Fixing UEFI Boot in Windows 10 can be a bit tricky but totally doable with the right steps. It involves accessing your computer’s BIOS, using the Command Prompt, and some patience. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll need to enter the BIOS, change the boot order, and use a few commands in the Command Prompt to repair the boot configuration. Now, let’s dive into the detailed steps.
How to Fix UEFI Boot in Windows 10
Fixing UEFI Boot in Windows 10 means you’ll be resolving issues related to the computer’s startup process. These steps will guide you through accessing your BIOS and repairing the boot configuration using the Command Prompt.
Step 1: Access BIOS
To begin fixing UEFI boot issues, you’ll need to access your computer’s BIOS.
Restart your computer and press the designated key (often F2, F10, Del, or Esc) to enter BIOS. This key varies depending on the manufacturer, so consult your manual if unsure. Once in the BIOS, you can navigate using the arrow keys.
Step 2: Change Boot Order
Next, you’ll need to change the boot order to prioritize booting from a USB or DVD.
In the BIOS menu, find the Boot tab. Use the arrow keys to move your USB or DVD drive to the top of the list. This ensures your computer will try to boot from the media containing the Windows installation files first.
Step 3: Boot from Installation Media
Insert your Windows 10 installation media and restart your computer to boot from it.
When your computer restarts, it should boot from the installation media. If prompted, press any key to boot from the USB or DVD. This will take you to the Windows Setup screen.
Step 4: Open Command Prompt
From the Windows Setup screen, open Command Prompt.
Select your language preferences and click "Next." Then click "Repair your computer" at the bottom left, followed by "Troubleshoot," and then "Command Prompt."
Step 5: Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot
Enter the necessary commands to repair the UEFI boot configuration.
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcdThese commands will repair the master boot record, write a new boot sector, scan for Windows installations, and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD).
Step 6: Restart Your Computer
Finally, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Type exit in Command Prompt and press Enter. Then click "Continue" to restart your computer. If everything went well, your computer should now boot normally.
After completing these steps, your computer should start up without any boot issues. If you still face issues, you might need to check your hardware or reinstall Windows 10.
Tips for Fixing UEFI Boot in Windows 10
- Ensure your installation media is correctly created and not corrupted.
- Double-check the boot order in the BIOS to ensure the correct drive is at the top.
- Backup your important data before attempting these fixes to avoid data loss.
- If commands in the Command Prompt fail, try running them in Safe Mode.
- Keep your BIOS updated to prevent boot-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UEFI?
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware interface for PCs that improves on the traditional BIOS system.
How do I know if my system uses UEFI?
You can check by entering the BIOS setup. Look for UEFI settings or boot options which mention UEFI.
What if the bootrec commands don’t work?
If the bootrec commands don’t fix the issue, consider using additional commands like bcdboot or seeking professional help.
Do these steps erase my data?
No, these steps should not erase your data, but it’s always a good idea to back up your data before attempting any repair.
Can I fix UEFI boot issues without installation media?
In some cases, you can use the built-in Windows Recovery Environment, but installation media is often more reliable.
Summary
- Access BIOS
- Change Boot Order
- Boot from Installation Media
- Open Command Prompt
- Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot
- Restart Your Computer
Conclusion
Fixing UEFI boot issues in Windows 10 might seem daunting at first, but with these steps, it’s manageable. By understanding how to access the BIOS, change the boot order, and use the Command Prompt, you can troubleshoot and resolve many startup problems.
Remember, while the steps to fix UEFI boot Windows 10 typically don’t involve data loss, backing up your important files is always a smart move. If these steps don’t resolve your issue, there may be deeper hardware problems at play. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
Understanding these processes not only helps in fixing current problems but also equips you with knowledge for future troubleshooting. If you want to dive deeper, there are plenty of online resources and forums that can provide further insights and advanced techniques for managing UEFI boot issues.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.