Free image compression
Free image watermark
Free image edit
Free QR code
Free Image Format Conversion
Key takeaways:
- The difficulty in booting the operating system might be due to a missing Windows Boot Manager, which prevents it from appearing in the BIOS.
- Follow our guide to configure your BIOS settings to restore the visibility of the Windows Boot Manager. This will enable your computer to boot smoothly through the Windows Boot Manager in the BIOS!
Occasionally, we encounter unexpected challenges, one of which is the "Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS." This mysterious issue can disrupt the boot process and leave users perplexed. However, in this article, the tool will unravel the underlying causes and provide actionable steps to restore the visibility of the Windows Boot Manager in the BIOS settings. So, follow our guide closely and read on!
How to Fix the Missing Windows Boot Manager in BIOS?
Let's tackle the frustrating issue of Windows Boot Manager not showing up in BIOS; we have eight solutions for you to try:
- Solution 1: Use the Windows Boot Repair Tool
- Solution 2: Remove External Devices
- Solution 3: Restart with Power Cable Only
- Solution 4: Change Boot Order in BIOS
- Solution 5: Create a New Boot Sector
- Solution 6: Rebuild Windows BCD
- Solution 7: Replace the Hard Drive
- Solution 8: Enable Boot Menu via CMD
Among them, Solution 1 is a comprehensive solution that can address most startup issues. If you're unsure about the cause, it's recommended to try this one first.
Solution 1: Use the Windows Boot Repair Tool
Our first solution is Partition Manager, a powerful tool renowned for providing the best disk management and repair solutions. It truly shines when it comes to dealing with boot-related issues.
Partition Master offers numerous useful features, but here are some key ones related to boot repair:
- Solve booting issues: Whether you encounter a blue screen error or black screen issue during startup, Partition Master can help you get your system back to normal.
- Fix BCD errors: It can fix Boot Configuration Data (BCD) errors, which are common causes of boot problems.
- Repair system partition errors: If there are errors or inconsistencies in your system partition, this tool can effectively correct these issues.
To swiftly resolve the issue of Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS, we highly recommend using this comprehensive tool. Download Partition Master to restore BIOS settings for optimal functionality.
Step 1: Connect the USB drive/external hard drive to a working computer, launch Partition Assistant (RE), and click “Create Bootable Media”.
Step 2: Select the tools and add-ons you need. Then, click Next.
Step 3. Select your mobile device, and then click “Start” to create the image to your USB drive/external drive. You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the media.
Step 4: Acknowledge the warning, and wait for the creation process to finish.
Step 5. Connect the bootable drive to the computer with the issue, and press "F2" or "Del" to enter BIOS. Set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk, then press "F10" to exit.
Step 6: Your computer will then boot to the WinPE desktop. Open BootRepair, select the system you wish to repair, and click on "Repair".
Select the operating system to be repaired 
Step 7. Wait for the process to finish, and you'll receive a notification that the startup repair was successful. Click OK to finish the startup repair process.
Solution 2: Remove external devices
Sometimes, external devices like USB flash drives or external hard drives can cause the Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS issue. That's because your computer might detect these devices as bootable ones when it starts up. Thus, you need to remove all external devices.
Follow the steps:
Step 1. Unplug any external hard drives or USB devices from your computer.
Step 2: Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
If the issue persists, try carefully unplugging the main USB cable from the PC motherboard. This will disconnect the problematic USB device, or proceed with another method from this guide.
Learn More: Boot Drive Not Showing Up in BIOS
Solution 3: Restart the power cord
When the hard drive is not detected, you can't access the Boot Manager. If your computer fails to recognize the hard drive, it might be due to incorrect connections of the power cable and data cable. This could lead to the "Boot Manager is missing" error.
Follow these steps to resolve the issue:
Step 1. Carefully open the computer case to access the internal components.
Step 2: Find your hard drive, and locate its power and data cables.
Step 3: Disconnect and reconnect these power and data cables to reset the system. This can resolve any potential issues with the power or data connections.
Step 4: After adjusting the cables, turn on the computer and see if this has fixed the problem.
