Software⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Windows 8 won't boot, BCD error

Windows boot configuration data missing error fix

Quick Answer: Run the built-in Windows tool, 'bcdedit', to set the correct boot order and active partition.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. 🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

Windows 8 users who encounter the 'Boot configuration data is missing' error are likely experiencing frustration as this issue prevents their system from booting properly. This problem can occur due to various reasons, including a corrupted BCD (Basic Configuration Data) store or a failed Windows installation.

The solution to this issue requires careful troubleshooting and potentially involves using diskpart commands. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to resolve the 'Boot configuration data is missing' error in Windows 8.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is a corrupted BCD store. When the BCD store becomes damaged or corrupted, it can prevent Windows from booting properly. This can occur due to various reasons such as a failed Windows installation, disk errors, or malware infections.
  • Another alternative reason for this error is a failed Windows installation. If the Windows installation process fails, it may not create a valid BCD store, leading to the 'Boot configuration data is missing' error.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Rebuilding the BCD Store

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator. To do this, type 'cmd' in the search bar and right-click on the Command Prompt app to select 'Run as administrator'.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Run the following command to scan for Windows installations: `bootrec /scanos`. This will identify any valid Windows installations on the system.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Select the installation you want to add to the boot list by typing `y` when prompted. If you encounter an error message stating that the requested system device cannot be found, proceed to Step 4.
  4. Step 4: Step 4: Open diskpart and select the OS partition. Type `list disk` to identify the disk containing your Windows installation. Once identified, type `select disk [disk number]` and press Enter. Then, type `active` to activate the selected disk.
  5. Step 5: Step 5: Run the following command to rebuild the BCD store: `bootrec /rebuildbcd`. This will create a new BCD store on the disk.

Using Diskpart to Activate the OS Partition

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Open diskpart and select the disk containing your Windows installation. Type `list disk` to identify the disk.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Select the OS partition by typing `select disk [disk number]` and press Enter. Then, type `active` to activate the selected partition.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Run the following command to rebuild the BCD store: `bootrec /rebuildbcd`. This will create a new BCD store on the disk.

✨ Wrapping Up

To fix the 'Boot configuration data is missing' error in Windows 8, try rebuilding the BCD store using the steps outlined above. If you encounter issues with the BCD store, consider using diskpart to activate the OS partition and then rebuild the BCD store. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and get your Windows 8 system booting properly again.

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