How to Fix the “Winload.exe Missing” Error in Windows 10

If you encounter the dreaded “Winload.exe missing” error when trying to boot your Windows 10 computer, don’t panic. This error can occur due to various reasons, such as a corrupted or missing Winload.exe file, a damaged Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file, or a faulty hard drive. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this issue and get your computer back up and running.

Method 1: Use Startup Repair

One of the easiest ways to fix the “Winload.exe missing” error is by using the Startup Repair tool in Windows. Here’s how to do it:

1. Boot your computer using a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
2. When prompted, press any key to boot from the installation media.
3. Select your language preferences and click “Next”.
4. Click on “Repair your computer”.
5. Select “Troubleshoot” from the Choose an option screen.
6. Click on “Advanced options”.
7. Select “Startup Repair”.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

Once the repair is finished, remove the installation media and restart your computer. If the error persists, try the next method.

Method 2: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If the Startup Repair tool doesn’t work, you can try rebuilding the BCD file. Here’s how:

1. Boot your computer using a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
2. When prompted, press any key to boot from the installation media.
3. Select your language preferences and click “Next”.
4. Click on “Repair your computer”.
5. Select “Troubleshoot” from the Choose an option screen.
6. Click on “Advanced options”.
7. Select “Command Prompt”.
8. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
   • bootrec /rebuildbcd
   • bootrec /fixmbr
   • bootrec /fixboot
9. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

If the error persists, try the next method.

Method 3: Perform a Clean Install of Windows 10

If none of the above methods work, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows 10. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your computer, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.

To perform a clean install:

1. Boot your computer using a Windows 10 installation disc or USB drive.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the installation process.
3. When prompted, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”.
4. Select the drive where you want to install Windows and click “Next”.
5. Follow the remaining instructions to complete the installation process.

Once the installation is finished, your computer should boot normally without the “Winload.exe missing” error.

If you encounter any issues during the clean install process or if you need to recover data from a damaged hard drive, consider using a data recovery tool like DiskInternals Partition Recovery. This tool can help you create a disk image of your hard drive and recover deleted files, even if the partition is damaged or missing.

In conclusion, the “Winload.exe missing” error can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can usually fix it without too much trouble. Start with the Startup Repair tool and work your way up to rebuilding the BCD file or performing a clean install of Windows 10. If all else fails, consider using a data recovery tool to salvage any important files before proceeding with a clean install.