How to Fix Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied Windows 11/10

The Bootrec /Fixboot tool is used by the Windows Recovery Environment (RE) to fix problems with starting up and failing to boot. You can write a new boot section to the current system partition with the bootrec /fixboot command if your boot files are broken.

But there are times when you might not be able to access bootrec or fixboot. That can happen for a number of reasons that we will talk about in this guide. There was an issue with the fixboot access denied error on your Windows computer. This article will show you how to fix the error.

What makes the Bootrec fixboot error “Access is denied” happen?

There are a few things that could cause your device to give you the bootrec fixboot access denied problem.

  • The “access is denied” error shows up on your screen if your PC has a startup setting that you want to avoid or get rid of, but the Boot Manager uses it. You can stop this by typing “bootrec /fixboot” in the command prompt.
  • When the fast boot settings in the BIOS are turned on, the mistake we talked about will happen.
  • Any broken or corrupt BCD or Windows file can also cause trouble.
  • You might see the error if you have updated your machine to Windows 10 1707 or 1709.

How to Fix Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied Error?

Well, there are a few steps you need to take one at a time to fix the bootrec/fixboot access refused error. Be careful, though, because even a small mistake can lead to other problems.

Fix 1: Rebuild MBR

The above steps should help you fix the bootrec /fixboot access denied problem. If they don’t, try rebuilding the MBR on your Windows PC.

  • Set up Windows 10 from the disc (steps are in answer 2).
  • And after it boots up, click on Next as directed.
  • To go on, click Repair your computer now.
  • Troubleshooting> Advanced tools > Command Prompt is what you should see.

Copy and Paste
  • bootrec /fixmbr
  • bootrec /fixboot
  • bootrec /scans
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • First, type the words below one at a time in the command prompt. After each one, press Enter to run it.

Now, wait for the process to finish, and then close the command line. And when you’re done, remember to take out the installation media and change the order of the BIOS.

And start up Windows again.

The Windows fixboot access denied problem has likely been fixed, but if it hasn’t been, you will need to reinstall Windows.

Fix 2: Rebuild BCD

If you get “access is denied” when you try to run bootrec /fixboot on Windows 11 or 10, rebuilding the boot configuration data or BCD might help.

  • Once more, it would help if you started up from the software disc.
  • Go to Repair your PC, then Troubleshoot, then Advanced choices, and finally Command Prompt.

Rebuild BCD

Copy and Paste
  • Bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • Bootrec /fixmbr
  • Bootrec /fixboot
  • After that, type the orders and press “Enter” after each one.
  • When the job is done, type “Exit.” And turn your computer back on.

Now, run the bootrec/fixboot command. If it works, the error fixboot access is denied will be fixed. If not, try the last option.

Fix 3: Run CHKDSK Command

If you run the Chkdsk command, it will fix any mistakes that are found on the disc. This could help you fix the bootrec/fixboot access denied Windows 11 error.

  • In this case, too, you need to start up from the Windows 10 installation disc (see Solution 6).
  • After the computer starts up, skip the language choice on the first screen and click on Repair your computer.
  • Pick Troubleshoot and click on Command Prompt of that.
  • Press Enter after typing chkdsk c: /r. Restart after the process finishes.

If that works, great! If not, move on to the next option because the Windows 10 fixboot access denied error means that you can’t run the bootrec/fixboot command.

Fix 4: Perform Startup Repair

If none of those solutions work for you, try running a startup fix. That helped many people who were having the bootrec/fixboot access denied Windows 10 problem figure it out.

  • Press any key to move on after starting up from the Windows 10 installation disc.
  • Now go to Fix your computer and click on Troubleshoot.
  • First, click on “Advanced,” and then click on “Automatic Repair.”
  • Wait for the automatic repair to finish, then follow the on-screen instructions to correct the fixboot access denied error.

Fix 5: Disable Fast Boot in BIOS

The fast boot feature uses cached data to get your machine up and running faster. But this function could lead to mistakes like the one we’re talking about now. The access forbidden error may be caused by the fast boot setting being turned off in the BIOS.

When your PC starts up, press the F2, F10, F11, F12, or DEL keys to get to the BIOS/UEFI options. In case your machine is newer, you can also use Windows recovery to get to it.

  • Get into the Boot settings and look for the Fast Boot or Quick Boot choice.
  • On the next screen, click on it to turn it off.
  • Start up your computer again and try to sign in. Check to see if the error message “access denied” is gone now.

Fix 6: Perform System Restore

System restore is a great way to get your computer back to a time when it didn’t have any problems. This process will undo any changes made to the system settings after the reset point and get rid of any apps that were added after that point. It is always best to back up your info so that you can get it back whenever you need to.

  • If you’re on the sign-in screen, click the Power icon in the bottom left area.
  • Hold down the Shift key and press the “Restart” button. If you are asked to agree, click on Restart anyway to move forward. Hold down the Shift key until your PC starts up again.
  • Next, click on the Troubleshoot button in the System Recovery area.
  • After that, click on Advanced Settings.
  • Click on the System Restore button now.
  • After that, your computer will restart in the System Restore mode.
  • Pick your account from the list on the screen that says, “Choose an account to continue.”
  • Type in your password, then click Stay. If you don’t have a password for your user account, you can click “Enter” to move on.
  • On the next screen for System Restore, pick the most recent restore point and click Next.

Restore the system by following the screen instructions. Restart your computer and log in again to see if the error returns.

Conclusion:

I did my best to make a list of all the methods that work to fix the “Bootrec /Fixboot Access is Denied” error.

The answer given will likely help you fix the “access is denied” error in Windows 11 or 10.

Fix the boot problem by making sure you follow the steps given one by one in the order they are given. Also, be careful when writing down the orders to avoid making more mistakes. We’re on FacebookTwitter, and Telegram too! If you want to stay connected with us, be sure to follow us. We’d love to stay in touch!

Have a good time reading the piece.

Best of luck!

Updated: 3 December 2023 — 12:28 AM

The Author