Where Is the Windows Boot Configuration Data Stored?
Windows keeps boot entries in the BCD store at Boot/BCD with a registry mirror. Paths, tools, and repair rules.
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Windows boots from the BCD store: a registry hive file at \Boot\BCD on the system partition holding every boot entry, timeout and recovery option. While running, the same data appears read-only under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\BCD00000 for inspection. One file, two views.
The store replaced boot.ini generations ago, which is why ancient guides editing text files fail silently today. bcdedit is the supported editor: enum to list, set to change, export and import for backups. Offline repairs from recovery media use bootrec against the same file. UEFI machines keep the live copy on the EFI partition rather than C:, a distinction bcdedit hides. Same layout since Vista.
Where Windows boot stores this, by platform
C:\Boot\BCD
Registry hive file holding boot entries; live mirror at HKLM\BCD00000 is read-only. Edit with bcdedit (/enum, /set, /export, /import), never raw file edits. UEFI keeps the live copy on the EFI partition; BIOS uses the active partition. Repair offline with bootrec from recovery media.
Frequently asked questions
how do i repair a corrupt bcd store
Boot Windows recovery media and run bootrec /rebuildbcd plus bootrec /fixmbr and /fixboot as needed. These rebuild the store from found installations. Export a backup with bcdedit /export before experimenting with dual-boot entries so failures restore in one command.
how do i edit boot entries safely
Use bcdedit or EasyBCD, never a raw hex editor. The store is a registry hive; bcdedit /enum lists entries and /set edits them safely. Direct file edits corrupt the hive and unboot the machine. The registry mirror under HKLM\BCD00000 is read-only insight, not an edit surface.
why are there two bcd files efi versus boot
That is the EFI system partition's copy, the live one on UEFI machines. Legacy BIOS boots use the active partition's Boot folder instead. bcdedit abstracts the difference; it always targets the live store. Mount the EFI partition explicitly if you need the file itself for offline surgery.
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