5 Ways to Fix Access Denied Error with Bootrec /Fixboot in Windows 11

Updated by

Linda 

Last updated on April 25, 2024

What can you do if the boot sector, Boot Configuration Data (BCD), or Master Boot Record (MBR) is missing or corrupted on your Windows 11 computer? Well, you can use Microsoft's built-in utility - Bootrec.exe to fix these issues. But what if you encounter the "bootrec /fixboot access is denied Windows 11" error?

Don't worry; there are some solutions to this problem. Read on and learn how you can fix this error in your device from this article.

How to fix the Access Denied error with Bootrec /Fixboot in Windows 11?

Bootrec.exe is a powerful utility that can fix various boot issues, such as the blue screen of death, missing bootmgr, or a corrupted boot sector. However, when you run the bootrec /fixboot command and get the "Access is denied - bootrec /fixboot" error message, you'll need alternative methods to repair your PC and restore Bootrec.exe to its normal state. Here, we've compiled 11 solutions for you to address this issue.

Method 1: Rebuild the BCD using Partition Master Tool

To fix the “Access is denied” error for “bootrec /fixboot,” the easiest and quickest way is to download and use reliable software, such as Partition Master Professional.

If your computer fails to boot into Windows 11, the tool features a powerful utility called Startup Repair that can fix corrupted BCD files and resolve most boot errors. By rebuilding BCD, your PC issues and failed Bootrec.exe will be restored to their previous state. Before doing this, you need to download the Partition Master tool on a functioning computer and use it to create a bootable USB drive.

Please refer to the detailed steps here:

Step 1: Connect the USB drive/external drive to a working computer, launch the Recovery Environment (RE), and click Create Bootable Media.

Step 2: Select the tools you need, such as Boot Toolkit and other components. Then, click “Next.”

Step 3: Select your removable device and click “Start” to create the image on your USB drive/external drive. You can also burn the Windows ISO file to a disc.

Step 4: Acknowledge the warning, and wait for the creation process to finish.

Step 5. Connect the bootable drive to the computer with the boot issue, and press "F2" or "Del" to enter BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press "F10" to exit.

Step 6: Your computer should now boot to the WinPE desktop. Open Boot Repair, select the system you want to fix, and click "Repair your computer."

Select the operating system to be repaired

Step 7: Wait for a moment. You'll receive a notification that the repair was successful. Click “OK” to finish the startup repair process.

Since this addresses several issues related to BCD, it should be fixed now.

If this method works for you and is simple enough, please share it on social media to help others fix this issue as well.

Method 2: Repair the Bootloader from the Command Prompt

If the "Access is denied" error with bootrec /fixboot is related to your EFI System Partition, try reassigning a drive letter to the partition and formatting it using the DiskPart utility. Follow this guide to fix the bootloader from the Command Prompt.

Step 1: Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment, then select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 2. Assign a new drive letter to the drive. Type each of the following commands, pressing Enter after each one.

Step 3: Format the drive. Type each of the following commands, pressing Enter after each one.

Step 4: Repair the boot record by typing each of the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

These commands should repair the boot loader. Restart Command Prompt, and then check if you can run the `bootrec /fixboot` command.

Method 3: Rebuild the MBR

If you want to use Bootrec.exe to fix the corrupted MBR but somehow failed, you can turn to Partition Master. It has the ability to rebuild MBR, and it might also help you solve the “Access is denied when running bootrec /fixboot” error. If your computer fails to start, you need to create bootable media from a working computer first, and then run Partition Master on the problematic computer.

Step 1: Create a bootable WinPE disk

• Launch Partition Master, and click “Bootable Media” on the toolbar. Select “Create Bootable Media”. • Click “Next” to finish the operation.

Create a bootable disk

Step 2: Boot into the Partition Master Live USB

1. Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your computer.
2. Press F2 or Del when restarting your computer to access the BIOS screen. Set it to boot from "Removable Device" or "CD-ROM Drive". The Partition Master tool will then run automatically.

Step 3: Recover the MBR

Click “Toolbox” and then select “Rebuild MBR”.

Rebuild MBR

Select the disk and MBR type, then click “Rebuild”.

You'll then see “MBR successfully rebuilt on Disk X.”

Method 4: Run a Startup Repair

As an in-built tool, the Bootrec.exe is usually used by Windows users to fix various issues on their computers. If Bootrec.exe isn't working as it should, you can try running Automatic Repair.

Step 1: Enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 2: Go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

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Step 3: If any issues are found, you'll see the results. Then, follow the instructions to fix them.

