bootmgr.exe | Windows Boot Manager | Is It Safe?

Developed by Microsoft Corporation, bootmgr.exe, is an executable file that runs the Windows Boot Manager. This assists your computer to start ( “boot” up).

The full details are below:

File Name:BOOTMGR.exe
File Extension:EXE file extension
Description:Boot Manager
Object File Type:Executable application
Software Developer:Microsoft Corporation
Software Program:Microsoftยฎ Windowsยฎ Operating System
Code Size:571904

Common bootmgr.exe errors

The following are common errors with bootmgr.exe:

  • bootmgr.exe – Bad Image.
  • bootmgr.exe is not running.
  • bootmgr.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.
  • Cannot find bootmgr.exe
  • Error starting program: bootmgr.exe
  • bootmgr.exe could not be found.
  • bootmgr.exe could not be installed.
  • bootmgr.exe could not be launched. Class not registered.
  • Faulting Application Path: bootmgr.exe
  • bootmgr.exe Application Error.
  • This file is missing or corrupt: bootmgr.exe
  • bootmgr.exe could not be started.
  • bootmgr.exe is not a valid Win32 application.
  • bootmgr.exe failed to initialize properly.
  • Windows failed to start

These errors are usually caused by:

  • Issues with the host
  • A recent Windows update which may cause the program to search in the wrong file location and so could not be found
  • An out of date Windows system32 file
  • Applications being loaded on an old machine
  • Too many programs being opened on a PC

How To Fix Bootmgr.exe Errors

The safest way to fix these errors is to reinstall the related application. This should reinstall the latest Exe files and fix any issues.

You may wish to uninstall the previous version first too โ€“ to be downloading to a โ€˜cleanโ€™ PC. An alternative is to download the missing file โ€“ although this is very technical and should only be done by a developer.

The other common fix, which we do not recommend, is to use one of the many download sites. Adding the file may not fix the problem as Exe errors are often more complex than a missing file (even if thatโ€™s the immediate error that is flagged).

In addition the files on these sites are often out of date, or even contain viruses, which could also cause problems.

Therefore, we recommend reinstalling the application using the offending exe file to fix any error.


How Can You Tell if bootmgr.exe Is Legit or a Virus?

The file is usually legitimate – it’s an important part of a reputable piece of software – but there are occasions where this may not be the case.

In particular malware writers and hackers sometimes give their virus the name as a legitimate file to fool you.

Here then are a few tips to ensure your version of bootmgr.exe is not malware.

Check the Location of the File

Spyware and malware are often smuggled in odd locations. This contrasts sharply with good executable files that fit neatly in places that make sense.

In this case, you should expect the bootmgr.exe file to be in a location that has a similar path to this one:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft\Windows 10 Enterprise N (x86)\

But here youโ€™d ask a rational question: how do I find the path? Thatโ€™s seriously easy. Just follow these steps.

  • Step 1: Open the task manager
  • Step 2: Look for โ€˜Viewโ€™
  • Step 3: Select โ€˜Columnsโ€™
  • Step 4: Click on โ€˜Image Path nameโ€™
  • Step 5: Take a look again at the task manager. It should have a new column with the path of a process
  • Step 6:  If you find a path that doesnโ€™t resemble the one we gave above, then you need to inspect that file.
  • Step 7: If no such thing appears, then your PC is in good shape. You have nothing to worry about.

Check the Signature Verification

Checking the File Signature Verification is one of the smartest tricks we have to spot the wicked malware. Itโ€™s also a piece of cake, and takes a few minutes to do. Hereโ€™s how it works.

  • Step 1: Run the Microsoft Process Explorer. It doesnโ€™t need setting up or anything, just click on it, and itโ€™s ready for action.
  • Step 2: Go to โ€˜Optionsโ€™
  • Step 3: Select โ€˜Check legendsโ€™
  • Step 4: Go to โ€˜Viewโ€™
  • Step 5: Click on โ€˜Columnsโ€™
  • Step 6: Add โ€˜Verified Signerโ€™
  • Step 7: Look at the description of the process in that new column
  • Step 8: If it says โ€˜Unable to Verifyโ€™, then thereโ€™s a high possibility that this process is part of a malware intrusion. But bear in mind that it could also be an unverifiable legit process from Windows. This happens from time to time. 

Check the Size of the bootmgr.exe File

The size of a file can also be a neat indicator of whether or not itโ€™s authentic.

You can check the table above to find out how larger bootmgr.exe should be (although the version you have may differ slightly).

Then check the size of the file of concern by going to the task manager, and finding the location of the file. When you right click on it, youโ€™ll get all the data you need.

If you read out a very different value from the above figure, then thatโ€™s definitely a reason for concern.

