How to “Fix winload.efi Missing or Corrupt” Error in Windows 10

Winload.efi is essential to the Windows Boot Manager. It is easy to tell if your device has a winload.efi error, as you will be faced with a screen that says “Windows\system32\winload.efi is missing or corrupt.”

In this guide, we will outline five methods for fixing winload.efi missing or corrupt errors, why they occur, and how to prevent them from coming back.

Methods for Addressing winload.efi Errors

Conducting a System Refresh is the easiest way to address booting errors, but there are four other methods outlined below in case a System Refresh doesn’t work.

Method 1: Restarting Windows Using an Installation Disk

1. Insert the Windows 10 Installation disk and reboot your device
2. Begin booting your disk by following the prompts on screen:
   1. Press any key to start booting
   2. Enter the correct time
   3. Select your keyboard type
3. From the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot
4. Select Refresh your PC to start a System Refresh
5. Restart your device

Method 2: Rebuilding Boot Configuration Data

1. Restart your computer
2. At the login screen, hold the Shift key while clicking Power, then Restart
3. Click the Troubleshoot button, followed by Advanced Options
4. Open Command Prompt
5. Enter the following commands:

Bootrec /FixMbr
Bootrec /FixBoot
Bootrec /RebuildBcd

6. If the Bootrec /RebuildBcd command fails, enter the following and then wait for Command Prompt to finish the operation:

bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
c:
cd boot
attrib bcd -s -h -r
ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old
bootrec /RebuildBcd

7. Wait for Command Prompt to finish the operation, then exit the program and restart Windows

Method 3: Disabling Secure Boot

1. Launch the UEFI menu

NOTE: The key used to launch UEFI depends on your manufacturer. These keys are typically F2, F8, Del, or Esc.

2. Navigate to UEFI settings and enter CSM Boot mode (which can also be called Legacy boot depending on your device)
3. Find Secure Boot in the UEFI settings then set it to either Disabled or Off

NOTE: The location for Secure Boot also depends on your device. It is typically located under Authentication, Boot, or Security.

4. Set your hard disk as the first boot drive and your Windows hard drive as the primary boot device
5. Press Save and restart your computer

Method 4: Running System File Checker

1. Restart your computer
2. At the login screen, hold the Shift key while clicking Power, then Restart
3. Click the Troubleshoot button, followed by Advanced Options
4. Open Command Prompt
5. Enter the following command, making sure to replace D: to the right Windows partition letter:

Sfc /Scannow /OFFBOOTDIR=D:\ /OFFWINDIR=D:\Windows
chkdsk D: /

6. Wait for Command Prompt to finish the operation, then exit the program and restart Windows

Method 5: Checking and Repairing the Hard Drive

1. Restart your computer
2. At the login screen, hold the Shift key while clicking Power, then Restart
3. Click the Troubleshoot button, followed by Advanced Options
4. Open Command Prompt
5. Enter the following command, making sure to replace C: to the right Windows partition letter:

chkdsk C: /f

6. Wait for Command Prompt to finish the operation, then exit the program and restart Windows

NOTE: If you want to also run a physical check, run chkdsk C: /r

Why Do Windows System 32 winload.efi Errors Occur?

The .efi extension stands for Extensible Firmware Interface. These files execute system boot processes, with winload.efi in charge of loading Windows kernel files into a device’s memory. Although this file runs in the background, it plays a key component in safely restarting your computer, installing Windows, and the like.

While it can be daunting seeing the blue error screen upon startup, winload.efi errors are relatively common. The top causes for such errors include:

• Corrupt bootloader files
• Issues with boot configuration settings and/or UEFI settings
• Malware
• Issues with storage drives

Aside from an error code (which is usually either 0xc0000225 or 0xc0000001), the “Windows\system32\winload.efi is missing or corrupt” error screen does not outline the specific cause of the issue.

As such, understanding the different ways of troubleshooting a missing or corrupt winload.efi file can also help you diagnose what the underlying issue is: if a BCD check addresses the issue, for example, then it’s likely that there was something in the boot configuration settings that was causing the issue.

How to Prevent Future Winload.efi Booting Issues

After addressing a winload.efi error, the good news is that the steps for preventing future errors aren’t extremely complicated.

To minimize the chances of corrupting your winload.efi file, make sure to:

1. Create backup restore points on a regular basis
2. Maintain a schedule for periodic disk health checks
3. Install any Windows and driver updates as soon as they are available
4. Check your power supply to prevent sudden shutdowns, which could then lead to system corruption

These steps are also just general best practices to ensure your device runs smoothly and your files do not get corrupted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access recovery mode if my PC won’t boot?

If your system is not booting as expected, simply launch recovery mode by restarting your PC and holding the F11 key as it starts up. Keep in mind, however, that the specific key to press may be different depending on your manufacturer; some devices use the F9 or F12 keys to launch Recovery Mode.

Can I fix this error without a bootable USB?

Yes. If you do not have a bootable Windows installation drive, you can address winload.efi errors through your boot configuration settings, UEFI, or a System Refresh.

Will I lose my files when fixing this issue?

Fixing a corrupt or missing winload.efi file should allow Windows to boot properly on your device, without damaging your files. If you have successfully resolved the winload issue but find that there are missing files, this may be a sign of a more serious problem that requires professional assistance.

What if none of the methods work—do I need to reinstall Windows?

If none of the above methods work, you may try reinstalling Windows using a bootable drive. However, you should only do so if you have a backup restore point.

Final Thoughts on Winload.efi Errors

Winload.efi errors are relatively common and can be fixed manually should an automatic restart prove ineffective. If your PC restarts as normal after any of the methods outlined above, that means you have been able to fix the winload.efi error.

It is best to exhaust all recovery methods first before seeking professional help, as troubleshooting winload.efi errors through the steps outlined above can also help you diagnose the underlying issue.