Windows BCDEDIT command

The Windows bcdedit command is a powerful tool that allows users to view, modify, and configure boot configuration data. This command is essential for managing various aspects of the Windows operating system’s boot process, such as adding new boot entries, modifying boot settings, and fixing boot-related issues. By using bcdedit, users can customize boot options, change boot parameters, and troubleshoot boot problems. Understanding how to use bcdedit can help users maintain a stable and efficient boot process on their Windows devices.

BCDEDIT Syntax:

bcdedit [/parameter] [option] [value]

Options:

Option	Description
/create	Creates a new entry for the boot manager
/enum	Displays information about entries in the store
/delete	Deletes entries from the store
/set	Sets a boot manager entry option value
/bootsequence	Sets the one-time boot sequence for the boot manager
/displayorder	Sets the boot manager display order
/timeout	Sets the boot manager timeout value
/default	Sets the default entry for the boot manager
/ems	Enables or disables Emergency Management Services
/emssettings	Configures Emergency Management Services options
/errorcontrol	Sets the error control options
/resumeload	Resumes a hibernated OS image load
/customactions	Configures custom BCDEdit actions
/driver	Configures options for boot-critical drivers
/hypervisor	Configure the hypervisor launch type

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
/store	Specifies the store to be used (default is the system store)
/bootsequence	Lists the devices in a one-time boot sequence
/emsport	Sets the COM port for EMS redirection
/emsbaud	Sets the baud rate for EMS redirection
/default	Sets the default boot entry identifier
displayorder	Specifies a list of boot entry identifiers for display purposes
timeout	Sets the waiting time in seconds before the default OS option loads

Caution

Exercise caution when using the bcdedit command as modifying boot settings incorrectly can prevent your system from booting properly. Make sure to carefully follow usage instructions and avoid changing settings unless you are familiar with the potential consequences.

BCDEDIT Usage:

Set a Description for a Windows Boot Entry

bcdedit /set {identifier} description "Windows 10 Pro"

Set a custom description for a Windows boot entry identified by {identifier}.

Change the Boot Manager Timeout

bcdedit /timeout 10

Change the boot manager timeout to 10 seconds.

Display Detailed Boot Configuration Data

bcdedit /enum [{identifier}] /v

Display detailed information about the boot configuration data, either for all entries or a specific entry.

Restore the Default Windows Boot Entry

bcdedit /default {default}

Restore the default Windows boot entry identified by {default} value.

Tip

When using the bcdedit command in CMD, always ensure that you have administrative privileges to make changes to the boot configuration data.

Common Questions on BCDEDIT Usage:

How do I use bcdedit in CMD?

To use the bcdedit command in CMD, execute the following command:

bcdedit /enum

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What does bcdedit /enum do?

The command “bcdedit /enum” displays the current boot configuration data stored in the Windows Boot Manager.

bcdedit /enum

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How can I use bcdedit to modify boot options?

To modify boot options using bcdedit in CMD, you can use commands like “bcdedit /set” followed by the appropriate parameters.

bcdedit /set {parameter} {value}

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How can I disable a specific boot entry with bcdedit?

To disable a specific boot entry using bcdedit in CMD, you can use the “bcdedit /set” command with the “status” parameter set to “disabled”.

bcdedit /set {entry} description "Windows 10 (disabled)"

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How do I delete a boot loader entry with bcdedit?

To delete a boot loader entry using bcdedit in CMD, you can use the “bcdedit /delete” command with the appropriate entry identifier.

bcdedit /delete {identifier}

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Can bcdedit help me troubleshoot boot-related issues?

Yes, bcdedit can be used to troubleshoot boot-related issues by displaying and modifying boot configuration data to resolve problems.

bcdedit /enum {specific parameter}

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Applications of the BCDEDIT Command

• Modify boot settings
• Create boot entries
• Delete boot entries
• Display detailed boot configuration data
• Set the default operating system
• Change boot menu display settings
• Enable or disable kernel debugging
• Configure firmware boot manager settings