What files are needed to boot a computer?

Updated: 12/26/2023 by Computer Hope
MS-DOS logo

Several files are required to boot a computer to an MS-DOS prompt or the Windows operating system. If any are missing, an error message is displayed stating which required file is missing and the boot process does not complete. Select a link below for a list of the required files to boot a computer.

Boot the computer to Windows

For a computer to boot to a Windows operating system, the files below per Windows version are required.

Windows 10 and 11 (UEFI mode)

  • bootmgfw.efi
  • winload.efi

Windows 10 and 11 (Legacy mode)

Windows Vista, 7, and 8

  • bootmgr
  • winload.exe

Windows 2000 and XP

Boot the computer to MS-DOS prompt

An IBM-compatible computer needs at least the three files listed below to boot to an MS-DOS prompt.

  • command.com
  • io.sys
  • msdos.sys
Note

These files are the absolute minimum. If an external command, like fdisk, needs to be performed, that file must also be copied to the disk or drive.