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View Boot Configuration with bcdedit /enum

Read the BCD store's boot manager and loader entries before making any boot changes.

WindowsbootbcdeditDiagnosticsMedium risk
Run `bcdedit /enum` in an elevated prompt to display the boot manager and all loader entries with their identifiers.

01Command

Command
$ bcdedit /enum

02What it does

bcdedit /enum prints the {bootmgr} entry plus each {default}-style loader entry with its device, path, description and timeout. Copying the GUID identifier from this output is required before almost every bcdedit change, which is why the read-only enum is the first command to remember. Use `/enum all` to also see firmware entries and resume application records.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
RequirementsAdministrator privileges
!Warning: bcdedit with no arguments modifies nothing, but any later set/delete on identifiers must be exact; wrong edits can make Windows unbootable.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • bcdedit - Windows Commands
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents bcdedit, including /enum which lists entries in the Boot Configuration Data store, and the warning to run elevated.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings

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