Bcdedit.exe Command

The bcdedit.exe command is a command-line tool in Windows that allows users to manage boot configuration settings, such as boot entries, boot parameters, and various system configurations. This tool is especially useful for setting up and recovering boot configurations in complex systems or when dealing with boot record errors.

What is Bcdedit.exe and What is it Used For?

The bcdedit.exe command works with Boot Configuration Data (BCD) and allows users to perform the following tasks:

  • Add or remove boot entries.
  • Configure OS boot parameters.
  • Fix boot errors, for instance, after installing a new OS or following a system crash.
  • Manage multiple Windows installations on a single device.

How to Open Bcdedit.exe

To run bcdedit.exe, you need administrator privileges. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open the Start menu and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the open window, type bcdedit and press Enter.

Basic Commands for Bcdedit.exe

Here are some useful commands for working with bcdedit.exe:

Viewing Current Boot Configuration

bcdedit

This command displays the current boot configuration with a list of all entries and their parameters.

Adding a New Boot Entry

bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows Backup"

This command copies the current boot entry, creating a new one with the description "Windows Backup." It’s helpful for creating a backup entry before making changes.

Changing Boot Parameters

bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal

This command enables Safe Mode for the current OS, useful for troubleshooting issues within the system.

Deleting a Boot Entry

bcdedit /delete {entry_ID}

This command deletes the specified boot entry from the BCD configuration.

Troubleshooting with Bcdedit.exe

If you encounter boot issues, bcdedit.exe can help fix them. For example, if you get an error related to a missing boot entry, using the bcdedit /rebuildbcd command can restore missing data.