Our verdict: EasyBCD turns the cryptic bcdedit command into a clear window for adding, renaming and reordering boot entries. It is handy for dual-booting and for adding recovery or ISO entries. The free edition is for personal, non-commercial use only.
About EasyBCD
EasyBCD by NeoSmart Technologies edits the Windows Boot Configuration Data store, the database behind the boot menu. You can add entries for other Windows installations, Linux, macOS and BSD, legacy systems such as Windows XP, 9x and MS-DOS, and boot from ISO images and virtual disks. Entries can be renamed, removed, reordered and given a default and timeout.
It also backs up and repairs the bootloader and can create bootable USB sticks with repair tools. NeoGrub adds scripting for complex cases like hiding partitions. The non-commercial edition is free with community support only; the commercial edition costs $39.99 and adds priority support, a PDF manual and use on enterprise and professional editions of Windows at work. EasyBCD cannot repair a PC that no longer boots; NeoSmart sells EasyRE for that.
What it does well
- Boot menu editing. Add, rename, remove and reorder boot entries and set the default and timeout.
- Multi-OS entries. Boot Windows, Linux, macOS, BSD and legacy systems like Windows XP and MS-DOS.
- ISO and VHD booting. Create entries that boot from ISO images, virtual hard disks and USB drives.
- Bootloader backup and repair. Back up the BCD store and restore or repair the Windows bootloader.
- NeoGrub. Scripted boot scenarios such as hiding partitions or changing active flags.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home users setting up dual-boot or adding recovery, ISO or safe mode entries to the Windows boot menu.
Look elsewhere
Business use without a commercial license, and fixing a PC that already fails to boot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much easier than bcdedit
- Boots many operating systems, ISOs and VHDs
- Built-in BCD backup and repair
- Supports UEFI and Windows 11
Cons
- Free only for personal, non-commercial use
- Free edition gets only community support
- Wrong changes can make the PC unbootable
How to install EasyBCD
The free download goes through a short registration form, so the button opens the official page: click Register under Non-commercial, then Download. Name and email are optional. Back up the BCD store from the BCD Backup/Repair section before making changes. Mistakes in the boot menu can stop Windows from starting.
Questions about EasyBCD
Is EasyBCD free?
Only for personal, non-commercial use, with community support. Commercial use requires the $39.99 commercial license.
Can EasyBCD fix a PC that won't boot?
No. EasyBCD runs inside Windows. For a PC that no longer starts, NeoSmart offers its separate paid EasyRE recovery USB.
Does EasyBCD support UEFI?
Yes. NeoSmart states that EasyBCD is Windows 11 and UEFI ready.
