Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Editor
This article focuses on Boot Configuration Data Editor and attempts to answer how it can help you to fix errors like Operating System Not Found, Not able to detect secondary and tertiary operating systems in case of multiple boots and similar errors.
Why the change from Boot.ini to BCD
BCD was created to provide an improved mechanism for describing boot configuration data. With the development of new firmware models, an extensible and interoperable interface was required to abstract the underlying firmware. This new design provides the foundation for a variety of new features in Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11, like the Startup Repair tool and Multi-User Install shortcuts.
What does BCD Editor do
BCD Editor is provided as GUI in Windows. There are not many options available, but you can fix the boot manager and repair the Master Boot Record using the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface also allows you to fix issues where the Bootmgr is found to be missing in certain cases.
Location of BCD Registry
The Boot Configuration Datastore contains boot configuration parameters and controls how the operating system is started. The BCD registry is located in the \boot\bcd folder of the active partition. For EFI-based systems, the default location of BCD registry is on the EFI partition. Read: How to Backup & Restore BCD file in Windows.
Command line version of BCD Editor
The command line version of BCD Editor is much powerful and can be used to perform a variety of functions:
Create a BCD storeAdd entries to an existing BCD storeModify existing entries in a BCD storeDelete entries from a BCD storeExport entries to a BCD storeImport entries from a BCD storeList currently active settingsQuery entries of a particular type andApply a global change
To view what else you can do with BCDEdit.exe, type bcdedit.exe /? at the command prompt. It will list the complete options and operations that you can perform with the BCD editor using the command prompt.
Multiple Boot Environments
If you intend to use two or more operating systems, keep the following in mind:
Change Default Operating System Using BCD
The easiest and quickest way is to use the command line version of BCD.exe. Use the following command at command prompt: To find out the ID for each operating system, use the following command: From the list of IDs, copy the one next to the OS you want to set as default and paste it in place of {ID} in the first command.
Boot Configuration Data Editor has stopped working
If you received this error, you will have to run Startup Repair. These links may help you:
Run Startup Repair in Windows 7Run Automatic Repair in Windows 8Run Automatic Startup Repair in Windows 11 or Windows 10. You will get the settings under Advanced Startup Options.
For a detailed read please visit TechNet. EasyBCD, Visual BCD Editor and Dual Boot Repair Tool are three freeware that let you edit and repair Windows Boot Configuration Data easily.
