Solved: Winload. efi Missing in Windows 11 | 2024

User case: Windows 11 winload.efi missing, F8 button not working

If you meet similar problems that you can’t find winload.efi, you have been in the right place. Here is a collection of methods to solve ‘winload.efi missing Windows 11 issue. Let’s start to go!

About winload.efi file

Winload.efi, an EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) file, plays a crucial role in booting, restarting, and installing Windows. It serves as a vital component in the core of the boot process. When missing or corrupted, Windows faces difficulties in normal booting, leading to a stuck state on a blue or black screen with error codes like "Winload.efi Missing" or "winload.efi error code 0xc00000e.

Before we fix the file winload.efi missing error, let’s explore the causes that may lie with it:

What caused winload.efi missing error?

Causes of "winload.efi missing or contains error after clone" issues:

1. System Upgrade Errors: Mistakes during system upgrades that impact the bootloader or system files can lead to the "winload.efi missing" error.
2. Corrupted System Files: Corruption or damage to system files can result in boot-related issues, including the winload.efi error code 0xc00000e.
3. Partition Modifications: Incorrectly modifying disk partitions or using third-party tools to update antivirus software can corrupt the system's boot process, causing the winload.efi error.
4. Cloning Without Modifications: Cloning a Windows installation without making necessary modifications can lead to boot problems, such as the winload.efi missing or containing error after clone.
5. Motherboard Replacement: Replacing or modifying a computer's motherboard may cause problems with devices and drivers, potentially triggering the "winload.efi" problem if not addressed.

How to Fix winload.efi missing

The "winload.efi missing" error happens when the OS can't find or access the winload.efi file. To fix this issue, 5 solutions are provided. You can directly navigate to the specific method you need or go through each solution sequentially.

 Option 1. Use the Boot Repair Tool

AOMEI Backupper Standard stands out as a powerful and user-friendly tool. With the ability to create bootable devices, you can boot to your system when misfortunate happens and operate as normal, including executing backup and restore operations and repair your corrupted or missing winload efi files.

Furthermore, AOMEI Backupper proves invaluable in tackling various problems such as system failure, system blue screen, system black screen, hard disk corruption, hard disk conversion, and more. Here I will show you how to create a bootable media using this software:

AOMEI Backupper

Best free bootable media creation tool

Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Step 1. Download this software and open it. Click Tools and then choose Create Bootable Media.

Step 2. Select a type of bootable media you want to create and click Next to continue. For better performance, the Windows PE bootable disc is recommended.

Step 3. Select the CD, DVD, USB drive or ISO file as bootable media. Then click Next to create system repair disc in Windows 11.

After creating bootable media (just a few minutes), boot your computer from this media, then AOMEI Backupper will run automatically, then go to Tools -> Windows Shell Command. And you can restore system image or disk image created by AOMEI Backupper. 

Option 2. Disable Secure Boot

To address the winload.efi error linked to Safe/Secure Boot, follow these steps to disable Secure Boot in the UEFI configuration:

Note: The interface might vary based on your computer model.

Step 1. Press F2 or Delete after restarting your computer to access the UEFI settings.

Step 2. Navigate to the Secure Boot option in BIOS, located under tabs like Boot, Security, or Authentication, depending on your computer model.

Step 3. In the Secure Boot interface, change it from Enabled to Disable.

Step 4. Save the changes and exit the UEFI settings.

Step 5. Restart the system and check if it boots normally. If the issue persists, proceed to the next method.

Option 3. Run CHKDSK to Check for Drive Errors

To utilize the CHKDSK utility to address potential disk errors, follow these steps:

Step 1. Connect a USB drive with Windows Installation Media to the computer.

Step 2. Boot the system from the USB and choose Repair your Computer.

Step 3. Select Troubleshoot and then Command Prompt.

Step 4. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk c: /f (This command checks and fixes errors on the system drive.)

Step 5. Once the process is complete, unplug the USB and restart the computer.

Check if the system boots normally after performing these steps.

Option 4. Run SFC to Check System File Integrity

To utilize the System File Checker (SFC) and check system file integrity, follow these steps:

Step 1. Connect the Windows installation media drive to the computer and open Command Prompt.

Step 2. Run the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

3. Restart your system and check if the winload.efi error code 0xc00000e persists.

If the "sfc /scannow" command fails to repair the Winload.efi missing file, proceed with the following step:

4. Open Command Prompt and input the following command:

sfc /scannow /offboot=C: /offwindir=C:windows

✍Note: Replace "C" with the system hard drive partition letter.

Exercise caution to avoid potential system errors when using this command.

Option 5. Repair EFI Boot Loader

To repair the EFI boot loader and address corrupted or missing winload.efi errors, follow these steps:

1. Use the Windows Installation Media to start your PC.

2. Choose Repair Your Computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Step 3. Input the following commands individually and press Enter after each command:

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

list vol

✍Note: Confirm that the EFI partition has a FAT32 file system.

Step 4. Assign the partition a drive letter. Enter each of the following commands as you type them:

sel vol

assign letter=:

exit

cd /d:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\

bootrec /fixboot

Step 5. Restart your computer after successfully repairing the EFI loader.

Suggestion: backup your crucial loading files in advance

A reliable backup software like AOMEI Backupper Standard allows you to create a bootable disc and system backup, preventing startup loop errors and addressing various computer failures. In the event of a system crash, you can restore the system image to a new hard drive and regain normal functionality. AOMEI Backupper Standard offers numerous advantages for seamless backup and recovery processes.

- Support for creating bootable rescue media via DVD/CD, USB drive, or exporting an ISO file.
- Compatibility with all Windows versions (11/10/8/7/XP/Vista), catering to both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
- The capability to boot on computers with varying brands, whether operating in BIOS or UEFI mode.
- Simple steps to create a customizable system image backup with options for backup frequency (daily/weekly/monthly/event triggers and USB Plug-in)
- An  incremental and differential backup feature that backs up only changed files, optimizing disk space for storing more backups. ( Differential backup is in Pro version)

You just need to download this software and install it. Open it and navigate to Backup > System Backup. then follow the on-screen process to choose the Destination path. Finally, choose Start Backup to backup your system files.

Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

100% Secure

Conclusion

This post outlines 5 effective methods to address the "Winload.efi missing Windows 11" boot error. Notably, AOMEI Backupper Standard offers user-friendly solutions to create a bootable media and offers system backup solution. When you encounter other computers issues like Blue Screen on Windows 11.