All About BOOTCFG Windows command

The Windows bootcfg command is a powerful tool that allows users to manage the boot configuration settings on their system. With bootcfg, users can modify, create, or delete boot.ini entries, making it easier to troubleshoot boot-related issues. By using bootcfg, users can configure various boot options such as specifying the default operating system, setting the timeout for the boot menu, and adding or removing operating systems from the boot.ini file. This command is especially useful for advanced users and system administrators who need more control over their system’s boot configuration. Overall, the bootcfg command is a valuable resource for managing and customizing the boot process on Windows systems.

BOOTCFG Syntax:

bootcfg /default /ems /raw /ds /addsw /redirect /disks /scan /list /query /timeout /add /delete /copy /rebuild

Options:

Option	Description
/default	Sets the default OS
/ems	Enable or disable Emergency Management Services
/raw	Return raw list of boot entry names
/ds	Specify the default operating system configuration
/addsw	Add a new operating system switch
/redirect	Change the location of the boot entries-file
/disks	list all disk drives
/scan	Scans all disks
/list	List entry options and output order
/query	Query current settings
/timeout	Set timeout to wait for user selection
/add	Add a new OS entry to the BOOT.INI file
/delete	Delete an OS boot entry
/copy	Make a copy of an OS boot entry
/rebuild	Rebuild BOOT.INI file

Parameters:

Parameter	Description
/ID=id	Allows the user to set the desired default operating system ID
/EMStimeout=seconds	Set the timeout period for the Emergency Management Services
/d=	Specify the DS path
/osname=	Specify a custom OS name
/redirect	Path to the new boot entry file location

Caution

Exercise caution while using the bootcfg command, as incorrect usage may result in unbootable systems or data loss. Make sure to thoroughly understand the command options and parameters before executing any commands.

BOOTCFG CMD Examples:

Display Windows Boot Configuration Data

bootcfg

Displays the current Windows Boot Configuration Data.

Add an Entry to the Boot Configuration Data Store

bootcfg /copy /d "New Windows Entry" /addlast

Adds a new entry labeled “New Windows Entry” to the end of the Boot Configuration Data Store.

Delete a Boot Entry

bootcfg /delete /id 2

Deletes the boot entry with ID 2 from the Boot Configuration Data Store.

Set Boot Timeout Value

bootcfg /timeout 10

Sets the boot timeout value to 10 seconds for the Boot Configuration Data Store.

Rebuild Boot.ini File

bootcfg /rebuild

Rebuilds the Boot.ini file based on the current operating system configuration.

Tip

When using the bootcfg command in CMD, make sure to carefully follow the syntax and options provided by the command to avoid any unintended changes to your system’s boot configuration.

BOOTCFG Command Help Center:

How do I use bootcfg in CMD?

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

bootcfg --option <value>

What is the purpose of the bootcfg command in Windows CMD?

The bootcfg command in Windows CMD is used to configure, modify, or rebuild the boot.ini file, which is essential for the Windows operating system to boot correctly.

How can I view the current boot.ini settings using bootcfg?

To view the current boot.ini settings using bootcfg, you can run the following command:

bootcfg

How do I add a new operating system to the boot.ini file with bootcfg?

To add a new operating system entry to the boot.ini file using bootcfg, use the /add parameter followed by the necessary details. Here is an example:

bootcfg /add /d NewOS /l C:\ /t x

Can bootcfg be used to set the default boot entry in Windows?

Yes, you can set the default boot entry in Windows using the bootcfg command. Use the /default parameter followed by the number corresponding to the desired boot entry. Here is an example:

bootcfg /default 2

How do I delete a boot entry from the boot.ini file with bootcfg?

To delete a boot entry from the boot.ini file using bootcfg, use the /delete parameter followed by the boot entry number. Here is an example:

bootcfg /delete /id 2

How can bootcfg be used to rebuild the boot.ini file in Windows CMD?

To rebuild the boot.ini file using bootcfg, run the following command:

bootcfg /rebuild

What is the syntax to set the timeout value for the boot menu using bootcfg?

To set the timeout value for the boot menu using bootcfg, use the /timeout parameter followed by the desired timeout value in seconds. Here is an example:

bootcfg /timeout 10

Applications of the BOOTCFG Command

• View current boot configuration settings
• Edit boot.ini file
• Rebuild the boot.ini file
• Add or remove entries from the boot.ini file
• Set the default operating system to boot into
• Set timeout for choosing operating system at boot time