How to Backup and Restore Boot Configuration in Windows 10

Since Windows Vista, a new boot loader was introduced to the Windows operating system. It is controlled by the bcdedit tool and has Registry-based entries and options. It has many different configurable parameters. Here is how you can backup and restore its options.
The boot loader was completely changed in Windows Vista. It is now firmware-independent and stores only boot configuration data (BCD). All modern Windows versions use the Boot Configuration Data store which defines the boot menu and boot options. All the data is stored in a binary file which is a Registy hive file.

When you need to backup the boot configuration data for the installed operating system, it is not a good idea to work with BCD files directly. Instead, you should use the BCD management tool, bcdedit.exe. It supports special command line arguments to backup and restore your BCD store. Here is how.

Backup Boot Configuration Data in Windows 10

1. Open an elevated command prompt.
2. Type the following:

   bcdedit /export C:\data\BCDbackup

   

The portion C:\data\BCDbackup specifies the full path to the file where the backup will be stored. The folder path must exist on your disk drive. Correct the path to match your system and hit the Enter key.

Restore Boot Configuration Data in Windows 10
Once you made a backup of the BCD store, you can restore it any time using the bcdedit tool. Do it as follows.

1. Open an elevated command prompt.
2. Type the following:

   bcdedit /import C:\data\BCDbackup

Again, correct the path to your BCD backup.

That's it. This trick should work in Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7 and Windows Vista as well.

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