How to Fix “Boot Device Not Found” Error: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering the “Boot Device Not Found” error can be a frustrating experience. It means your computer can’t locate the hard drive or SSD where the operating system is installed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to diagnose and fix the issue.

Understanding the “Boot Device Not Found” Error

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand what this error signifies. Essentially, your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware is unable to detect the drive it needs to start your operating system (like Windows, macOS, or Linux). This can stem from various hardware or software issues.

Common causes include:

  • Faulty Hard Drive/SSD: Physical damage or failure of the storage device itself.
  • Loose or Damaged SATA Cables: The cables connecting the drive to the motherboard might be loose, disconnected, or damaged.
  • BIOS/UEFI Settings: Incorrect boot order or disabled boot device in BIOS/UEFI.
  • Corrupted Boot Sector: Damage to the boot sector on the hard drive.
  • Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted storage controller drivers.
  • Operating System Errors: Problems within the operating system that prevent it from booting.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix “Boot Device Not Found”

Follow these steps in the order presented. They range from the simplest to more advanced solutions:

1. Perform a Basic Hardware Check

  • Check the Power: Ensure your computer is properly powered on and the power supply is functioning correctly. For laptops, ensure it’s plugged in or the battery has sufficient charge.
  • Listen for Drive Sounds: Power on your computer and listen closely to the hard drive. Unusual clicking, grinding, or whirring noises could indicate a mechanical failure.

2. Inspect SATA Cables (for Desktops)

  • Power Down: Turn off your computer completely.
  • Open the Case: Carefully open the computer case.
  • Check Connections: Locate the SATA cables connecting your hard drive/SSD to the motherboard and the power supply. Ensure they are securely plugged in at both ends.
  • Try Different Ports/Cables: If possible, try connecting the drive to a different SATA port on the motherboard or using a different SATA cable. A faulty port or cable could be the problem.

3. Check Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

  • Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually Del, F2, F12, Esc, or a similar key displayed on the startup screen) to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  • Navigate to Boot Order: Look for a section labeled “Boot Order,” “Boot Sequence,” or similar. The specific wording will vary depending on your motherboard manufacturer.
  • Ensure Correct Drive is Selected: Make sure your hard drive or SSD containing the operating system is listed as the first boot device. If it’s not, use the arrow keys to select it and move it to the top of the list. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Different BIOS versions vary. Check your motherboard manual for specifics.

4. Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default Settings

  • Access BIOS/UEFI: As mentioned in step 3, restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  • Find Reset Option: Look for an option like “Load Default Settings,” “Load Optimized Defaults,” or similar. This will reset the BIOS/UEFI to its factory defaults.
  • Save and Exit: Select the reset option, confirm your choice, save the changes, and exit BIOS/UEFI. This can resolve issues caused by incorrect or conflicting BIOS settings.

5. Run Hardware Diagnostics from BIOS/UEFI

  • Access BIOS/UEFI: Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.
  • Locate Diagnostics: Many modern BIOS/UEFI versions include built-in hardware diagnostics tools. Look for options like “Hard Drive Diagnostics,” “Storage Diagnostics,” or similar.
  • Run Tests: Run the available diagnostic tests for your hard drive or SSD. These tests can help identify hardware failures.

6. Use Windows Startup Repair (If Applicable)

  • Boot from Installation Media: If you have a Windows installation disc or USB drive, boot your computer from it. If you don’t have installation media, you may need to create one on another working computer using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
  • Access Recovery Options: After booting from the installation media, select your language and keyboard layout. Then, click “Repair your computer.”
  • Run Startup Repair: Navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair.” Windows will attempt to automatically diagnose and fix boot-related issues.

7. Rebuild the Boot Sector

  • Boot from Installation Media: As in the previous step, boot from a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
  • Open Command Prompt: Navigate to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
  • Run Commands: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    • bootrec /fixmbr
    • bootrec /fixboot
    • bootrec /scanos
    • bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • Restart: After running these commands, restart your computer.

8. Update Storage Controller Drivers (Advanced)

  • Boot into Safe Mode: If you can access Safe Mode (usually by pressing F8 or Shift+F8 during startup, though this can vary), do so.
  • Open Device Manager: Press Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.”
  • Expand Storage Controllers: Expand the “Storage controllers” category.
  • Update Drivers: Right-click on your storage controller and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for drivers.”

9. Consider Data Recovery and Drive Replacement

If none of the above steps work, your hard drive or SSD might be failing. At this point:

  • Data Recovery: If your data is critical, consider professional data recovery services. These services can attempt to retrieve data from damaged drives.
  • Drive Replacement: Replace the failing hard drive or SSD with a new one. You will then need to reinstall your operating system.

Preventing Future “Boot Device Not Found” Errors

  • Regular Backups: Regularly back up your important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
  • Monitor Drive Health: Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor the health of your hard drive or SSD.
  • Keep Drivers Updated: Keep your storage controller drivers updated.
  • Handle Hardware Carefully: Avoid physical shocks or impacts to your computer, especially when it’s running.

By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the “Boot Device Not Found” error. Remember to proceed carefully and back up your data whenever possible to minimize the risk of data loss.