Warning: Proceed with caution, as a small mistake can lead to physical damage to your desktop or laptop.
Share this article to let more users know how to address the current error.
Solution 4: Change the boot order in BIOS
Different computers might have different BIOS configurations, but the process for changing the boot order is generally similar. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Enter the BIOS menu on startup by pressing F2 or Delete.
Step 2. Look for the Boot or Boot Order settings in the BIOS.
Step 3. In this menu, you'll see a list of boot devices and their current order. Adjust this order depending on how you installed Windows. For example, if you used a USB flash drive, set it as the first boot device.
Step 4: Save the changes and restart your computer.
These steps will fix the issue and allow you to access the Boot Manager as needed.
Other issues related to misdirection:
Solution 5: Create a new boot sector
The "Missing Boot Manager" error might be due to a corrupted partition or a damaged boot sector, particularly in the Windows partition. Causes for this issue could include hard disk aging, virus infections, or malware attacks. To resolve this problem, we recommend you follow these steps to create a new boot sector: 1. **Boot from a Windows Installation/Recovery Disk**: Insert the installation or recovery media and restart your computer. Make sure your system is configured to boot from the CD/DVD or USB drive. 2. **Select Language and Time Settings**: On the initial screen, choose your preferred language, time, and currency format, then click "Next." 3. **Repair Your Computer**: In the next window, click on "Repair your computer" located at the bottom left corner. 4. **Troubleshoot**: Choose "Troubleshoot" from the following menu. 5. **Advanced Options**: Select "Advanced options" from the Troubleshoot screen. 6. **Command Prompt**: Click on "Command Prompt" to access the command-line interface. 7. **Run Command Prompt as Administrator**: If prompted, enter your administrator password or confirm the action. 8. **Create a New Boot Sector**: Now, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each: ``` bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /rebuildbcd ``` These commands will attempt to fix the Master Boot Record (MBR), rewrite the boot sector, and rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store. 9. **Exit and Restart**: After executing the commands, close the Command Prompt and select "Continue" to exit the recovery environment. Restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, you might need to consider more advanced troubleshooting methods, like checking and repairing the file system, or even reinstalling Windows. However, make sure to back up your important data before attempting any major system changes.
Step 1. First, open the Start menu and search for "Command Prompt."
Step 2. Right-click the Command Prompt option and select Run as administrator.
Step 3: Type "bootrec /fixboot" on the command prompt, and press Enter to execute it.
Step 4: You'll see the message "Operation completed successfully."
Step 5: Now, press the “Ctrl + Alt + Del” keys to restart your computer and select the Restart option.
Note: Before restarting, make sure to disconnect any removable devices (such as USB drives or external hard drives) from your system.
Solution 6: Repair the Windows BCD
When your Boot Configuration Data (BCD) becomes corrupted or has configuration errors, rebuilding it is necessary to fix the “Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS” error. BCD is the key access point to the Boot Manager. Without it, you can't access the manager, and its options may become hidden.
Follow the steps:
Step 1. Search for "Advanced startup options" in the taskbar search box. Click on it when it appears in the results to open it.
Step 2. Click on “Restart now” under the “Advanced startup” option. This will take you to the Advanced Options menu.
Step 3: Click on “Troubleshoot,” then choose “Advanced options.”
Step 4: Select “Command Prompt” from the list that appears, and wait for the Command Prompt to open.
5. Type `bootrec /rebuildbcd` in the Command Prompt and press "Enter." Wait a moment. When you see a message that it was installed successfully, you'll need to edit the properties file in the next step.
Step 6. In the same Command Prompt, type "attrib c:\boot\bcd -h -r -s" and press Enter to remove the read-only and hidden attributes from the Windows BCD. Next, type "ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old," which renames the stored BCD. You should now be able to rebuild the BCD file.
Type “bootrec /rebuildbcd”, then press Enter. You'll be asked if you want to add the entry to the list; type “Y” and press Enter. Wait for a message to appear on-screen that says “Operation successful”.
Step 8. Finally, restart your computer/laptop and check if the problem is resolved and you have a positive outcome.
