Seeing the message boot device not found on your computer screen can be alarming, especially if it appears suddenly when you power on your system. This error means your computer cannot locate the drive or partition that contains the operating system required to start up. It can happen on both laptops and desktops, whether running Windows, macOS, or Linux. Understanding the causes and learning how to fix the boot device not found error can help you recover your system and prevent data loss.
What Does Boot Device Not Found Mean?
When you turn on your computer, the system looks for a bootable drive containing the operating system. This drive is usually your hard drive or SSD. If the system cannot find this drive or the data on it is corrupted, the BIOS or UEFI displays the error boot device not found. It can also appear in variations like no bootable device, please install an operating system, or boot device missing.
This issue indicates that your computer is unable to start because it cannot access the operating system files necessary to load Windows or another OS. While this error might seem serious, it doesn’t always mean your hard drive has failed. Sometimes, it’s caused by minor configuration issues or loose connections.
Common Causes of the Boot Device Not Found Error
Several hardware and software issues can trigger this message. Identifying the root cause helps determine the best solution. Below are the most common reasons behind this error
- Incorrect Boot OrderThe BIOS or UEFI might be set to boot from a device that doesn’t contain an operating system, like a USB stick or DVD.
- Loose or Damaged CablesIf your hard drive’s connection to the motherboard is loose or damaged, your computer won’t detect it.
- Corrupted Boot SectorSystem files in the boot partition can become corrupted due to a sudden shutdown, malware, or file system errors.
- Hard Drive FailurePhysical damage or aging can cause your hard drive to malfunction and become undetectable.
- Incorrect Partition SettingsSometimes, the active partition is changed or deleted, leading to boot errors.
- BIOS/UEFI IssuesOutdated firmware or incorrect settings may prevent your system from detecting the drive properly.
How to Fix the Boot Device Not Found Error
There are multiple solutions to resolve the boot device not found problem. The method you use depends on what caused the issue. Below are step-by-step troubleshooting techniques that work for most situations.
1. Check Boot Order in BIOS or UEFI
The first step is to ensure that your main hard drive or SSD is listed as the first boot device. Here’s how to do it
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, Del, or Esc during startup).
- Go to the Boot tab or Boot Order menu.
- Ensure that your primary hard drive or SSD is listed first.
- Save the changes and restart your computer.
If your system boots successfully after this adjustment, the error was likely caused by an incorrect boot priority.
2. Check Physical Connections
Sometimes, a simple cable issue can lead to the boot device not found message. To check for loose or damaged connections
- Shut down your computer completely and unplug it from power.
- Open the case or access panel.
- Check that the SATA or NVMe cables connecting the drive to the motherboard are secure.
- Reconnect them firmly or try using different ports or cables.
- Restart your computer and see if the error persists.
If you’re using a laptop, you may need a technician to open it safely to inspect internal connections.
3. Run Hard Drive Diagnostics
Most modern computers include built-in diagnostic tools. For example, HP laptops often have a hardware test option accessible from startup. To use it
- Turn on your computer and press the key shown for diagnostics (such as F2 or Esc).
- Run the hard drive test and check for errors.
If the diagnostic tool detects problems, your hard drive may need replacement.
4. Use Windows Recovery Environment
If your hard drive is still functional but has corrupted boot files, you can use Windows recovery tools to repair them. Here’s how
- Insert a Windows installation USB or recovery drive and boot from it.
- Choose Repair your computer.
- Go to Troubleshoot >Advanced Options >Startup Repair.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to repair boot files automatically.
If that doesn’t work, you can also open Command Prompt and run the following commands
bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd
After completing these commands, restart your computer and check if it boots normally.
5. Check for Drive Detection in BIOS
If your hard drive isn’t listed in the BIOS or UEFI settings, it could mean the drive has failed or the motherboard isn’t detecting it. In that case
- Open the BIOS and check the list of detected drives.
- If your drive doesn’t appear, reconnect it or test it in another computer.
- If it’s still not detected elsewhere, the drive might be defective and needs replacing.
6. Reset BIOS or UEFI to Default Settings
Sometimes incorrect BIOS settings cause detection problems. To reset them
- Enter the BIOS setup menu.
- Look for the option Load Setup Defaults or Reset to Default.
- Save and exit the BIOS.
This step restores your system’s default configuration, which can often fix detection errors.
7. Reinstall the Operating System
If none of the above solutions work and your hard drive is still detected, reinstalling the operating system may be your last resort. Back up your important files (if possible) using a bootable USB or external drive, then reinstall Windows or your chosen OS from scratch. This will restore all essential boot files and eliminate software corruption.
Preventing the Boot Device Not Found Error
While this issue can happen unexpectedly, there are several ways to prevent it from occurring in the future. Regular system maintenance and safe hardware handling can reduce the risk significantly.
- Keep BackupsAlways back up your data using cloud storage or external drives.
- Use Reliable Storage DevicesInvest in high-quality SSDs or HDDs with good reviews and reliability ratings.
- Update Your SystemKeep BIOS, drivers, and your operating system up to date.
- Avoid Sudden ShutdownsPower failures can corrupt boot files, so use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) if possible.
- Run Regular Disk ChecksUse built-in tools like CHKDSK in Windows to detect and repair disk errors early.
When to Replace Your Hard Drive
If diagnostics reveal physical damage or the drive consistently disappears from BIOS, replacement is necessary. Signs your hard drive may be failing include strange noises, frequent freezes, slow performance, and recurring boot errors. Replacing your drive with an SSD not only solves the issue but can also dramatically speed up your computer’s performance.
The boot device not found error can be unsettling, but it’s often fixable with simple steps like adjusting BIOS settings, checking connections, or repairing the boot configuration. In some cases, it may point to a failing drive that requires replacement. Understanding how to troubleshoot this issue can save you time, money, and data loss. By maintaining your hardware properly and keeping backups, you can minimize the chances of facing this problem again. Whether you’re using a laptop or desktop, being proactive ensures your system boots smoothly every time you power it on.