When the computer has a startup problem, running "bootrec / fixboot”Is one of the ways to correct the problem. However, there are situations where users reported encountering another error after running the above command in the command prompt.
One of these is the error "fixboot access is denied" or Fixboot Access Denied. This is a common Windows error that many people encounter while trying to fix an already existing startup problem. There are several reasons that can cause the fixboot problem on your system and it is imperative that you choose the right method to fix it.
If you are also encountering the same error, the following guide explains both the causes and the possible appropriate solutions to solve the problem.
Causes of the problem Fixboot Access Denied
As we have already mentioned, there are several causes for the “fixboot access denied” error on your system. Let's quickly look at some of these causes so that you can easily identify the root of the problem.
Startup problems
In most cases, access to fixboot is denied due to a boot problem. For example, if your system has a corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data) or MBR (Master Boot Record), the system is very likely to return the error. In this case, you will need to follow a step-by-step procedure to repair the BCD or MBR to fix the problem. More info: how to repair damaged MBR
Disk partitioning
As surprising as it may seem, improper disk partitioning can also cause the "fixboot access denied" error. If the system partition drive is damaged, this will not allow the boot manager to load the required boot files.
Additionally, the damaged system partition itself can also deny access while running the fixboot command. In that case, you will need to repair the system partition using the command Diskpart on the Windows Advanced Recovery screen.
Corrupted EFI directory
Corrupted EFI directory is the most common reason you might run into this fixboot error. So, to fix the error in such situation, you will need to repair the corrupt EFI directory. The most convenient way to perform this task is to completely format the EFI directory and recreate it by assigning a new drive letter.
Problem with the "Bootrec" command
Finally, you can also encounter the error if there is a problem with the Bootrec command itself. You can try running other bootrec commands to see if they work or not. If not, there is a huge possibility that the fixboot error is caused only by the “Bootrec” command.
Solutions - Fixboot Access Denied
Since the fixboot error can be caused by several reasons, you will need to choose the most appropriate resolution method. Here are some solutions that will help you to repair fixboot access denied error.
Create EFI Directory Structure
If a corrupt EFI directory has caused the fast boot error, you will have no other option than to format it. Once the corrupt EFI directory has been formatted correctly, you can create a new one using the command BCDBOOT and assign it a new drive letter as well.
Follow these steps to format your corrupt EFI directory and create a new directory structure from scratch.
1 pass: Since you are already in the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter.
format X: / FS: FAT32 (be sure to replace "X" with the partition letter).
This will format the EFI directory and there will be a new unassigned partition on your disk. At this point, you will need to recreate the EFI partition.
Step 2: Create the new EFI directory by running the following command.
bcdboot C: windows / s X: / f UEFI
Now, try running the fixboot command and see if you are getting the same “access denied” error or not.
Launch Windows Installation CD Repair
For this solution, you will need a Windows installation media. If you don't have one, use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive using a Windows disk image. Or read the guide on how to create recovery USB disk for Windows.
Once the installation media has been created successfully, follow the instructions below to perform a startup repair.
Step 1: Boot the system using the newly created Windows installation media.
Step 2: Based on your operating system, follow the correct steps to initiate startup repair.
Windows 7 / XP / Vista - Once in the welcome screen of the Windows installation process, select your preferred language, date and time and click on “Next”. Now tap “Repair your computer” in the lower left corner to launch the advanced recovery window. Choose "Startup Repair" at the top of the screen and tap "Restart" to continue with the remaining process.
For Windows 10/8 users - Like the previous step, choose your preferred language and time and click “Next”. In the next window, click on "Repair your computer" and select "Troubleshoot". Now, click "Advanced Options" and choose "Startup Repair" from the list.
Step 3 - Once the “Startup Repair” window launches, simply follow the on-screen instructions to properly repair your computer.
Repair Broken EFI Bootloader
Here is the detailed procedure to repair a broken EFI bootloader.
Step 1: boot the system using the Windows installation media.
Step 2: select “Repair your computer” on the Windows installation screen.
Step 3: select Troubleshoot> Advanced Options and click "Command Prompt".
Step 4: Once in the command prompt window, type “Diskpart” to start the Diskpart utility.
Step 5: type “Sel Disk 0” to select the hard disk. Now, run the “List Vol” command.
Step 6: use “Sel Vol” to select the EFI partition. Make sure it is formatted in FAT32 format.
Step 7: assign a new drive letter to the EFI directory using the “assign letter =” command.
Step 8: type “Exit” in the output disk part.
This will repair the broken EFI bootloader and you will no longer have to face the “Access Denied to Fixboot” error.
Repair Bootrec command
In case the error is caused by the Bootrec command, follow these steps to fix it.
Step 1: Perform the first three steps from the above method to launch the command prompt via the advanced recovery window.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter.
bcdboot N: windows / s M:
Make sure you replace "N" with the letter of the Windows partition and "M" with the letter of the system partition.
Try running the “Bootrec” command again and check if the problem is solved or not.
Reinstall Windows using the Windows installation media
If none of these solutions solved the problem the only way to log into your system and save the data is reinstall Windows using a Windows installation media. However, this method will remove everything from the system partition. So, only proceed with this solution if you are willing to lose data.
Step 1: Use the Windows installation media to boot the system.
2 pass - After selecting your preferred language and time, click “Next”.
Step 3 - Click "Install Now" to start the Windows installation process.
Step 4 - Choose the correct operating system from the list and click "Next".
Step 5 - Click “Install Windows Only” and follow the next screen instructions to complete the process.
Fixboot Access Denied on Windows? -
