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All About BOOTCFG Windows command

The Windows bootcfg command is a powerful tool that allows users to manage the boot configuration settings on their system. With bootcfg, users can modify, create, or delete boot.ini entries, making it easier to troubleshoot boot-related issues. By using bootcfg, users can configure various boot options such as specifying the default operating system, setting the timeout for the boot menu, and adding or removing operating systems from the boot.ini file. This command is especially useful for advanced users and system administrators who need more control over their system’s boot configuration. Overall, the bootcfg command is a valuable resource for managing and customizing the boot process on Windows systems.

Terminal window
bootcfg /default /ems /raw /ds /addsw /redirect /disks /scan /list /query /timeout /add /delete /copy /rebuild
OptionDescription
/defaultSets the default OS
/emsEnable or disable Emergency Management Services
/rawReturn raw list of boot entry names
/dsSpecify the default operating system configuration
/addswAdd a new operating system switch
/redirectChange the location of the boot entries-file
/diskslist all disk drives
/scanScans all disks
/listList entry options and output order
/queryQuery current settings
/timeoutSet timeout to wait for user selection
/addAdd a new OS entry to the BOOT.INI file
/deleteDelete an OS boot entry
/copyMake a copy of an OS boot entry
/rebuildRebuild BOOT.INI file
ParameterDescription
/ID=idAllows the user to set the desired default operating system ID
/EMStimeout=secondsSet the timeout period for the Emergency Management Services
/d=Specify the DS path
/osname=Specify a custom OS name
/redirectPath to the new boot entry file location
Terminal window
bootcfg

Displays the current Windows Boot Configuration Data.

Add an Entry to the Boot Configuration Data Store

Section titled “Add an Entry to the Boot Configuration Data Store”
Terminal window
bootcfg /copy /d "New Windows Entry" /addlast

Adds a new entry labeled “New Windows Entry” to the end of the Boot Configuration Data Store.

Terminal window
bootcfg /delete /id 2

Deletes the boot entry with ID 2 from the Boot Configuration Data Store.

Terminal window
bootcfg /timeout 10

Sets the boot timeout value to 10 seconds for the Boot Configuration Data Store.

Terminal window
bootcfg /rebuild

Rebuilds the Boot.ini file based on the current operating system configuration.

To use the bootcfg command in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
bootcfg --option <value>

What is the purpose of the bootcfg command in Windows CMD?

Section titled “What is the purpose of the bootcfg command in Windows CMD?”

The bootcfg command in Windows CMD is used to configure, modify, or rebuild the boot.ini file, which is essential for the Windows operating system to boot correctly.

How can I view the current boot.ini settings using bootcfg?

Section titled “How can I view the current boot.ini settings using bootcfg?”

To view the current boot.ini settings using bootcfg, you can run the following command:

Terminal window
bootcfg

How do I add a new operating system to the boot.ini file with bootcfg?

Section titled “How do I add a new operating system to the boot.ini file with bootcfg?”

To add a new operating system entry to the boot.ini file using bootcfg, use the /add parameter followed by the necessary details. Here is an example:

Terminal window
bootcfg /add /d NewOS /l C:\ /t x

Can bootcfg be used to set the default boot entry in Windows?

Section titled “Can bootcfg be used to set the default boot entry in Windows?”

Yes, you can set the default boot entry in Windows using the bootcfg command. Use the /default parameter followed by the number corresponding to the desired boot entry. Here is an example:

Terminal window
bootcfg /default 2

How do I delete a boot entry from the boot.ini file with bootcfg?

Section titled “How do I delete a boot entry from the boot.ini file with bootcfg?”

To delete a boot entry from the boot.ini file using bootcfg, use the /delete parameter followed by the boot entry number. Here is an example:

Terminal window
bootcfg /delete /id 2

How can bootcfg be used to rebuild the boot.ini file in Windows CMD?

Section titled “How can bootcfg be used to rebuild the boot.ini file in Windows CMD?”

To rebuild the boot.ini file using bootcfg, run the following command:

Terminal window
bootcfg /rebuild

What is the syntax to set the timeout value for the boot menu using bootcfg?

Section titled “What is the syntax to set the timeout value for the boot menu using bootcfg?”

To set the timeout value for the boot menu using bootcfg, use the /timeout parameter followed by the desired timeout value in seconds. Here is an example:

Terminal window
bootcfg /timeout 10
  • View current boot configuration settings
  • Edit boot.ini file
  • Rebuild the boot.ini file
  • Add or remove entries from the boot.ini file
  • Set the default operating system to boot into
  • Set timeout for choosing operating system at boot time