Fixing Bootmgr is missing error in Windows

The Bootmgr is missing error message may show up in the following way:

• • Bootmgr is missing Press Ctrl Alt Del to restart.

  • Bootmgr is missing Press any key to restart.

  • Couldn't find bootmgr.

The first error in the list is the most common. The ‘Bootmgr’ is missing error shows up shortly after you hit the power button, as soon as the POST (Power On Self-Test) is complete.

Causes of Windows Bootmgr missing error

The error in Windows can be as a result of:

• • Corrupt or misconfigured files.

  • BIOS or UEFI issues.

  • Deactivated partitions if you have been using partitioning software.

  • Loose hardware interface cables.

  • A failing hard drive.

  • Operating system upgrade, downgrade or restore issues.

  • Trying to boot from media (hard drive, flash drive, optical drive, floppy drive) that is not configured properly to be bootable.

Various methods of fixing “Bootmgr is Missing” error in Windows

Option 1: Restarting your PC

The Bootmgr is missing error could just have been an unlikely occurrence. A simple action like restarting can resolve the error. It is always a good idea to start with this simple solution, as you won't modify any system settings or spend time investigating the issue if a simple reboot fixes it.

Option 2: Check all the external storage media, and change Boot Order

It can happen that the PC attempts to boot from a different device, for instance when you have inserted a DVD or USB Flash drive, and the PC is configured to prioritize those over internal hard drives.

These external storage media includes optical drives, flash drives, external hard disks, and floppy disks.

It can happen after you connected a Flash drive or external hard drive to your PC, or after you added a new internal hard drive to it.

If your PC attempts to boot from a non-bootable storage media, then the "BOOTMGR is missing" error will be displayed.

If you find this to be the cause of the error, then try changing the boot order in BIOS such that the hard drive is listed first.

Else, always be ready to remove the external storage media every time you want to turn on your PC (and connect it afterwards to use it). This option is not really that practical, and it is recommended to change the boot order instead in most cases.

Option 3: Check all the internal data and power cables

Bootmgr is missing error could be caused by loose, malfunctioning or unplugged controller or power cables. Maybe the hard disk cables are hanging loose or are not connected properly to the motherboard anymore.

You need to open the PC case for this. Make sure the PC is powered off, and the power supply is cut. Open the case and check the cables of the hard drives to make sure they are properly connected.

This can happen if you have moved the PC recently for instance, or after unpacking it for the first time when it was delivered to you.

Option 4: Run System Restore or Startup Repair from a Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

This method requires a Windows installation disc or a bootable flash drive, or a preinstalled recovery option; for System Restore to work, it had to be enabled prior to running the recovery tools.

Follow these steps to enter Windows RE:

• 1. If you have a Windows installation disc or USB Flash Drive with Windows on it, connect it to the PC that shows the bootmgr is missing error and power the PC on afterwards.

  2. A couple of things can happen now:

     1. 1. The PC may boot from the media right away; great, go to 7).

        2. The PC does not recognize the media, and shows the boot manager error again. If that happens, continue with 3).

  3. The PC BIOS or UEFI highlights how to enter the BIOS or UEFI setup. This is usually one of the following keys: ESC, DEL, F1, F2, F4, F8 or F12.

  4. Once the BIOS setup has loaded, locate the section that allows you to change the boot order. This is named differently depending on manufacturer, and may be called Boot, Boot Order, or Boot Options among others.

  5. The boot options let you manage the boot order of the PC. You need to move the priority of the media that you plan to use to the top. This makes the PC check it for bootable media before it checks anything else.

  6. Don't forget to save the changes when you exit the BIOS/UEFI.

  7. The PC should boot from the media now. You may be asked to select a language, time, keyboard, so make those selections and select next afterwards.

  8. Select Repair your computer. (It is at the bottom left side of the installation screen)

  9. You have entered the Windows Recovery Enviroment. From the System Recovery Options/Advanced Startup Options dialog box, select the drive that contains your Windows Installation, then select Next.

  10. You have multiple options now:

• • • 1. Select System Restore in the System Recovery Options dialog box that follows. Follow the instructions on the screen and select the appropriate restore point. Select Finish to restore the system

      2. Select Startup Repair. This tool attempts to fix problems that keep Windows from loading.

This process will try to restore the damaged or missing bootmgr files either by restoring a previous system snapshot using System Restore, or by attempting to fix startup issues.

Option 5: Rebuilding Boot Configuration Data from Windows RE