How to Fix MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml Error

You can learn what’s “MBR2GPT failed to update ReAgent.xml” error and 3 useful methods to fix it as well as how to fix it without converting MBR to GPT. Keep reading to know more details.

Rosie

By Rosie Updated on January 10, 2025

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What is MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml Error?

The MBR2GPT tool is also known as Windows Creator's Update. MBR2GPT.exe is a command-line tool located in the System32 directory. This tool can efficiently and losslessly convert MBR disks (for legacy BIOS) to GPT (for UEFI) on Windows 10. It can be run with a USB drive and the full Windows 10 operating system by entering the Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE).

Error Message Picture

ReAgent.xml is a Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) configuration file. WinRE contains 3 types of files. Winre.win, boot.sdi, and ReAgent.xml are stored in a hidden system-reserved partition. You may encounter the “MBR2GPT failed to update ReAgent.xml” error if the file is corrupted or missing.

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The best solution to fix the "MBR2GPT failed to update ReAgent.xml" error.

How to Fix MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml Error

After understanding what is the MBR2GPT tool and ReAgent.xml. Next, you can continue reading this article to learn 3 useful ways to fix this Windows 10 mbr2gpt failed to update reagent.xml error. Each method includes a detailed tutorial. Even if you are a novice, you can easily complete the whole process.

Fix 1. Manually Disable and Enable WinRE

The first way is to try to fix the “MBR2GPT.exe failed to update ReAgent.xml” error by manually disabling and enabling WinRE as shown in the screenshot of the error message. Many users report that this method is useful. The following are the specific operation steps.

Step 1. Press Win + S together to open the search box, type cmd in it, right-click the Command Prompt app, and select Run as administrator.

Notes:✎...
If your computer can’t boot normally due to the error, you can access the Advanced Start Options window first and run Command Prompt from WinRE.

Step 2. In the elevated Command Prompt window, type the following commands in order and hit Enter after typing each one.

reagentc /disable

reagentc /enable

Disable Enable Winre

Fix 2. Check the BCD Entries in WinRE

Boot Configuration Data (BCD) storage is an important Windows component that stores Windows boot options for BIOS- or UEFI-based boot mode computers. You may encounter this error if the BCD does not contain an entry for booting in WinRE. You can try to solve it as follows.

This error can also occur if the location of the Winre.wim file is wrong. You can check if the Winre.wim file is located in the following location.

  • C:\Windows\System32\Recovery\WindowsRE
  • Separate hidden system reserved partition
  • Factory OEM recovery partition

In addition, you also need to check whether the Winre.wim file specified in ReAgent.xml is also located in the C:\Windows\System32\Recovery\WindowsRE path. Then follow the steps below.

Step 1. Right-click the file and select Open with Notepad or another text editor to check the value of <ImageLocation path= attribute.

Step 2. If it doesn’t exist, you can change the path to <ImageLocation path=”\Recovery\WindowsRE in the editor, create the folder C:\Recovery\WindowsRE and move the winre.wim file to it.

Step 3. Then you can disable and enable WinRE again like Method 1.

Fix 3. Reset the WinRE Settings

If none of above the methods can fix the MBR2GPT failed to update ReAgent.xml error, you can try resetting the WinRE settings in the ReAgent.xml file. Here’s how:

Step 1. Make sure to back up the ReAgent.xml file beforehand to avoid any unexpected errors.

Step 2. On Windows 10, press the Win + E keys to open File Explorer and delete the ReAgent.xml file.

Step 3. Open the elevated Command Prompt again, run the reagentc /enable command, and the ReAgent.xml file will be created automatically.

How to Fix It without Converting MBR to GPT

The MBR2GPT tool doesn't always work perfectly. Sometimes, it can go wrong causing the error mentioned above. In this case, you can consider using a professional and reliable backup and recovery software - AOMEI Backupper Professional to help you. It allows you to restore system backups to GPT without converting the disk partition style. This method also bypasses TPM and Secure Boot if you want to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11.

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  • Four backup solutions: provide system backup, disk backup, partition backup, and file backup to meet different needs of users.
  • No need to convert partition style: You can back up any items you want and easily restore Windows system backup to GPT disk without converting partition style.
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First, you need to download and install AOMEI Backupper Professional on another computer that has already installed Windows 10/11. Then, use it to create a system image and bootable disk together. The next steps are demonstrated using Windows 11 as an example.

Step 1. Insert the disk containing the system image and bootable disk into the computer you want to install Windows 11. Then, restart your computer and boot from the bootable disk. When the software interface appears, Click Restore > Select Image File.

Select Image File Winpe

Step 2. Select the backup image you want to restore and click Next.

Select Backup Image

Step 3. Select the destination to restore your Windows 11 to the GPT disk.

Select Destination

Step 4. When the software recognizes that you want to restore the system backup to a computer with different hardware, the Universal Restore feature is automatically checked. Then click Start Restore.

Universal Restore Other Location

If you're facing issues with MBR2GPT or need a more reliable method to restore your system, consider trying AOMEI Backupper Professional today!

FAQs about MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml Error

 

1. What is the ReAgent.xml file, and why is it important?
 
The ReAgent.xml file is a configuration file used by Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). It contains critical information for the system’s recovery and troubleshooting process, such as the location of WinRE files. If this file is corrupted or missing, recovery operations may fail, leading to errors like the "MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml" error.
2. What causes the "MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml" error?
 
The error typically occurs when: 1. The ReAgent.xml file is missing or corrupted. 2. The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) configuration is incorrect or disabled. 3. There are issues with Boot Configuration Data (BCD) entries or the path to WinRE files is incorrect. 4. The system is unable to locate the winre.wim file in the expected directory.
3. What should I do if none of the methods fix the "MBR2GPT Failed to Update ReAgent.xml" error?
 
If none of the methods work, you can consider: 1. Performing a System Restore to a previous working state before the error occurred. This can resolve issues caused by recent changes or corrupt system files. 2. Using a Windows installation USB to perform a repair installation. This will reinstall Windows without affecting your personal files and settings, potentially fixing any underlying system issues that could be causing the error. 3. If the issue persists, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows entirely as a last resort.

Summary

This article explains what the “MBR2GPT failed to update ReAgent.xml” error is and 3 helpful methods to help you fix it. And how to fix this error without converting the MBR disk to GPT. The professional backup and restore software AOMEI Backupper Professional can help you achieve the goal. Its Universal Restore function can help you restore system backups to computers with different hardware.

Besides, if you want to protect multiple computers or need to create a portable version, you can choose AOMEI Backupper Techplus. You can download this software to explore more useful functions.

Rosie
Rosie · Editor
Rosie is an English blog editor at AOMEI, specializing in backup solutions, Windows systems, disk cloning, and other data protection strategies. Her passion lies in creating informative content that helps users effectively address their data challenges.