Stuck with the “Boot device not found” error on Windows? Well, this error usually triggers when there’s an issue with the system hard drive. And this can probably be due to misconfigured BIOS setup settings or when your device is unable to detect the hard disk.
Wondering how to get past this error notification? In this post, we have listed a few troubleshooting methods that will allow you to fix the “No boot device available” error on Windows 11/10.
What is a Boot Device?
Just how the name implies, a boot device can be any piece of hardware that stores files that are required for booting your device. A boot device stores all the files that are needed by the OS, each time you restart your machine.
A boot device can be anything, either a USB flash drive, hard disk, floppy drive, CD/DVD, or any other storage media that stores the necessary boot files.
What Causes the Boot Device not Found Error?
Here are a few possible causes why you may encounter this issue on your machine:
- Corrupt hard disk partitions.
- Damaged disk drive.
- Incorrect boot sequence in BIOS.
- Corrupt Master Boot Record file.
- Connectivity issues.
Also read: How to Boot into Windows 11 Safe Mode
How to Fix the Boot Device not Found Error on Windows 11/10?
Let’s discuss a few troubleshooting methods that you can use for getting past this error notification.
1. Run the CHKDSK Command
CHKDSK (Check Disk) command is an effective tool that allows you to scan and fix disk-related errors on Windows. It allows you to fix bad sectors on the disk, repair corrupt system files, and resolve file system errors. To run the CHKDSK command on Windows, follow these quick steps:
Launch the Start menu search box, type “Command Prompt”, right-click on its icon, and select “Run as Administrator”.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
Chkdsk C: /f /r /v
The syntax of the CHKDSK command is pretty simple. The command is followed by the disk drive initial on which you need to perform the scan. /f fixes the disk errors, /r is used for locating the bad sectors on the hard drive, and /v was specified to display each file that has been checked and processed by the CHKDSK tool.
After running the CHKDSK command, reboot your device and check if the issues persist.
Also read: How to Repair Windows 11 Using 6 Methods
2. Perform a Hard Reset
Performing a hard reset will allow you to reset the connection between the hard drive and BIOS. Hard reset is one of the simplest ways to fix the “Boot device not found” error on Windows. Here’s what you need to do.
Turn off your system and remove all the external devices.
Press the Power button for about 12-15 seconds until you see the Windows logo on the screen.
Once the Startup menu appears, boot your Windows normally and see whether you’re still experiencing any issues.
3. Reset BIOS Settings
An incorrect boot sequence in the BIOS settings may also trigger an error on your device. Resetting the BIOS is a great way to get past this issue. Follow these quick steps:
Reboot your machine and while your device is restarting, hit the F10 button to load the BIOS settings.
In the BIOS setup menu, press the F9 key to load reset BIOS to its default settings.
Hit the F10 key to save the recent changes and exit the BIOS window.
Follow the on-screen instructions and check whether you’re still encountering the “Boot device not found” error on your Windows PC.
Also read: How To Fix Recovery Drive is Full Error on Windows 10
4. Rebuild MBR
MBR aka Master Boot Record is the primary file that stores the information present in the first sector of any hard disk. If the MBR file on your device has become corrupt due to any reason, here’s a quick way by how you can rebuild the MBR on Windows.
Create a recovery boot drive for your system, and then boot your device using it.
Follow the on-screen instructions, select “Repair your Computer”.
In the Advanced Startup options, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Once the Command Prompt launches, execute the following commands in the same order:
BOOTREC /FIXMBR
BOOTREC /FIXBOOT
BOOTREC /rebuildbcd
Wait for the process to finish successfully and then reboot your device.
Also read: How to Create Windows 10 USB Bootable Drive
5. Reset Windows
Tried the above-mentioned workarounds and still no luck? Well, resetting your PC to its default settings might help.
Launch the Start menu search, type “Reset this PC” and hit Enter.
Tap on the “Reset PC” button.
You can either choose to keep your files or pick the “Remove Everything” option to completely erase all your files and data to start afresh.
Hit on the Reset button to begin the process.
Also read: How to Factory Reset Windows 11
Conclusion
Here were a few workarounds that you can use for fixing the “Boot device not found” error on Windows 11/10. You should instantly deal with the Boot device error on Windows as it can get troublesome if not resolved in time. Use any of the above-mentioned resolutions to get past this error notification to make sure that your data or personal files are not sabotaged.
Good luck!