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How to Fix the Cloned Drive BOOTMGR Missing Problem

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Nov 11, 2024 • Filed to: Take Data Backup • Proven solutions

I recently purchased an SSD (solid-state hard drive) and wish to transfer my existing copy of Windows (from a standard hard drive) onto the SSD. I used Acronis True Image to clone the hard drive to SSD, but when I try and boot from the SSD, I receive the error message that 'BOOTMGR is missing'. I have also tried creating an archive backup of the original hard drive and then restored that to the SSD, but I have the same problem. How can I fix the 'BOOTMGR is missing' error?

Missing bootmgr Windows 10? This is quite a common error or issue when you are dealing with more than one SSDs or hard drives. This effects both of them equally. You attempt to copy one drive and then transfer it to another, this error is going to leash with the second one too. This windows boot manager missing from bios needs to be fixed for running a smooth boot mechanism. This article will explain ways in which you can resolve the error i.e. windows 10 bootmgr missing.

Let’s just have a look at what exactly this BOOTMGR means. It implies for windows boot manager that has the responsibility of running a boot mechanism for the device. It is a software that runs the operating system via hard drive. It is loaded via volume boot code. The file system on this bootmgr is in a format of read-only and the partition holding them is always active to run a successful boot whenever the device is turned on. This boot partition takes a reserved initial for representation. In there appears no reserved system of labeling, then it is located in primary partition C. this bootmgr is capable of reading the configuration data and displays the selection menu of the operating system. In case, you are creating a system image or disk image (cloning one hard drive and transferring all data to another), then appears an error i.e. bootmgr missing windows 10, this error conventionally says that windows boot manager missing from bios. It affects both hard drives (the source and destination drive) and impedes the boot mechanism. This article is explaining the error, the causes of error, and the solutions with which a user can easily resolve it. Here are the topics that would be discussed in detail.

Part 1: What Causes BOOTMGR Missing Problems?

The error i.e. windows 10 missing bootmgr when appears on the screen, it carries certain underlying consequences that lead to this missing bootmgr windows 10. As per the case under discussion, this error is usually confronted when you are dealing more than one hard drives and you have cloned one drive to another. In this case, as soon as you turn on your device, it will undergo POST (power-on self-test) and ends up with an error message i.e. bootmgr missing windows 10 (windows boot manager missing from bios). Sometimes, even with this error message, windows starts to load. In this case, all you can do is to press Ctrl+Alt+Del simultaneously to restart the device. Other error messages that you may receive in this context can be: CDBOOT: Couldn't find BOOTMGR. In worst-case scenarios where windows fail to load, here are the underlying reasons that are working in the background.

  1. It could be a result of an incorrect bootable disk.
  2. A damaged MBR can also cause bootmgr missing windows 10.
  3. Outdated BIOS. You need to update them for resolving the error.
  4. Loose or damaged hard disk interface cables that make a weak connection with the device and boot manager fails to connect with the hard drive to load windows.
  5. It may be due to bad sectors or corrupted sectors present on either source or destination drive.
  6. This error may occur when the PC is set to boot from the wrong device.
  7. The BOOTMGR files are corrupted and misconfigured.
  8. When you miss certain partitions while cloning. As mentioned above, the bootmgr is located in reserved system partitions. If this partition is missed while cloning, then you may end up in a windows boot manager missing from bios.

These are all the possible reasons that may affect the hard drives (source and destination) and may result in bootmgr missing windows 10. Follow the reasons that are creating issues for your device and in the next section, you would get solutions to resolve this error.


Part 2: How to Fix BOOTMGR Missing Problem After Cloning?

Once you know all the potential reasons causing the error i.e. bootmgr missing windows 10, then it’s time to discuss the practical solutions for fixing the error. The easiest way to resolve the error is to insert the Windows DVD or USB media meant for installation and then use repair utility. This will scan the hard drives for any error. In the case of any, it will fix it and run the MBR smoothly to load windows. Another way that can be used to fix the error is to press CTRL + ALT +DELETE to restart your device. In case, the windows are not loading, then check for the hard drive, if it opts as first boot device in BIOS. Here mentioned are two practical solutions that can further help to resolve windows 10 bootmgr missing.

Method 1. Use Windows startup repair

The windows startup repair mechanism is always a winning game when it comes to resolving windows 10 bootmgr missing. It helps to repair and replace the corrupted files, missing files that are causing the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Start the process by creating a bootable media i.e. DVD or USB. Now connect the bootable media to your device to run a boot mechanism.

Step 2: In the boot window, select the option of windows recovery environment followed by selecting system recovery options. Now select start repair to proceed. These steps are meant for windows 7.

windows-startup-repair-for-fixing-bootmgr-missing-error-1

Step 3: In the case of windows 8/10, click troubleshoot followed by selecting advanced options.

Step 4: In the window of advanced options, select an automatic repair for windows 8 or startup repair for windows 10.

windows-startup-repair-for-fixing-bootmgr-missing-error-2

Once the boot is complete, Windows will load automatically, and your device turns on successfully. Hence, windows 10 bootmgr missing resolved.

Method 2. Run Bootrec.exe

Another way to treat windows 10 bootmgr missing is via run Bootrec.exe command. For this, you have to follow all the steps i.e. step 1-4 as mentioned above for windows startup repair. Further steps are as follows:

Step 1: Select troubleshoot followed by select advanced options.

Step 2: Run a command prompt and type the following command:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

After this command, the error i.e. windows 10 bootmgr missing would be resolved and MBR will work appropriately to load windows via hard drive.

Hence, BOOTMGR is the software that helps to load windows via hard drive running from the volume boot code. Whenever you clone one hard drive to another it is possible that due to certain issues i.e. incorrect bootable disk, hard drive bad sectors, due to BOOTMGR files are corrupted and misconfigured or outdated BIOS, there appears an error. Bootmgr missing windows 10. It says that windows boot manager missing from bios. This article explains ways to resolve the error. You can go for a simple CTRL + ALT +DELETE to restart your device. Else you can use the windows startup repair or the Bootrec.exe command for resolving the error.

Recoverit author

Amy Dennis

staff Editor

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