Quick answer: Hiren's BootCD 15.1 (December 2011) is still available from the official website's Old Versions page, together with 15.2, the last DOS-based release. For any PC made in the last ten years, use Hiren's BootCD PE x64 v1.0.8 instead: it boots a Windows PE desktop on UEFI machines and includes current recovery, backup and password tools. This guide shows where to download each version safely, how to verify the file, and how to make a bootable USB.
Hiren's BootCD 15.1 vs 15.2 vs Hiren's BootCD PE
| 15.1 | 15.2 | PE x64 v1.0.8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Released | Dec 2011 | Late 2012 (last DOS version) | Current version |
| Based on | DOS + Mini Windows XP | DOS + Mini Windows XP | Windows PE (64-bit) |
| Boots on UEFI PCs | No (legacy BIOS only) | No (legacy BIOS only) | Yes |
| Download | ZIP with ISO (~500 MB) | Hirens.BootCD.15.2.zip, 592.5 MB | HBCD_PE_x64.iso, 3.06 GB |
| Best for | Very old PCs, retro repair | Very old PCs, retro repair | Windows 10/11 PCs, laptops, NVMe drives |
The 15.x antivirus and malware tools stopped updating in 2011–2012, so they will not detect modern threats. Use 15.x only for old hardware that cannot boot anything newer.
Where to download Hiren's BootCD safely
Download only from the official site, hirensbootcd.org. Many copycat sites bundle adware or modified ISOs.
- Hiren's BootCD PE: hirensbootcd.org > Download >
HBCD_PE_x64.iso - Hiren's BootCD 15.1 or 15.2: hirensbootcd.org > Old Versions > choose the version
Verify the download (takes 30 seconds)
Open PowerShell in your Downloads folder and compare the result with the checksum published on the official download page:
Get-FileHash .\HBCD_PE_x64.iso -Algorithm SHA256For v1.0.8 the official SHA-256 is:
8c4c670c9c84d6c4b5a9c32e0aa5a55d8c23de851d259207d54679ea774c2498For 15.1 or 15.2, use -Algorithm MD5 and compare with the MD5 listed on the Old Versions page. If the value does not match, delete the file and download again.
Make a bootable USB with Rufus
- Download Rufus from rufus.ie and plug in a USB drive of at least 8 GB (everything on it will be erased).
- In Rufus, select the USB drive and click SELECT to choose
HBCD_PE_x64.iso. For 15.1, first extract the ISO from the ZIP file. - Partition scheme: MBR. File system: FAT32 (Rufus shows Large FAT32 for drives of 32 GB or more). This is the combination the Hiren's team recommends for the widest compatibility.
- Click START and wait until the status bar says READY.
Boot from the USB
Restart the PC and press the one-time boot menu key as it starts, then pick the USB drive:
| Brand | Boot menu key |
|---|---|
| Dell | F12 |
| HP | F9 (or Esc, then F9) |
| Lenovo | F12 (some models: Novo button) |
| ASUS | F8 or Esc |
| Acer | F12 |
| MSI / Gigabyte desktops | F11 / F12 |
Hiren's BootCD PE loads a Windows desktop and tries to install graphics, sound, Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers automatically. Hiren's 15.1 shows a text menu; choose Mini Windows XP for the graphical tools.
What you can fix with Hiren's BootCD PE
| Task | Tools included in v1.0.8 |
|---|---|
| Reset a forgotten Windows password | Lazesoft Password Recovery, NT Password Edit, Windows Login Unlocker |
| Recover deleted files | Recuva, PhotoRec, DMDE, Puran File Recovery, Lazesoft Data Recovery |
| Check a failing disk | CrystalDiskInfo, GSmartControl, HDDScan, Victoria, WD Data Lifeguard |
| Clone or image a drive | Macrium Reflect PE, AOMEI Backupper, Acronis Cyber Protect, Drive Snapshot |
| Resize or fix partitions | AOMEI Partition Assistant, DiskGenius, EaseUS Partition Master, TestDisk |
| Repair Windows boot | BootIce, EasyBCD, Lazesoft Windows Recovery |
| Scan for malware | ESET Online Scanner, McAfee Stinger |
| Copy files off a dead Windows | Total Commander, 7-Zip, Chrome/Firefox, WinSCP, AnyDesk |
For a step-by-step password reset without third-party tools, see our guide: How to reset a forgotten Windows password.
What was new in Hiren's BootCD 15.1
If you specifically need 15.1, these were its main changes from 15.0:
- Options to integrate updates on USB/writable drives for Malwarebytes, SuperAntispyware, Avira, Spybot, ClamWin and Dr.Web.
- Fixed
HBCDMenu.cmdfor 64-bit Windows and fixed the MSI installer in Mini Windows XP. - Updated Partition Wizard 7.0, TDSSKiller, TeamViewer 6, Western Digital Lifeguard and several scanners; removed Ammyy Admin.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| USB does not appear in the boot menu | Recreate it with Rufus (MBR + FAT32), try another USB port (USB 2.0 on old PCs), and check USB boot is enabled in BIOS/UEFI. |
| 15.1 will not boot on a new laptop | 15.x needs legacy BIOS. Use Hiren's BootCD PE on UEFI machines. |
| Internal NVMe drive not visible | Use PE (15.x has no NVMe drivers). If BitLocker is on, you need the recovery key to read the drive. |
| No network in PE | Wait for automatic driver installation to finish, or use a USB Ethernet adapter. |
FAQ
Is Hiren's BootCD free and legal?
Hiren's BootCD PE is free and, according to its developers, contains only free and legal software. Download it only from hirensbootcd.org.
Which is better, Hiren's BootCD 15.2 or PE?
PE, for any computer that supports UEFI or runs Windows 8 or later. 15.2 is useful only for very old BIOS-only PCs.
How big is Hiren's BootCD PE?
The v1.0.8 ISO is 3.06 GB, so use a USB drive of at least 8 GB.
Can Hiren's BootCD remove a Windows password?
Yes. It includes Lazesoft Password Recovery, NT Password Edit and Windows Login Unlocker for local accounts. Use them only on computers you own or are authorized to repair.
Sources
- Hiren's BootCD PE: official download page and checksums
- Hiren's BootCD: old versions (15.x)
- Hiren's BootCD: USB booting guide
Related guides: Turn System Restore on or off · All Windows guides · Security guides
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