Fix Bootrec Fixboot Access Denied Error

  

Written By Amit Patra

Approved By Anuraag Singh  

Modified On February 13th, 2026

Reading Time 9 Minutes Reading

If your Windows system suddenly stops booting and shows the bootrec fixboot access denied error, well it’s not the time to panic. This is one of the most common boot repair problems faced by Windows 11 and Windows 10 users in 2026. Many users see this error while they are trying to repair their system using Command Prompt and Windows Recovery Environment.

But the good news is that this error can be fixed in most cases and your data is usually safe. However if you use wrong commands or random internet solutions then this can make things worse. In this detail I will explain you everything in a simple and professional way so if you are a normal or technical user both can understand and fix the issue safely.

This article covers factful causes and proven solutions with safe recovery methods based on practical experience and technical logic.

What is Bootrec Fixboot Access Denied Error?

The bootrec fixboot access denied error appears when you try to repair Windows boot files using this command in Command Prompt:-

bootrec /fixboot

Well Instead of fixing the boot sector Windows shows you:

Access is denied

This simply means Windows cannot write new boot files to the system partition now the system blocks access due to permission issues, corrupted EFI partition or because of the incorrect boot configuration.

This problem is commonly seen in:-

• Windows 10 systems
• Windows 11 systems
• GPT/UEFI-based computers
• Systems with corrupted bootloader

Many users search for fixboot access denied Windows 10 or bootrec /fixboot access denied Windows 11 because their PC is suddenly stops starting.

When This Error Usually Appears

Many users generally face bootrec /fixboot access is denied error in the following situations:-

• When Windows stuck in automatic repair loop
• Showing blue screen after update
• System won’t boot after cloning SSD
• Boot sector corrupted
• Startup repair failed
• Windows showing “Operating System not found”
• After malware or forced shutdown

And let me be very clear here technical users and normal users both can encounter this error while trying to repair Windows using bootable USB.

Why Bootrec /Fixboot Shows Access Denied

Understanding the actual cause will help you in applying the correct fixes. Here are the most common reasons:-

1. Corrupted EFI Partition: Modern Windows systems use an EFI partition for boot files and if this partition becomes corrupted or hidden well Windows cannot write boot files and shows you access denied error.
2. GPT and UEFI Boot Conflict: If BIOS mode and disk partition style don’t match (UEFI vs Legacy) then the boot repair commands will fail.
3. Missing or Damaged Bootloader: Windows bootloader files may be missing after the update failure or virus attack.
4. Permission Issue in Boot Partition: Sometimes Windows blocks write access to the System Reserved partition and causes the Access Denied Fixboot error.
5. Faulty Bootable USB: The Improper installation of Windows media may not allow you full repair access.
6. Disk Errors or Bad Sectors: If your system drive has bad sectors well then the boot commands fail to execute this properly.

Quick Suggestion:- You can also know how to fix Smart Failure Predicted on Hard Disk quickly.

Important Warning Before You Start Fixing

Before you start trying any solution it is good to read these important warnings. You must remember the following:-

• Do NOT format the system drive
• Do NOT use random CMD commands from YouTube
• Do NOT run clean disk unless data is backed up
• Remember your data is usually safe
• Always try safe repair first

So if your system contains important data and Windows is not booting in such a case recovering your data first is a wise decision before you move to any advanced repair.

Fast Solutions to Fix Boot Errors Quickly

Proven Methods to Fix Bootrec Fixboot Access Denied

Now we will apply all tested, safe and working solutions that will fix bootrec fixboot access denied in most systems.

Method 1: Run Startup Repair

If you are a normal users this step is specially designed for you to fix the issue

1. Boot using Windows USB
2. Click Repair your computer
3. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options
4. And Click Startup Repair
5. Now Select Windows installation

After following all these steps in most of the cases this fixes boot issues automatically.

Method 2: Rebuild BCD Manually

To perform this you just need to open Command Prompt from recovery environment and simply run the following:

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Now it’s time to restart the system and check if it is fixed or not.

