Network · medium

How to fixNETWORK-BOOT-FAIL

Network boot (PXE) failure

What this error means

Network boot (PXE) failure ranks as a medium-severity network adapter issue in our database. The system is attempting to boot from the network via PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) and failing, resulting in delays or 'BOOTMGR is missing' errors. This occurs when the network adapter is set as the first boot device and no PXE server is available, or when the DHCP server fails to provide a boot file path. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Change boot order in BIOS to prioritize SSD/HDD over network

Change boot order in BIOS to prioritize SSD/HDD over network.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Disable PXE boot in BIOS if not needed

Disable PXE boot in BIOS if not needed.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Check NIC firmware for corruption

Check NIC firmware for corruption.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Network boot set as primary boot option incorrectly
  • No PXE server configured
  • Faulty NIC preventing normal boot