This method is a bit complicated. You can try using Partition Master, which provides a quick and easy way. In addition, it simplifies the process of rebuilding MBR.
Solution 7: Replace the hard drive
Sometimes, your old or outdated desktop/laptop hard drive can cause this issue, resulting in the Windows Boot Manager not showing up in BIOS. Hence, if you find your hard disk to be old and malfunctioning, it's advisable to replace it with a new one. This would require technical assistance, as it demands technical expertise and knowledge.
If you're using a Dell laptop, you can refer to this tutorial:
How to Replace the Hard Drive in a Dell Laptop [Step-by-Step Guide]
This article will guide you through the steps of how to replace the hard drive in your Dell laptop, along with the best cloning solution to migrate your data.
Solution 8: Enable the Boot Menu via CMD
The Boot Menu is essential for managing your BIOS and other critical computer functions. In contrast, the Boot Manager is usually hidden behind the boot splash screen because it's disabled by default. However, you can quickly activate it with a simple command prompt command.
Follow these steps:
Step 1. Search for “Command Prompt” in the taskbar search bar.
Step 2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
Step 3: Type the following command in the Command Prompt and press Enter.
- bcdedit /set {bootmgr} displaybootmenu yes
- bcdedit /set {bootmgr} timeout 30.
Step 4: When you see the message "Operation Successful", the command has been successfully executed.
Lastly, we encourage you to share this guide with others who might be facing similar issues and searching for the best practical solutions. Sharing knowledge empowers people to overcome similar challenges and enhances their computing experience.
Why doesn't the BIOS show the Windows Boot Manager?
There are several reasons/causes that might lead to the “Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS” error. It's crucial to understand and identify the underlying cause so you can apply the most appropriate solution to fix the issue.
Here are some common reasons:
- Outdated BIOS: An outdated BIOS can cause compatibility issues with modern operating systems.
- Incorrect Boot Configuration: Incorrect boot settings can prevent the boot manager from displaying.
- Damaged Boot Configuration Data: Corrupted boot configuration data can affect the visibility of the boot manager.
- Hard Drive Failure: Physical damage to the hard drive can lead to booting issues.
- Bad Hard Drive Sectors: Damage to specific sectors on the hard drive can impact the boot process.
- Hardware Connection Issues: Loose or faulty hardware connections can cause the boot manager not to show up.
To resolve this, we recommend that you explore the solutions in this guide.
Conclusions
In this tutorial article, we delve into the reasons behind the "Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS" error and provide practical solutions to address the issue. The aim of this guide is to assist you in regaining control over your computer's boot process.
To thoroughly address this issue, we highly recommend using Partition Master, a powerful software with advanced features specifically designed to manage and resolve boot-related problems, ensuring a smoother computing experience. Don't let boot issues hold you back; take action today to restore your system's functionality and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Windows Boot Manager Not Showing in BIOS
If you have more questions or need further clarification on the topic of Windows Boot Manager not showing in BIOS, you can find answers to common queries below:
**1. Why doesn't my bootable USB show up in BIOS?**
This issue could occur due to several reasons, such as incorrect BIOS settings, a problem with the USB drive, or incompatibility between the bootable USB and your computer's BIOS.
2. How do I enable the Boot Manager in the BIOS?
Enabling the Boot Manager in the BIOS requires adjusting the boot order settings. This article will provide a detailed step-by-step guide to assist you in completing this process quickly.
**3. Is Windows Boot Manager the same as UEFI?** Windows Boot Manager and UEFI are not the same, but they both play crucial roles in booting a computer. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware standard that replaces the traditional BIOS, handling hardware initialization and pre-operating system interactions. On the other hand, Windows Boot Manager is a part of the Windows operating system, functioning as a boot loader responsible for managing operating system boot options within either a UEFI or BIOS environment. In short, UEFI is a firmware interface at the platform level, while Windows Boot Manager is a software component running on top of UEFI to handle the process of booting the operating system.
Windows Boot Manager and UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are related but not the same. UEFI is a modern firmware interface responsible for managing the boot process, while the Windows Boot Manager is a component of UEFI specifically designed to handle the startup of the Windows operating system.