Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a firmware-independent boot configuration and storage system used in Windows operating systems. It stores boot options and manages the boot process for Windows[1][2]. Here's an overview of BCD configuration settings:
## Storage and Access
BCD is stored in a Windows NT Registry file located on the active (boot) partition in either '\Boot' or '\EFI\Microsoft\Boot' directories[1]. On a running Windows system, the contents of this Registry file can be accessed under the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\BCD00000000' key[1].
## Key Components
**Boot Loader Entries**: BCD uses GUIDs and names like "Default" to identify boot-related applications[2].
**Boot Options**: BCD includes its own set of boot options that control various aspects of the boot process[2].
**Firmware Settings**: BCD allows for configuration of UEFI and secure boot settings[6].
## Management Tools
**BCDEdit**: The primary command-line tool for managing BCD settings is BCDEdit.exe[2]. It allows administrators to:
- Modify boot settings
- Add or remove boot entries
- Configure debug settings
- Enable or disable features like secure boot
**System Configuration Utility**: MSConfig.exe provides a graphical interface for changing some boot settings[2].
**WMI Interface**: For programmatic access, Windows provides a WMI interface to manage boot options[2].
## Common Configuration Settings
1. **Recovery Options**:
```
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled <yes|no>
```
This controls whether the system can boot into recovery mode[1].
2. **Boot Status Policy**:
```
bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
```
This determines how the system handles boot failures[1].
3. **Secure Boot**:
```
bcdedit /set {current} secureboot on
```
Enables or disables secure boot for UEFI systems[6].
4. **Custom Boot Logo**:
```
bcdedit /set {bootmgr} custom:16000002 "C:pathtologo.bmp"
```
Sets a custom boot logo[6].
5. **Boot Device**:
```
bcdedit /set {current} device partition=G:
```
Specifies a custom boot device or partition[6].
## Security Considerations
BCD provides enhanced security compared to previous boot option storage configurations. It allows administrators to assign specific rights for managing boot options, improving overall system security[2].
It's important to note that modifying BCD settings requires administrative privileges and should be done with caution, as incorrect changes can render a system unbootable[2].
Citations:
[1] https://forensics.wiki/windows_boot_configuration_data/
[2] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/boot-options-in-windows
[3] https://www.easeus.com/resource/boot-configuration-data-for-your-pc-is-missing.html
[4] https://www.ventoy.net/en/experience_rebuildBCD.html
[6] https://www.ninjaone.com/blog/what-bcdedit-does-and-how-to-use-it/
[7] https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/fix-0xc0000034-error-windows-10
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What are the risks of changing BCD settings using BCDEdit
How do I rebuild the BCD store using Bcdedit.exe
What are the common errors related to BCD configuration
How can I access the BCD store on a running Windows system
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