How to fix Bootmgr image is corrupted Windows 10?

Jason Barrett Jason Barrett | 15 Jun 2020 | Misc

In this article we will be looking at one of the most painful errors that can occur with our computers. The problem with the BootMGR corruption.

But what exactly is BootMGR? BootMGR is a bootloader responsible for allowing the booting of various operating systems from the same computer.

So missing or corrupt BootMGR file can and will affect its startup process in some cases even data loss is possible. If you receive the message (picture below) and your Windows machine fails to start, the issue is mostly caused by power outage, disk write errors, virus or user error that corrupted the BootMGR image.

Requirements for these solutions to work:

1. Make yourself a Windows 10 installation USB stick. This is mandatory requirement. If you don’t have your installation media, or your PC didn’t come with one, you can find useful guides in our site to help you.

2. Know how to get in your BIOS menu to set the USB as default boot option. Here is how:

Step 1: To enter BIOS try with one of these keys F2, F10, ESC, or DEL. Every manufacturer uses different key for that. If these keys don’t do it look in your users manual for the right key to press.

Step 2: Once there, look for Boot Order.

Step 3: There you will see a list with the available devices. The USB might be labeled ‘Removable Device’.

Step 4: Look for the on-screen directions to make changes to it and set your USB to be first item on the list.

Step 5: Save the changes and exit the BIOS utility (usually it is done with F10) and the PC will restart automatically.

Step 6: After the processes in this article are done you absolutely have to re-enter in the BIOS and set your Hard Drive to the first place in the Boot Order list.

Solution 1 – Run Startup Repair in System Recovery Environment

Step 1: Plug your Windows Installation USB in the PC.
Step 2: When the message “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” press any key to start the setup program.
Step 3: In the first screen select your language, time and currency and a keyboard input. Click Next.
Step 4: On the second screen select Repair your computer.
Step 5: In the newly opened System Recovery Options dialog box, select the drive that has your Windows installed. Click Next.
Step 6: After that in the next window select Repair your computer.
Step 7: Here you should select the OS you want to repair. In our case it’s Windows 10. Click Next.
Step 8: In the dialog box select Startup Repair.
Step 9: All done.

Solution 2 – Use System Restore in System Recovery Environment

Step 1: Plug your Windows Installation USB in the PC.
Step 2: When the message “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” press any key to start the setup program.
Step 3: In the first screen select your language, time and currency and a keyboard input. Click Next.
Step 4: On_the second screen select Repair your computer.
Step 5: In the newly opened System Recovery Options dialog box, select the drive that has your Windows installed. Click Next.
Step 6: After that in the next window select Repair your computer.
Step 7: Here you should select the OS you want to repair. In our case it’s Windows 10. Click Next.
Step 8: In the dialog box select Startup Restore.
Step 9: The System Restore Wizard will guide you through the process. Select appropriate Restore Point.
Step 10: Click on Finish to restore your System.
Step 11: Done.

Solution 3 – Rebuild Configuration Data in System Recovery Environment

Step 1: Plug your Windows Installation USB in the PC.
Step 2: When the message “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” press any key to start the setup program.
Step 3: In the first screen select your language, time and currency and a keyboard input. Click Next.
Step 4: On_the second screen select Repair your computer.
Step 5: select the OS you want to repair. In our case it’s Windows 10. Click Next.
Step 6: In the dialog box select Command Prompt.
Step 7: Type Bootrec /RebuildBcd and press ENTER.
Step 8: Wait for the process to end and you are done.

Solution 4 – Use Preinstalled Startup Repair on the PC

IMPORTANT: This solution is possible only if the Startup Repair is preinstalled on your computer!

Step 1: Manually restart your PC with the dedicated Reset button.
Step 2: Once it restarts press and hold the F8 key. Keep in mind you have to press it before the Windows Logo appears. If you miss it just restart again.
Step 3: If your computer has more than one Operating System in the menu that shows select the desired one to repair. Press and hold F8 to select.
Step 4: In the Advanced Boot Options screen select Repair your computer and press Enter. If there is not such option your computer doesn’t have it preinstalled.
Step 5: Select your keyboard layout and press Next.
Step 6: Select User and type its Password. Press OK.
Step 7: On the Recovery menu select Startup Repair. It might ask you to make a choices as it tries fixing the problem and restart your PC if necessary.

You should keep in mind that these solutions are software based and they fix the issue on that level. Unfortunately the corruption of BootMGR can be caused by Hardware Failure.
DISCLAIMER: If you are NOT comfortable with tinkering inside your computer/laptop please consider asking a technician to do that for you. We are not responsible for any damage caused by following this article!

Possible cause 1 – Boot Drive issue (HDD or SSD). Try reconnecting the SATA cables tight, the BootMGR sometimes happens because of loose cable to the HDD/SSD.
Possible cause 2 – Bad RAM. The connection between your motherboard and the RAM sticks has gone bad. Try unplugging them and cleaning the connections with alcohol.
Possible cause 3 – CMOS Battery issue. It’s very rare but it happens. The battery looks like a big watch battery. If it fails the BIOS ‘forgets’ its settings and can’t set the boot devices properly.