- Winload.efi is a critical file for booting Windows on UEFI systems.
- The error may be due to corrupted files, system partition failures, or boot errors.
- There are several solutions, including repairing the BCD, using SFC, and rebuilding the boot sector.
- In more severe cases, it may be necessary to modify the BIOS or UEFI settings.
If when you turn on your Windows computer you encounter the error Winload.efi is missing or contains errors, don't worry. It's a relatively common problem that prevents the operating system from booting properly, but there are several solutions that can return your computer to normal.
In this article, we are going to explain What is the Winload.efi file, why does this error occur, and how can you fix it with different methods?We'll guide you step by step so you can repair your system and get back to using your computer without complications.
What is Winload.efi and why does this error occur?
Winload.efi is a fundamental system file in Windows, responsible for managing the system startup when using a UEFI firmware. This file is located in the path C: \ Windows \ System32 and is responsible for loading the operating system from the boot disk.
If the file is damaged, missing, or cannot be executed correctly, Windows will fail to start and will display an error message along with codes like 0xc0000225, 0xc00000e o 0xc0000001This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:
- Boot disk or system partition failures.
- Corruption of essential system files.
- A change in the BIOS/UEFI boot settings.
- Error cloning a disk with Windows.
- A failed attempt at a system update.
For more information on how to dual boot Windows, you can refer to this article.
Methods to fix Winload.efi error
Below we present several Effective solutions to fix this problem in Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7.
1. Enable CSM compatibility mode and disable Secure Boot
Some computers allow you to switch between UEFI boot and Legacy Compatibility Mode (CSM). If your PC supports both options, you can try change the settings to fix the problem.
- Restart your computer and access the UEFI settings by pressing F2, F8, or Del (may vary depending on the manufacturer).
- Look for the option CSM Boot and activate it.
- Go to the section Secure Boot and disable it.
- Save the changes and restart the computer.
If you need more information on how to enable Secure Boot in Windows 11, see this link.
2. Check and repair errors on the system disk
If the problem is related to disk errors, you can use the CHKDSK tool to correct them.
- Boot the computer from a Windows installation USB or DVD.
- Choose repair equipment and then go to Advanced.
- Open the Symbol of the system and writes: chkdsk c: / f
- Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.
3. Repair system files with SFC
Windows has a tool called System File Checker (SFC) that can restore corrupted files of the System.
- Open the Symbol of the system from an installation media.
- Run the command: sfc / scannow
- You can also try: sfc /scannow /offboot=d:\ /offwindir=d:\windows
- Wait for the process to finish and restart your computer.
If the Winload.efi error persists, You might need a guide on how to fix the boot loop in Windows 11.what can you find here.
4. Rebuild the BCD and MBR
In some cases, the error may be due to a MBR (Master Boot Record) or BCD (Boot Configuration Data) damaged.
- From the Symbol of the system, run the following commands one by one:
- bootrec / FixMbr – Repair the boot sector.
- bootrec / FixBoot – Write a new boot sector.
- bootrec / scanos – Scans the disk for operating systems.
- bootrec / RebuildBcd – Rebuilds the startup data.
- Restart your PC and check if the problem is solved.
5. Manually repair the EFI bootloader
If the above methods don't work, you can try to manually repair the bootloader.
- Run the Symbol of the system from the installation media.
- Writes: diskpart
- List the disks with: list disk
- Select the correct disk: select disk 0
- List the partitions: list volume
- Select the EFI volume: select volume X (replacing X with the correct number).
- Assign a letter: assign letter=w
- Run the command: bcdboot c:\Windows /sw: /f ALL
- Restart your PC and check if the error is gone.
These methods allow you to fix Winload.efi error and restore proper functioning of your Windows system. If the problem persists, It could be due to serious hard drive failures or incorrect BIOS settings., in which case it would be advisable to go to a specialized technician.
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