If you are having startup issues on your Windows device, then these issues can easily be fixed using the ‘Bootrec’ or the ‘Fixboot’ commands; however, there are certain situations when even these commands do not work, and you get the message ‘bootrec /fixboot access is denied’ on the device. If you see the message on your screen, you do not need to panic, as there are a few methods that you can try to resolve the issue. 

Since the methods are a little bit complex, you need to make sure that you properly understand the solutions that we are sharing here. 

Method 1: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) functions as an essential database that stores all boot data that Windows needs to start operating. The operating system uses this file to access essential system files through the bootloader.

The system becomes unable to boot when BCD files either become damaged or their existence is lost, which results in bootrec /fixboot commands generating errors. The BCD rebuild process restores essential system settings that enable the bootloader to operate correctly.

Method 2: Adjust BIOS/UEFI boot mode settings

Your system needs BIOS or UEFI firmware to initiate the operating system boot process. The bootloader needs this configuration because it requires the partitioning system used on your storage device.

UEFI firmware functions with GPT partition formats, while BIOS systems require MBR partition formats. The system becomes unable to start because of these settings, which result in startup errors that include the “Access is denied” error with bootrec /fixboot. The system requires boot mode changes because they enable proper system startup through increased compatibility.

If you want to know more about these solutions in detail, then you should refer to the informative website Datarecovee, as this website also explains other methods you can use.