The Winload.efi file is an Extensible Firmware Interface or EFI file. EFI files are executable files for the firmware of the computers that are mainly based on UEFI and execute the tasks of loading the files to the bootloader of the computer. They are used for a specific set of tasks such as turning on the computer, installing Windows, restarting the computer or resetting it, and so on. This is why the Winload.efi file is a significant file so if it gets corrupted, lost, or damaged, it would be impossible for the Windows operating system to proceed.
Here are some errors you can encounter that are related to the Winload.efi file:
- efi is missing
- efi cannot be found
- efi is missing or contains errors
- This program can’t start because winload.efi is missing from your computer
- This application requires the file winload.efi, which was not found on this system.
- There was a problem starting [path]winload.efi. The specified module could not be found.
In addition, the 0xc0000225 , 0xc00000e and 0xc0000001error codes are also associated with the Winload.efi file.
Before you start troubleshooting the problem, you can try to perform System Restore first. This will help undo any changes you’ve made in your computer that might have triggered the Blue Screen error. To perform System Restore, here’s what you have to do:
- First, press the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
- Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
- After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
If System Restore didn’t help in fixing the Blue Screen error, now’s the time for you to resort to the troubleshooting tips provided below but before you get started, make sure that your create a System Restore point first.
Option 1 – Try rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) and repairing MBR
- Once you get to the Welcome Screen part, click on Next.
- Afterwards, click on the Repair your computer option located on the bottom-left part of the window.
- Then click on Troubleshoot.
- Next, select the Advanced Options and then Command Prompt.
- Once Command Prompt has been pulled up, the following commands to rebuild BCD files and repair MBR. Don’t forget to hit Enter right after you type each command.
- bootrec /repairbcd
- bootrec /osscan
- bootrec /repairmbr
- Once the command line is successful in finding out a Windows installation, hit Y to let it boot from the list which will successfully rebuild BCD.
- Now type “exit” to close Command Prompt and then restart your computer to successfully apply the changes made.
Option 2 – Disable the Secure Boot in the BIOS
Disabling the Secure Boot in the BIOS settings is definitely recommended to resolve errors related to the Winload.efi file. To disable Secure Boot, here’s what you have to do:
- First, boot your computer into Windows 10.
- Next, go to Settings > Windows Update. From there, check if there is anything that you have to download and install if you see any available updates. Usually, OEMs send and update the list of trusted hardware, drivers, and operating systems for your computer.
- After that, go to the BIOS of your computer.
- Then go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced Startup options. If you click on Restart Now, it will restart your computer and give you all the advanced options.
- Next, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options. As you can see, this screen offers you further options including System restore, Startup repair, Go back to the previous version, Command Prompt, System Image Recovery and UEFI Firmware Settings.
- Select the UEFI Firmware Settings which will take you to the BIOS.
- From there, go to Security > Boot > Authentication tab where you should see Secure Boot. Note that every OEM has its own way of implementing the options so it varies.
- Next, set Secure Boot to Disabled and set Legacy Support to On or Enabled.
- Save the changes made and exit. Afterward, your computer will reboot.
Option 3 – Run System File Checker scan
You might also try running the System File Checker or SFC scan to fix the error. System File Checker is a command utility built into your computer that helps restore corrupted files and missing files. Refer to the following steps to run it:
- Hit the Win + R keys to launch Run.
- Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
- After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
- Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them
Option 4 – Disable the Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection
- You need to restart your computer in the Start Menu first while holding down the Shift key on your keyboard.
- After that, it will restart your computer to Startup Settings.
- Now ensure that the 8th option is labeled as “Disable early launch anti-malware protection.
- Then tap the F8 key since the aforementioned option above is listed at number 8. This should launch and load Windows on your PC with the Early Anti-malware protection disabled for that session only when you try to carry out the same task and then check if the error related to the Winload.efi file is now fixed.