Now let’s have a look at how your remove bootmgr.exe if it is considered malware:


How to Remove Bootmgr.exe From Your Computer Automatically

Thereโ€™s a wide array of cybersecurity programs available for free download. These programs will destroy any malware, malware, or virus on your computer without any required effort on your part.

They also run scans regularly to make sure your device is clean. If itโ€™s not, theyโ€™ll alert you to do necessary precautions, such as changing your password or disabling your online banking data. These programs will be able to detect hidden malware much better than you can do, and theyโ€™ll be constantly on the watch.

Most anti-malware automatic tools are fairly easy to use. Youโ€™ll merely download them and check the steps they require you to do. Afterward, theyโ€™ll start working on their own. As long as you donโ€™t turn them off, theyโ€™ll keep checking your computer for infections.

There are a bunch of efficient options to choose from. Here are some of the best:

  • Malwarebytes
  • McAfee
  • Norton
  • Cylance
  • Kaspersky
  • Bitdefender
  • BullGuard

How to Remove Bootmgr.exe From Your Computer Manually

Aside from the anti-malware tools, you can remove Bootmgr.exe by using the old-fashioned manual method. A lot of people prefer it, even though itโ€™s associated with a lot of system risks if done the wrong way. Thatโ€™s why we advise against it for beginners.

Nevertheless, some anti-malware programs might not be able to trace minor malware. Thatโ€™s where the manual method shines.

Here, weโ€™ll show you 3 easy steps for removing malware infections from your computer.

Step 1: Run the โ€˜cmdโ€™ Command

The first thing youโ€™ll do is open the Command Prompt Window. You can do that by pressing the Windows Start button. Afterward, click on โ€˜Runโ€™. A small window will appear on your screen; write the command โ€˜cmdโ€™ in its text bar and click OK.

Step 2: Locate the related DLL Files

In this step, youโ€™ll locate the unwanted DLL files on your PC. DLL files contain a bunch of procedures and codes for various Windows programs, and theyโ€™re usually the malwareโ€™s primary target.

To locate the files, youโ€™ll have to type โ€˜Regeditโ€™ in the command prompt window once it opens. This will open the Windows Explorer. Regedit is a Windows executable file that lets you view the registry editor. The editor allows you to see all entries and keys present in the registry database.

The next thing to do is locate the DLL files associated with Bootmgr.exe and unregister them. You can easily do that by clicking File and choosing Export. Next, save the file in the local disk c:\. This is only a backup step, just in case you need it later.

Afterward, click Edit and choose Find. Type Bootmgr.exe and wait until it detects all the unwanted files. Youโ€™ll then delete all files related to the malware.

Step 3: Reboot Your Computer

Now, you should be done with the all vital steps of the procedure. The only thing left is rebooting your computer to let it start with a clean slate. If you have an anti-malware tool, this would be the right time to use it. Itโ€™ll make sure the Bootmgr.exe is 100% gone.


So, Which Malware Removal Method Should I Use?

Although the manual method is effective, thereโ€™s a high chance you wonโ€™t be able to do it correctly. Deleting the wrong file in the previous step can cause permanent damage to your computer.

Additionally, some malware has resuscitators, which means theyโ€™re likely to come back to life after you remove them. So, we advise against using the manual method, unless youโ€™re an expert in these situations. Alternatively, the automatic tools are always available to do your job for you. Most of them are available for free download, too.


How to Protect Your Computer From Bootmgr.exe

If you want to steer clear of harmful malware, there are some measures to take. Take a look at these tips; theyโ€™ll help you protect your computer as much as you can.

  • Keep your software constantly updated. Outdated systems can be vulnerable for cybercriminals to target.
  • Donโ€™t open any link that gets you curious. Take caution and make sure the link youโ€™re opening is legitimate before diving in.
  • Donโ€™t open illegal links knowingly. This puts you closer to malware risks and lets criminals take advantage of your trust.
  • Malware hits from places you canโ€™t expect. Look out for red flags in links, email messages, and social media profiles.
  • Donโ€™t share risky information, such as banking data, unless youโ€™re absolutely sure your computer is clean of malware.
  • Donโ€™t install pirated versions of Windows. They cost less than original versions, but theyโ€™re associated with too many risks.
  • Donโ€™t download anything suspicious. Make sure youโ€™re downloading from a trusted source to avoid getting hit by malware infections.

Now that you know how to remove Bootmgr.exe, it should be easy to deal with it. The most vital thing is identifying that itโ€™s present on your computer. Afterward, getting rid of it shouldnโ€™t be that hard.

The malware removal tools will make your life much easier; theyโ€™re double as efficient as the manual method. Not to mention that they wonโ€™t allow the malware to come back to life.


To Wrap Up

Whatโ€™s important is that you take caution and steer clear of suspicious links. Free downloads seem tempting, but the end result wonโ€™t be worth the hassle.


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