Winload.efi Error on Windows 11: How to Fix it if it's Missing

If you see the error message saying the Winload.efi is missing or corrupted, your computer cannot boot into Windows, and you may encounter a Blue Screen of Death screen.

In this guide, we will discuss some expert-recommended methods to fix the winload error on Windows 11 right after explaining the potential causes behind the problem.

What is the Winload.efi file?

The Winload.efi is an Extensible Firmware Interface file that is an integral component of the Windows Boot Manager, which uses the file to load the Windows kernel & other essential system files into memory.

Generally, the file is used for tasks such as restarting the computer, installing Windows, resetting your PC settings, and more. The file is located at C:\windows\System32\Boot\winload.efi

What causes the Windows 11 Winload error?

There could be various reasons for the Winload.efi is missing error; some of the common ones are mentioned here:

• Corrupted BCD – The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store is misconfigured or damaged; you may encounter the error. Try rebuilding the BCD.
• UEFI firmware issues – If there is an issue with UEFI firmware settings, you could see this error during the boot process.
• Bad sectors – The bad sectors or system file corruption may result in this BSoD error. You need to scan your computer for bad sectors and repair system files using an SFC scan.
• Interrupted Windows update – If the Windows updates were interrupted or unsuccessful, it could corrupt system files, causing the problem.
• Damaged Winload.efi file – The disk errors, malware infection, or power failures during updates can corrupt the file, hindering the Windows booting process and causing the blue screen error.

Now that you know the causes of the issue, let us move quickly to learn the solutions to eliminate it.

How do I fix the Winload error in Windows 11?

Before engaging in advanced troubleshooting steps, you should consider performing the following checks:

• Try rebooting your PC.
• Ensure your BIOS firmware is updated.
• Remove all the external peripherals.

Once you are through these checks, check out the detailed methods to fix the problem.

1. Disable Secure Boot

1. Restart your computer. During startup, you need to press a key designated by the OEM or computer manufacturer to access the UEFI settings. For HP, it is F10; for Dell, it is F2.
2. You will enter the UEFI settings. Locate the Security or System Configuration section.
3. Now look for Secure Boot or UEFI Secure Boot, select it, and change the status to Disabled.
4. Depending upon your machine, you might also have to change the UEFI mode to Legacy mode to disable Secure Boot.
5. Once done, Save & Exit to save the changes.
6. Restart your computer.

Turning off Secure Boot allows you to boot non-signed OS or bootable tools, which can help you fix the issue. If, after reboot, you can’t get past the BSoD screen and get the Automatic Repair screen, move to the following method.

2. Run the Startup Repair tool

2.1 Prepare an installation media file & change the boot order

1. On another device or PC, go to Windows 11 website, locate Windows 11 Installation Media, and click Download Now.
2. The mediacreation.exe file will be downloaded; double-click to open it.
3. Click Accept.
4. For Select language and edition, choose Language and Edition and click Next.
5. Select the USB flash drive option. Plug in the USB drive with a minimum of 8 GB storage.
6. The Windows 11 Setup will detect and show the drive; click Next.
7. Once ready, click Finish.
8. Plug in the flash drive to the affected computer and turn it on. Press the key designated by the manufacturer to enter Boot options.
9. Go to Boot and locate the USB flash drive, use the arrow keys to move it up in the list, and save the changes & restart.

2.2 Initiate Startup Repair

1. After restart, you will see the Windows Setup screen, select Language to install, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method.
2. Click the Repair your computer option from the next page.
3. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options from the next page.
5. Select the Startup Repair option.
6. Follow the onscreen prompts and wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

The Startup Repair tool diagnoses and repairs complex startup problems; that’s why it should be the first thing to do if the computer doesn’t boot up.

3. Repair the BCD files

1. Boot your computer using Windows installation media via a USB flash drive created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, input the details, and click Next.
2. Select Repair your computer on the next page.
3. On Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
4. Next, select Advanced options.
5. On the Advanced options screen, choose Command Prompt. Your PC will restart and input the user account credentials when prompted.
6. On the Command Prompt window, copy & paste the following commands one by one to fix Boot Record, Boot Sector, and BCD store, and press Enter after every command:
   • bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
7. Restart your computer to see if you can now access Windows.

If you are facing booting issues on Windows 10, we have a great guide with solutions to fix it

4. Run the DiskPart command

1. Boot your computer using Windows installation media via a USB flash drive created in Step 2.1. Fill in the details on the Windows Setup screen, and click Next.
2. On the next page, click Repair your computer.
3. From Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
4. Next, select Advanced options.
5. Now choose Command Prompt. Your computer will reboot, and input the user account credentials if asked.
6. Type the following commands one by one and hit Enter after every command:
   • diskpart
list volume
select volume=n
assign letter=m
7. Copy & paste the command after replacing the c with the letter of your system drive and press Enter: bcdboot c:\Windows /s m: /f uefi
8. Reboot your computer to check if the issue is fixed.

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5. Use an SFC scan to repair system files

1. Restart your computer using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, enter the details, and click Next.
2. Select Repair your computer on the next screen.
3. On Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options from the next screen to proceed.
5. Select Command Prompt from the Advanced options window. The system will restart and enter credentials when prompted.
6. On the Command Prompt window, type the following command to restore the system files and hit Enter: sfc /scannow
7. The command will take some time to complete; wait till you see a successfully completed message, then restart your PC.

6. Repair disk errors

1. Reboot your PC using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, fill in the details, and click Next.
2. Click the Repair your computer option on the next screen.
3. On Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Next, click Advanced options.
5. Select Command Prompt from the Advanced options window. Your PC will reboot and prompt you for a user account password; enter it to proceed.
6. Type the following command to check and repair the disk errors after replacing C with the letter of the system drive and press Enter: chkdsk c: /f /r /x
7. When prompted, press Y, then wait for the command to get executed.

If your computer is not able to boot up, you might want to check our guide on the subject to fix the issue on Windows 11.

7. Perform System Restore

1. Restart your PC using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. On the Windows Setup screen, fill in the details, and click Next.
2. Click the Repair your computer option on the next screen.
3. On Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
4. Choose Advanced options.
5. From the Advanced options window, choose System Restore. Your computer will reboot, and enter the user name and password to proceed.
6. On the System Restore window, click Next.
7. Select the Restore point and click Next.
8. Click Finish and wait while the system returns to the last known good configuration.

8. Reinstall the operating system

1. Restart your PC using the Windows installation media created in Step 2.1. Enter information for the Language to install, Time and currency format, & Keyboard or input method options, and click Next.
2. Click Install Now.
3. Enter the product key or choose I don’t have a product key.
4. Choose the Windows version and click Next.
5. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation process.

So, these are methods you can use to fix the Winload error on Windows 11 and regain access to your computer.

If you are encountering missing Winload.efi error on Windows 10, feel free to check this informative guide to resolve the issue.

Please let us know of any additional solutions or thoughts you may have on this topic in the comment section below.