Bootrec /fixboot is a command that is used to repair the Master Boot Record (MBR) or the Boot Sector of a Windows system. When a Windows system is not starting up due to MBR or Boot Sector errors, bootrec /fixboot can help fix the problem. However, some users have reported receiving an “Access is Denied” error when running this command.

In this article, we will discuss how to fix the Bootrec /fixboot Access is Denied error on Windows.

Possible Reasons for Access Is Denied Error

There can be several reasons why a Windows user may encounter the “Access is Denied” error when running the bootrec /fixboot command. Some of the reasons are:

1. Inadequate permissions: If the user is not logged in as an administrator or does not have adequate permissions, he/she will not be able to execute the bootrec /fixboot command.

2. Corrupted Boot Sector: If the boot sector of the Windows system is corrupted, the command may not work and produce an Access is Denied error.

3. Malware/Virus Infection: Sometimes, malware or virus infections can delete, modify or damage the files present in the Boot Sector of the Windows system, causing the “Access is Denied” error when running bootrec /fixboot.

How to Fix Bootrec /Fixboot Access Is Denied Error on Windows

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator

The first step to fixing the Access is Denied error when running bootrec /fixboot is to ensure that you are logged in as an administrator or you have administrative privileges. If you are not, you can try logging in as an administrator or follow these steps to run Command Prompt as an administrator:

a. Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).

b. Click Yes when prompted to allow the application to make changes to your system.

c. In the Command Prompt window, type the command bootrec /fixboot and press Enter.
If the command runs successfully, the Access is Denied error should be fixed.

2. Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The System File Checker (SFC) tool is an in-built Windows utility that checks and repairs system files. Running an SFC scan may help fix any corrupted system files and resolve the Access is Denied error when running bootrec /fixboot. Here’s how to run an SFC Scan:

a. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

b. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

c. Wait for the scan to finish.

d. Once the scan is completed, restart your system and check if the Access is Denied error is resolved.

3. Run Check Disk (CHKDSK) Scan

The Check Disk (CHKDSK) command is another useful tool to fix file system errors in Windows. Running a CHKDSK scan may help fix any issues with the Boot Sector that might be causing the Access is Denied error. Follow these steps to run a CHKDSK scan:

a. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

b. Type chkdsk /f/x/r and press Enter.

c. Wait for the scan to complete.

d. Once the scan is completed, restart your system and check if the Access is Denied error is resolved.

4. Run Anti-Malware Scan

A virus or malware infection can also be a possible cause of the “Access is Denied” error when running the bootrec /fixboot command. You can run an anti-malware scan to detect and remove any malicious programs that may be causing the Access is Denied error. Here are some popular anti-malware tools that you can use:

a. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

b. Microsoft Windows Defender

c. AVG AntiVirus

d. Avast Antivirus

Run the anti-malware scan on your system and remove any detected threats. Once done, try running the bootrec /fixboot command again and check if the Access is Denied error is resolved.