Method 5: Run CHKDSK from Command Prompt

The CHKDSK utility is designed to automatically analyze and fix system errors. In addition, it can be used to test disk speed, check disk usage, and more. You can perform these operations by inputting some commands in Command Prompt.

Step 1: Enter the Windows Recovery Environment and choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 2: Type the following command and press "Enter": chkdsk c: /r

(If your system partition is not C:, replace c with the correct letter.)

Step 3: If it detects any issues that need fixing, it will report them. Wait for the process to finish.

Why do I get the "Access is denied for Bootrec /Fixboot" error in Windows 11?

Users who run the `bootrec/fixboot` command and eventually get the “Access is denied bootrec fixboot” error might not know why this happens. In this article, we list some main reasons to help you better understand this error.

• Corrupted BCD files. The BCD file is responsible for booting the Windows operating system. A corrupted or missing BCD file is a common reason behind this error. • Damaged EFI structure. The Windows UEFI boot loader is responsible for loading the Windows operating system and initializing other devices. If it's corrupted, you might encounter the error on your computer. • Boot Manager issues. If you're trying to remove or avoid boot settings, and the Boot Manager attempts to handle it using the bootrec/fixboot command, you may encounter an Access Denied error on your screen. • Incompatible Windows version. There have been multiple reports from Windows 10 users indicating that the Windows 10 1707 or Windows 10 1709 updates carry a high risk of encountering this error. Incompatible updates for Windows 11 can also lead to similar issues.

By sharing this article, you can help more people, by providing them with detailed information about this error.

Conclusion

If you encounter the "bootrec /fixboot Access is denied" issue on Windows 11, you've come to the right place. Here, we offer you 5 practical solutions to help you fix the Bootrec.exe error. Among these recommendations, the Partition Master tool provides a user-friendly interface and straightforward guidance, making it effortless for you to resolve the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about "Access Denied" Error with Bootrec /Fixboot in Windows 11 1. **Question:** I'm getting an "Access is denied" error when trying to use the Bootrec /Fixboot command. What does this mean? **Answer:** When you see the "Access is denied" error, it typically means your current user account doesn't have sufficient permissions to run the Bootrec tool, or the system partition that the tool is attempting to modify is protected. 2. **Question:** What does the Bootrec /Fixboot command do? **Answer:** The Bootrec /Fixboot command creates a new operating system boot sector on the Master Boot Record (MBR) or GUID Partition Table (GPT). This is usually used when the boot sector is damaged or needs to be replaced. 3. **Question:** How can I fix the "Access is denied" issue? **Answer:** Try these steps: - **Restart and boot into Safe Mode:** In Safe Mode, the system starts with minimal drivers and administrator privileges, which may allow you to execute the Bootrec command. - **Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator:** Right-click "Command Prompt" or "PowerShell," and select "Run as administrator." - **Check disk permissions:** Ensure you have full control over the disk containing the operating system partition. - **Use System Recovery Options:** If the above methods don't work, try booting from installation media and accessing the "Recovery Environment" to fix startup issues. 4. **Question:** If Bootrec /Fixboot doesn't solve the problem, what else can I try? **Answer:** You can attempt: - **Bootrec /Fixmbr command:** This repairs the Master Boot Record without affecting the existing boot sector. - **Run chkdsk:** Checking and repairing hard drive errors might address the "Access is denied" issue. - **Run DISM and SFC scans:** These commands repair damage to system images and system files. - **Contact Microsoft Support:** If all else fails, professional assistance may be needed. 5. **Question:** Can I prevent this "Access is denied" error from happening? **Answer:** While you can't entirely prevent it, keeping your system up-to-date, regularly backing up, using antivirus software, and being cautious with program installations can lower the likelihood of encountering such issues.

What is the "Bootrec" command?

Bootrec is a built-in, free utility in Windows that helps resolve boot issues in the Windows Recovery Environment (RE). It can fix errors in the Boot Configuration Data store, the boot sector, and the Master Boot Record.

2. Can you run Bootrec while in Windows?

No, you cannot run Bootrec while Windows is running. To use Bootrec.exe, you need to meet two conditions: first, you need to have the original Windows installation disc to access the Windows Recovery Environment. Second, you need to boot into the Recovery Environment and open the Command Prompt.

What is the "Fixboot" command?

The Fixboot command is designed to rebuild or repair the boot sector of the active partition. The boot sector contains information needed to start up the computer and load the operating system.