Windows 11 Missing or corrupted error /Windows/system32/winload.efi

lsepolis123

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Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)

1:
Dual-boot PC [w11 + w11] restores to a restore point, ... How does it work?

2:
Missing or corrupted error /Windows/system32/winload.efi
Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
I can boot only to the first w11 OS, in a dual boot system... see the error for the second w11 OS:

 
Solution
You've encountered a critical error related to the second Windows 11 installation on your dual-boot system. The error message indicates that the system cannot boot because the file winload.efi is missing or corrupted. Here's how you can address this issue, along with some insights on restoring via a restore point.

Analyzing the Situation​

  1. Blue Screen Error:
    • The BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) you've seen indicates that there is a serious problem preventing Windows from booting. The specific error message mentions that the file at \\WINDOWS\\system32\\winload.efi is either missing or corrupted. This file is crucial for booting Windows.
  2. Recovery Options Available:
    • The blue screen...
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You've encountered a critical error related to the second Windows 11 installation on your dual-boot system. The error message indicates that the system cannot boot because the file winload.efi is missing or corrupted. Here's how you can address this issue, along with some insights on restoring via a restore point.

Analyzing the Situation​

  1. Blue Screen Error:
    • The BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) you've seen indicates that there is a serious problem preventing Windows from booting. The specific error message mentions that the file at \\WINDOWS\\system32\\winload.efi is either missing or corrupted. This file is crucial for booting Windows.
  2. Recovery Options Available:
    • The blue screen typically offers several options, like:
      • Press Enter to try booting again.
      • F1 to enter the Recovery Environment, which can help troubleshoot the installation.
      • F8 for Startup Settings.
      • Esc for UEFI Firmware Settings.
      • F9 to choose a different operating system, which may only help if the first Windows OS boots up successfully.

Steps to Fix the Issue​

  1. Access the Recovery Environment:
    • If you can get to the recovery options, choose F1 to enter the Recovery Environment. From there, you may be able to use various repair tools.
  2. Use Startup Repair:
    • In the Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, and choose Startup Repair. This tool attempts to automatically fix startup issues.
  3. Command Prompt Fix:
    • If startup repair doesn't work, you might have to use the Command Prompt:
      • Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, and choose Command Prompt.
      • In the Command Prompt, you can run these commands one by one:
        Code: 
        cmd bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd
    • These commands aim to repair the boot-related files, including winload.efi.
  4. Windows Restore:
    • If you previously created restore points, this is where you can restore to a previous state where your second Windows 11 installation was functional.
    • Go to Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, and select System Restore. Follow the prompts to choose a restore point.

Understanding Restore Points​

  • Restore points allow you to revert your system files and settings to an earlier point in time without affecting personal data. It's a useful feature for recovering from issues caused by updates or changes.

Conclusion​

These methods aim to resolve the missing or corrupted winload.efi file and restore your dual-boot configuration. If these steps don’t yield results, further diagnostics may be required, potentially involving repairs or reinstalling the second Windows 11 system.
Feel free to ask if you need further assistance with any of these steps or have additional questions!
 
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Solution
Restoring one OS doesn’t directly affect the other but can mess up the bootloader or shared partitions, causing boot issues.

Fix winload.efi Error:

1. Boot into the working Windows 11.
2. Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run these commands to fix the bootloader:

Code: 
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fix
bootbootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

3. Check the EFI partition:

Code: 
diskpart
list disk
select disk [number]
list partition
select partition [number]
assign letter=Z
exit
chkdsk Z: /f

4. Repair system files:
Code: 
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. Use Windows installation media if the problem persists and repeat the repair steps.

Reconfigure Dual Boot:

Use tools like EasyBCD or the built-in bcdedit to add both Windows installations to the boot menu.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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This is an excellent and thorough approach, @datawizard0103! Your steps should cover most bases when dealing with a corrupted or missing winload.efi error, especially in a dual-boot setup. I'd like to highlight a few additional details and best practices to complement your solution:

Key Notes and Enhancements:​

  1. Correcting Command in Step 2:
    There's a minor typo in your second step where one command seems unintended (bootbootrec). The correct sequence is:
    Code: 
    cmd
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
    This step ensures the Master Boot Record (MBR) and Boot Configuration Data (BCD) are repaired.
  1. Accessing Advanced Boot Options:
    If users cannot access even the working OS, they can boot directly into Advanced Startup Options using installation media:
    • Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt to proceed with these commands.
  1. EFI Partition Checks (Step 3):
    The EFI System Partition (ESP) can be particularly tricky in dual-boot scenarios. When assigning a letter (Z in your example), note:
    • Never delete or modify files without understanding their purpose. The EFI partition contains bootloaders (bootmgfw.efi) critical for both operating systems.
    The chkdsk Z: /f command is a great step for ensuring the partition's integrity!
  1. System File Repair Commands (Step 4):
    These are crucial when corruption spans multiple system files:
    • sfc /scannow: Repairs individual file-level corruption.
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth: Fixes issues with the Windows component store.
    Highly recommended after repairing the bootloader.
  1. Dual-Boot Configurations with EasyBCD:
    Your mention of EasyBCD is spot-on for reconfiguring dual-boot menus. However, for UEFI-based systems:
    • BCDEdit via Command Prompt works better:
      Code: 
      cmd
bcdedit /set {bootmgr} path \EFI\Microsoft\Boot\bootmgfw.efi

Additional Suggestions:​

  • Secure Backups:
    Ensure critical data is backed up from both operating systems before performing repairs, especially involving manual EFI partition changes.
  • Recreate a Missing/Crashed EFI Partition:
    If the EFI partition is missing or irreparably damaged (e.g., chkdsk results show severe corruption), create a new one:
    Code: 
    cmd
diskpart
select disk [number]
create partition efi size=100
format fs=fat32
assign letter=Z
    Then, copy EFI boot files from installation media:
    Code: 
    cmd
bcdboot C:\Windows /s Z: /f UEFI
These refinements should help make your process even stronger. Let me know if you’ve run into specific challenges, and I’d be happy to brainstorm further solutions!
 
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