Method 3: Assign Drive Letter to EFI Partition

This is the most effective solution for bootrec fixboot access denied as most working fixes using this method. Check the following steps how you can run this:-

Just Open Command Prompt and type:-

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

list vol

Find EFI partition (usually FAT32, 100-300MB) after again you need to type the following:

select vol X

assign letter=Z

exit

Now run:-

bootrec /fixboot

After implementing this step well in most of the cases error usually gets fixed.

Method 4: Use Bootsect Command

If access denied still appears you can use this advance fixes:-

bootsect /nt60 sys

Then run:-

bootrec /fixboot

This command rewrites boot sector permissions.

Method 5: Format EFI Partition

This method is for advance users well if nothing works only then you can use this:-

diskpart

list vol

select vol X

format fs=fat32 quick

Then rebuild boot files.

Full CMD Repair Steps for Technical Users

Technical users searching bootrec fixboot access denied and they usually want a full repair sequence so you can find this below full repair sequence:-

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

list vol

select vol X

assign letter=Z

exit

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

bootsect /nt60 sys

Now you can simply restart your system as this resolves most fixboot access denied Windows 10 and Windows 11 issues.

If Windows Still Won’t Boot

See If you used all suggested methods and all methods are failed:-

• Bootloader fully damaged
• Windows OS corrupted
• SSD/HDD failure possible
• Partition structure broken

In this case your priority should be to recover you valuable data first instead of anything else.

Recover Data from Unbootable PC

Many users worry about losing files but yes even if your Windows won’t start your data is generally safe inside the drive. So you can recover your data by using these working methods:-

Method 1: Connect Drive to Another PC

• Remove HDD/SSD
• Connect using SATA/USB adapter
• Copy data

Method 2: Use Bootable Recovery Tool

You can use top rated professional recovery software that works even when Windows won’t boot.

Quick Suggestion:- You can also read How to Recover Crashed Hard Drive Data using secure manual and secure methods.

Recommended Professional Solution

If the system is unbootable and data is important in such a case you should use a safe and reliable recovery solution.

SysTools Data Recovery Software is widely used and recommended by the technicians and IT professionals to recover data from crashed or unbootable systems. You can simply Download and Install in your system and recover everything with ease.

As it will helps you in the following scenarios:-

• Recovering your data from non booting Windows
• Accessing corrupted drives
• Recovering formatted partitions
• And retrieving files before system repair

This ensures data safety before you apply risky boot repair commands.

Recent Case Study

Recently a user updated Windows 11 and the system stopped booting while repairing – they saw bootrec fixboot access denied error.

Startup repair failed – EFI partition method also failed.

They recovered important office data from internal HDD using a professional recovery tool first and then rebuilt the EFI partition and system booted normally. This shows why Internal Hard Drive Recovery should be a priority when a system contains important files.

Prevention Tips for Future

To avoid boot errors you must follow these future prevention tips:-

• Keep regular backup
• Avoid force shutdown
• Use genuine Windows updates
• Check disk health regularly
• Keep bootable USB ready
• Install antivirus protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why bootrec fixboot access denied happen?

Well it is happening due to corrupted EFI partition, permission issues or damaged bootloader.

Q2. Can I fix without formatting?

Yes in most of the cases you can be fixed without formatting it.

Q3. Is my data safe if I see the fixboot access denied error?

Yes your data is safe as boot error does not delete your personal data.

Q4. Does this solution work on Windows 11?

Yes absolutely the same solutions will work on both Windows 10 and 11.

Final Verdict

The bootrec fixboot access denied error looks serious but yes it is also fixable in most of the cases. Only the key is to use the right method based on the cause and you should avoid random commands and focus on safe repair.

You can start with basic fixes and then move to EFI partition repair and boot rebuild methods. If your system contains important data you must always recover your important data first before choosing any advanced repair.

By choosing the right steps and careful approach you can fix boot errors and restore your system without losing your valuable files.