is Denied’ error message. These are –
- Failed Windows upgrade, especially the Windows 10 upgrade build number 1707
- Improper shut down or power off while the computer is writing data on the disk
- Broken EFI structure
- Broken BCD due to file issues
- Startup errors like missing bootmgr, BSoDs, etc.
Methods to fix the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ Error Message
Now that we know how ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error is caused, let’s look at some methods to fix it.
Method 1: Perform Automatic Startup Repair
You can perform automatic startup repair and fix the “Bootrec /Fixboot Access is denied” error on your Windows 10 PC. The automatic tool is launched through Windows RE or Recovery Environment, which can easily fix Windows startup-related problems. This tool can be run without any installation media, directly from the affected computer. Follow the steps as mentioned below –
- Shut down your PC.
- Restart it and keep pressing the F11 key to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Some computers might have a different key assigned for this, so check the computer’s manual for more information.
- Once inside the Windows Recovery Environment, click on Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced options.
- On the next screen, click on Startup Repair.
- Follow the instructions as prompted by the wizard and wait for it to finish.
During this process, Windows will look for the causes related to the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error, and fix it. Wait for the repair to finish and the PC to restart.
Method 2: Perform CHKDSK Scan
Sometimes, the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error could be due to an improperly installed Windows update or some corrupt Windows files. You can run CHKDSK in WinRE to fix this issue. Here are the steps to do so –
- Use an installation media like USB or Optical Disk to boot the computer.
- Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Type in chkdsk x: /f and press Enter. Replace x with the letter Windows installation drive.
- Wait for the process to finish. Once done, check if the error persists or is fixed.
Method 3: Rebuild the BCD
BCD or Boot Configuration Data is a very important file, which stores all the important data related to boot options on your computer. If this file goes missing or gets corrupted, it could lead to various boot-related issues, including the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error. In such a case, you can fix this by rebuilding the BCD. Carefully follow the steps mentioned below –
- Use an installation media like USB or Optical Disk to boot the computer.
- Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt terminal, write the following commands one by one and execute them in the given order –
Bootrec /scanos
Bootrec /fixmbr
Bootrec /fixboot
Bootrec /rebuildbcd
- These commands will help you rebuild the BCD and fix the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error easily.
Method 4: Do a System Restore
System restore is a great way to restore the computer to a previous error-free state. Doing so, will restore all the system settings of the selected state and will remove any application installed after that save point. Hence, doing this might cause some unwanted data loss. So it is advised to recover your data after restoring your computer. Here’s how you can do this –
- Go into WinRE and then click on Advanced options > Troubleshoot.
- Click on the System Restore option.
- In the System Restore window, click on the version you wish to restore and click on Scan for affected programs.
- Then, click on Next to proceed with your selection.
- On the final screen, click on Finish.
Wait for the process to end. This will restore your Windows 10 computer to the selected state. Check if this fixes the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error on your PC.
Method 5: Reinstall Windows
The previous methods should fix the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error on your Windows 10 computer. However, if you are still facing the same issue, you can reinstall Windows. This is the last resort, so doing this will definitely fix the issue. However, this can cause data loss, hence, it is advisable to proceed with it if you have a copy of your data. You can follow this guide to proceed with this action.
However, since, your system might be in an unbootable state or you might not be able to fully access the data on your computer, you can use a professional data recovery software before reinstalling the Windows. We will take a look at this in the next section.
Expert Data Recovery Solution
The ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error on Windows 10 computers can cause the system to crash and even render it unbootable. In such a case, accessing your precious files and data becomes impossible and it feels as if they are lost forever. However, this is not the case as using the right software can end your data loss woes and get your lost data and files back in no time.
You can try your hands on a powerful data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional. This software allows users to recover any type of file lost in various data loss scenarios like system crashes, unbootable systems, BSoDs, and more. It can perform data recovery from almost all kinds of data storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, and optical Drives, etc. Apart from performing data recovery, this tool also enables users to create a media recovery tool and perform data recovery from crashed and unbootable computers.
Final Thoughts
The ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error on Windows 10 is a pesky boot-related error that occurs due to numerous reasons discussed in this article. From rebuilding broken BCD to reinstalling Windows, we studied various methods you can employ and fix the issue at hand, quickly.
Did we miss a method that you know? Let us know in the comments section.
Similar Queries Users Are Searching For
Q. What is the 0xc0000225 Bootrec error?
A. The 0xc0000225 Bootrec error is a boot-related system error that causes BSoD during startup. It displays error messages like ‘Your PC needs to be repaired,’ etc.
Q. What to do when the ‘access is denied for Bootrec Fixboot’ error message is displayed?
A. If you encounter this message, you can use a Windows Installation media with the latest Windows OS to run the bootrec command using Command Prompt.
Q. Why is my Windows 10 computer displaying the ‘Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied’ error message?
A. The Bootrec /fixboot Access is denied error message could be a result of a bad Windows upgrade or broken BCD or missing system files that are responsible for smooth bootup.
