Have you ever experienced a moment when your Windows 10 computer screen displays an error message saying boot device not found? If yes, this article will walk you how to fix boot device not found on Windows 10 (with screenshots).
Its a frustrating situation, leaving you helpless and unsure of the next move. More so, panic may set in as thoughts of files and other important documents may be lost forever.
When the problem occurs, you might see any of the following error messages displayed on your computer screen:
- “Bootable device not detected; please install an operating system on your hard disk.”
- “Bootable device not found – hard disk”
- “No boot device found – insert bootable disk and press any key.”
In this post, we will explain the mystery behind boot device errors on Windows 10 and provide easy-to-follow solutions to get your system running again.
What is the Cause of the Boot Device Not Being Found?
Generally, your computer system needs a boot device to function correctly. Several factors can contribute to the frustrating error message of a boot device not found. They include:
1. Incorrect Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) boot order
A potential cause of a boot device not being found is outdated or corrupted BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS recognizes and initializes hardware components during boot-up.
However, if the boot order is incorrectly set in the BIOS, your computer may not recognize a bootable device.
2. Hard disk connection problem
Another possible cause of a computer bootable device not being found can come as a result of a faulty hard drive. Over time, the cables connecting your hard drive might become loose or damaged, preventing your computer from detecting the boot device during startup.
3. Failed operating system
A failed operating system can contribute to the boot device not found message. Viruses, software conflicts, or improper shutdowns can contribute to an unstable operating system, making it hard to recognize necessary boot files.
4. Damaged Master Boot Record (MBR)
A damaged Master Boot Record (MBR) is one of the common causes of the Boot device not found error. The MBR is a vital component on a computer’s hard drive that contains essential information about the bootloader.
When this record is damaged due to various reasons, such as malware infection or improper shutdown, it can prevent the system from locating and booting into the operating system.
5. Inactive Windows 10 system partition
An inactive system partition can cause a boot device not found in your Windows 10 computer. When a partition on your hard drive is marked as inactive, your computer will not be able to access the necessary boot files, leading to this error message.
Related: How To Reset Windows 10 Without Losing Data.
How to Fix Boot Device Not Found on Windows 10
You can use either of the following methods to fix a bootable device not found on a Windows 10 computer.
Method 1: Fix the damaged Master Boot Record (MBR)
You can fix the damaged Master Boot Record (MBR) by following these steps.
- Insert your Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD) and restart your computer.
- Click on your preferred region and language, then click the “Install now” window.
- Once you get to the Windows Setup screen, click on Next and choose “Repair your computer.”
- Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and finally click on Command Prompt.
In Command Prompt, type the command bootrec /fixmbr and press the Enter button to fix any issues with the MBR. Afterward, try restarting your system to see if it boots up correctly.
ALSO READ: How To Recover Deleted Excel Files.
Method 2: Save your hard drive as the boot device on your computer
The hard drive in your computer may not be the first boot device in the BIOS. To do this:
- Restart your computer and go to the BIOS settings by pressing either Esc or F2 button on your keyboard.
- Once you get to the BIOS settings, navigate to the Boot section and find the option for selecting the boot device.
- Choose the hard drive as the primary boot device by pressing the F10 button to save changes.
Setting your hard drive as the boot device ensures that Windows will load directly from it without confusion or conflicting signals. This simple solution often resolves issues related to missing or incorrect boot devices.
Conclusion
Resolving boot devices not found requires careful inspection of hardware connections, operating system file integrity, and ensuring correct BIOS settings. By using any of the methods explained above promptly and effectively, you can fix this problem and get your computers up and running again without stress.
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