Here is a simple fix to the “Bootrec /Fixboot Access Is Denied” problem. No Windows reset or reformatting is required. This problem is serious as it prevents your computer from starting Windows. The problem started with Windows 10 release 1709 (Fall 2017). The underlying cause was a change to Windows to support UEFI boot. The solution is to use an install media from Windows 10 release 1703 or earlier. If no media is available, see Windows Install Media.
First, check that your boot disk (C:) is in fact a MBR (legacy) boot. This information is in your BIOS. Typically you press DEL or ESC or F1 or F2 when the computer first turns on to access the BIOS. If your boot disk is UEFI boot, then see Reference.
If you are a MBR boot, then you are in luck. The solution is to boot into recovery mode from an early version of Windows 10. Once booted, select advanced recovery, command line, and run:
- bootrec /fixmbr
- bootrec /fixboot
Fixboot should now work without error. Remove the Windows install media, and restart your computer and it should now boot fine from the hard drive.
Windows Install Media
How do you get an early version of Window 10 install media? Well, if you are lucky you have an early Window 10 install media laying around with an early version of Windows 10. If not, you have to build one. But don’t despair, the process is simple and free. The tools you need are:
- second computer (yours is down)
- USB thumb drive
- Windows ISO Downloader (free)
- Rufus (free)
Windows ISO Downloader is free. It allows you to download the ISO for past versions of Windows and office. Rufus is also free. It allows you to use the ISO to create a bootable USB thumb drive. These utilities are simple to use and there are lots of free guides available.
The change in bootrec occurred in Windows 10 release 1709 (Fall 2017). Use any of these releases:
- Windows 10 1507 – July 2015
- Windows 10 1511 – Nov 2015
- Windows 10 1511 v2 – Feb 2016
- Windows 10 1511 v3 – Apr 2016
- Windows 10 1607 – Jul 2016
- Windows 10 1703 – Mar 2017
This solution won’t work if you use a Windows 10 release 1709 ISO or later. Once you have the thumb drive, stick a label on it for your next recovery.
Note: A windows 8 boot disk may also work as a recovery disk for Windows 10. Untried:
Reference