Seeing the “There Is No Boot Device Found” error when turning on your computer can be alarming, especially if your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC was working normally before. Instead of loading Windows, the system stops during startup and displays a message indicating that no bootable device was detected. This means the computer cannot locate the drive containing the operating system or is unable to boot from it.
The problem can occur for several reasons, including an incorrect boot order, a loose SSD or HDD connection, corrupted boot files, damaged system partitions, a failed Windows update, or even a failing storage drive. Fortunately, this error does not always indicate hardware failure. In many cases, you can restore normal startup by adjusting BIOS settings, repairing the boot configuration, or rebuilding Windows boot files.
This guide explains the most effective methods to fix the “There Is No Boot Device Found” error in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Follow the methods in order until your computer starts normally.
What Causes the “There Is No Boot Device Found” Error?
This error appears when your computer cannot locate a bootable operating system during startup. Instead of loading Windows, the BIOS or UEFI firmware searches for a valid boot device but fails to find one.
Common causes include:
- Incorrect BIOS or UEFI boot order
- SSD or HDD not detected
- Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
- Damaged Master Boot Record (MBR)
- Corrupted EFI System Partition
- Loose SATA or NVMe connection
- Failed Windows update
- Corrupted system files
- Hard drive or SSD failure
- Disabled boot drive in BIOS
Method 1: Check if the Drive Is Detected in BIOS or UEFI
Before attempting software repairs, verify that your storage drive is detected by the motherboard. If the drive does not appear in BIOS, Windows cannot boot from it.
If the drive is missing, the issue may involve a loose connection, a failed SSD or HDD, or a motherboard problem.
Follow these steps:
- Turn off your computer.
- Turn it back on and immediately press the BIOS key (usually F2, Delete, Esc, or F10).
- Open the Storage, Information, or Boot section.
- Check whether your SSD or HDD is listed.
- If the drive appears, continue with the next method.
- If the drive does not appear, power off the PC.
- Reseat the SATA cable, power cable, or NVMe SSD.
- Restart the computer and check BIOS again.
If the drive is still not detected, it may need to be replaced.
Method 2: Verify the Boot Order
An incorrect boot order is one of the most common causes of this error. If another device is listed before your Windows drive, the computer may attempt to boot from the wrong location.
Setting the Windows drive as the first boot device often resolves the issue immediately.
Follow these steps:
- Enter BIOS or UEFI.
- Open the Boot menu.
- Locate Boot Priority.
- Select your Windows SSD or HDD.
- Move it to the first position.
- Save the changes.
- Exit BIOS.
- Restart the computer.
If Windows loads normally, the problem was caused by an incorrect boot sequence.
Method 3: Disconnect External Storage Devices
Sometimes the computer attempts to boot from a USB drive, external SSD, memory card, or external hard drive instead of the internal Windows drive.
Removing unnecessary devices prevents the system from selecting the wrong boot source.
Follow these steps:
- Shut down the computer.
- Disconnect all USB drives.
- Remove memory cards.
- Disconnect external hard drives and SSDs.
- Remove bootable DVDs if present.
- Turn the computer back on.
Check whether Windows starts successfully.
Method 4: Repair Startup Using Windows Recovery
Windows includes Startup Repair, which automatically fixes many boot-related problems.
This tool scans for damaged boot files and attempts to repair them without affecting your personal data.
Follow these steps:
- Boot from a Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation USB.
- Click Next.
- Select Repair your computer.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click Startup Repair.
- Choose your Windows installation.
- Wait for the repair to complete.
- Restart your PC.
Many boot problems are resolved automatically using Startup Repair.
Method 5: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
If the Boot Configuration Data becomes corrupted, Windows cannot locate the operating system during startup.
Rebuilding the BCD recreates the boot information required to start Windows.
Follow these steps:
- Boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run the following commands one at a time:
bootrec /fixmbrbootrec /fixbootbootrec /scanosbootrec /rebuildbcd- Restart your computer.
If successful, Windows should boot normally.
Method 6: Repair System Files
Corrupted Windows system files can also prevent the operating system from starting.
The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair damaged Windows files.
Follow these steps:
- Boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
- Open Command Prompt.
- Run:
sfc /scannow- After it finishes, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth- Restart the PC.
These tools repair corrupted system components that may be preventing Windows from loading.
Method 7: Check the Drive for Errors
Bad sectors and file system corruption can make the Windows partition unreadable.
Running Check Disk (CHKDSK) scans the drive and repairs logical file system errors.
Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt in Windows Recovery.
- Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r- Press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to finish.
- Restart the computer.
The scan may take some time, especially on large hard drives.
Method 8: Restore BIOS or UEFI to Default Settings
Incorrect BIOS settings, such as changing the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy or modifying storage controller settings, can prevent Windows from booting.
Resetting the firmware to its default configuration often resolves these issues.
Follow these steps:
- Enter BIOS or UEFI.
- Locate Load Setup Defaults or Restore Defaults.
- Confirm the reset.
- Save the changes.
- Exit BIOS.
- Restart the PC.
If Windows was installed in UEFI mode, ensure that UEFI remains enabled after resetting.
Method 9: Reset Windows While Keeping Personal Files
If none of the previous methods work and the drive is healthy, resetting Windows may repair severe operating system corruption without deleting your personal files.
This option reinstalls Windows while preserving documents, pictures, and other personal data, although installed desktop applications will need to be reinstalled.
Follow these steps:
- Boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Select Reset this PC.
- Choose Keep my files.
- Select Cloud download or Local reinstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Wait for Windows to reinstall.
- Complete the initial setup.
After the reset, Windows should boot normally if the storage drive is functioning correctly.
Conclusion
The “There Is No Boot Device Found” error usually indicates that your computer cannot locate a bootable Windows installation. While the message may seem serious, it is often caused by an incorrect boot order, corrupted boot files, disconnected storage hardware, or BIOS configuration changes rather than permanent hardware failure. Begin by confirming that your SSD or HDD is detected in BIOS and that it is set as the primary boot device. If the drive is recognized, use Windows Recovery tools such as Startup Repair, Bootrec, SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK to repair the boot environment and system files. Resetting BIOS settings or reinstalling Windows while keeping your personal files can resolve more persistent software issues. However, if the drive is not detected in BIOS even after checking the connections, the SSD or HDD may have failed and require replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does my PC say “There Is No Boot Device Found”?
This usually means the BIOS or UEFI firmware cannot find a bootable Windows installation due to an incorrect boot order, corrupted boot files, or an undetected storage drive.
2. Can a failed SSD cause this error?
Yes. If the SSD or HDD has failed or is no longer detected by the motherboard, the computer cannot boot into Windows.
3. Will Startup Repair fix the boot device error?
Startup Repair can fix many boot-related issues, including damaged boot files and configuration problems, but it cannot repair a physically failed storage drive.
4. Will resetting Windows delete my personal files?
If you choose Keep my files, Windows will preserve your personal data while reinstalling the operating system. However, you’ll need to reinstall desktop applications afterward.
