Bootmgr is a small piece of software that is loaded from a volume boot code. It is a short form for the Windows Boot Manager. Usually, Bootmgr is a real-only file which has its position in the Boot directory of the partition which is set as “active”. However, sometimes Bootmgr can go missing due to many reasons incorrect bootable disk, damaged MBR, outdated BIOS, loose or damaged hard disk interface cables, etc.
In this article, let us learn about Bootmgr is missing error, why it occurs and most importantly, different easy ways to fix the error.
What Is “Bootmgr Is Missing” Error?
“Bootmgr is missing” is an issue which is occurred shortly after you turn on your device, immediately after the POST (Power On Self Test) is performed. When it occurs, the Windows will initially start to load and you can see the message “Bootmgr Is Missing. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart“.
You can also come across error messages like “BOOTMGR is missing. Press any key to restart” or “CDBOOT: Couldn’t find BOOTMGR”.
Causes Of The Error Message “Bootmgr Is Missing”:
There are many reasons for a “Bootmgr Is Missing” error message to occur. Some of the most important causes are listed below. These error messages occur only in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista as Windows XP doesn’t utilize Bootmgr.
- When there are corrupt and misconfigured files, hardware and operating system upgraded issues.
- If the hard drive sectors are corrupted or the hard drive interface cables are damaged or loose.
- If the BIOS use are using is outdated.
- When your PC is trying to boot from a hard drive or a flash drive.
How To Fix “Bootmgr Is Missing” Error ?
There are many different ways to solve the Bootmgr Is Missing error message. Some of the best, quick and easy methods are listed below.
- Restart Your Desktop Or Laptop.
- Remove All Removable Media.
- Set Your Hard Disk As The First Boot System.
- Run Startup Repair.
- Perform A Clean Windows Installation.
Let Us Get Started…
1. Restart Your Desktop Or Laptop
Once the Bootmgr is missing error message occurs on your desktop, try to restart your device by pressing on the combinational keys Ctrl+Alt+Del keys or any key. Or else, follow what the error message suggests first as sometimes maybe the Bootmgr error is just a fluke. After restarting check if the error still persists.
2. Remove All Removable Media
As said above, Bootmgr is missing error message occurs when you boot your computer from a non-bootable hard drive. So, try checking if your PC is configured to boot from a USB flash drive, a floppy disk, or other non-bootable disks. If that is the case, you should remove the device. Make sure your BIOS doesn’t load from any of them.
3. Set Your Hard Disk As The First Boot System
If your hard disk is not set as the first boot system, then there are high chances for a Bootmgr is missing error message to occur. So, try setting your hard disk as the first boot system. To do that, follow the given step by step procedure.
Step 1: Press the combinational keys Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart your computer and press F12 continuously to get into boot menu, once you see the logo of your computer. The boot menu key varies from different computer manufacturers, so if pressing F12 continuously doesn’t lead to Boot menu, then try pressing F2, F8, F10, F12, Esc or Del. You can also consult the manufacturer for the exact right key.
Step 2: Under the Boot tab, press arrow keys ↑ or ↓ which will allow you to select your correct boot volume. Usually, it’s Hard Disk or Hard Drive and then press + or – key to move your boot drive onto the top to be the first boot device.
Step 3: Press F10 to save your setting and press Esc to exit boot menu.
Step 4: Now automatically, your computer will boot. Check if the error still persists.
4. Run Startup Repair
The Bootmgr is missing error will also occur when your Bootmgr is corrupted or missing. So, run Startup Repair to repair all your corrupted or missing files including Bootmgr. To run the Startup Repair follow the below-given steps if you are a Windows 10 user.
Step 1: Insert your USB with Windows 10 ISO into your computer and press the combinational keys Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart your computer.
Step 2: Press F12 continuously to enter boot menu, as soon as you see your computer’s logo.
Step 3: Now, press the buttons, ↑ or ↓ key to choose your USB drive. Then, press Enter.
Step 4: A black screen saying “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” appears. When you see that, press Enter on your keyboard.
Step 5: Click the next botton after selecting your language, time, and keyboard.
Step 6: At the bottom left, click on Repair your computer.
Step 7: Click on Troubleshoot and then on Advanced options. Then click on Startup Repair.
Step 8: Restart your computer to check if the error still persists.
5. Perform A Clean Windows Installation
If all the above-discussed methods do not work, then you need to perform a clean Windows installation to fix the Bootmgr is missing error message. So, to do that you need to completely remove Windows from your PC. Make sure you back up all the necessary data as it will remove the data from your computer.
Conclusion
The above discussed are the best, quick and easy ways we came up with to solve your “Bootmgr is missing” error message. If you have any doubts regarding them, please do feel free to drop them in the comments section provided below. We will get back to you with the best of our knowledge as soon as possible.
