[FIX] Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

This article will show you the way to repair Windows 10 Master Boot Record (MBR) when it is corrupted or inaccessible and your system cannot boot at all.

Kapil Arya
WINDOWS EXPERT
Add as a preferred
source on Google

Recently, I have shared you the fix about error which you can read using following link:

The Boot Configuration Data file is missing some required information

Actually, the boot record is consists of two files; Boot Configuration Data (BCD) and Master Boot Record (MBR). Thus when you’re not able to boot your system at all, the probability is that either of these two files is corrupted or inaccessible. In such scenario, if you open the Boot Configuration Data using Command Prompt at boot, you’ll see following error:

The boot configuration data store can not be opened.
The requested system device cannot be found.

FIX - Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

Now since the boot records are malfunctioned, Windows won’t let you to Refresh or Reset. It’ll keep saying The drive where Windows is installed is locked. Unlock the drive and try again. One easiest fix to sweep out this issue is that you create a bootable Windows installation disk using ISO image of any Windows edition released after Windows 7. Then you have to plug it and using it install the Windows edition on any other partition. In others words, create a dual boot environment. Once you’ve installed a new Windows edition in parallel to original Windows edition whose boot records are compromised, you’ll found that problem is automatically fixed. You can then uninstall the alternative installed Windows so far, and start using your original installation since the issue is resolved.

But if you can’t follow the above mentioned process, here is how to get rid of this issue very easily and repair Master Boot Record.

FIX : Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

1. Boot to Advanced Recovery Options. Hit the Command prompt entry at following screen:

FIX - Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

2. Last step will result in opening of Command Prompt at boot.

FIX - Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

Select your admin account and enter your select account password to continue.

FIX - Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

Then type following command:

chkdsk /r

After the check disk is completed, you may try booting the computer and check if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists, then try performing a SFC scan using SFC /SCANNOW command to rebuild or recover the corrupted system files on the computer. Still if you’re facing the issue, go to step 3.

3. The last option you can try to repair corrupted boot record is to execute following commands in Command Prompt at boot, press Enter key after each:

bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

FIX - Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

You’ll receive “The operation completed successfully” message when each command is successfully executed. In case if bootrec /fixboot command gives Access is denied, then refer this fix. Once done, restart your computer and it should boot fine now. This means the MBR is fixed now and you can verify it by executing bcdedit /enum command at Command Prompt. This method is equally helpful to Windows 7, Windows 8 or 8.1 users as well.

FIX - Windows 10 Master Boot Record Is Corrupted

Checkout following video to take live demonstration of this trick:

Hope this helps!

Must reads:

1. Fix: Recovery environment disabled in Windows

2. Reinstall Windows 10 without affecting your files and apps

3. Windows stuck in Automatic Repair loop

4. How to boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode

5. Downgrade Windows 10 to Windows 7/8/8.1

Share this article
https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-windows-10-master-boot-record-corrupted

Shareable URL

Kapil Arya
WINDOWS EXPERT

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.