BIOS & startup · critical

How to fixBoot Device Not Found

Boot Device Not Found

What this error means

Boot Device Not Found shows up as a critical-severity hardware BIOS/UEFI fault. The BIOS/UEFI firmware cannot locate a bootable operating system partition or storage drive. Reports of Boot Device Not Found usually describe a sudden crash, brief unresponsiveness, or a stop-code screen appearing out of nowhere. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Check physical SATA/power/NVMe connection
  1. Check physical SATA/power/NVMe connection
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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02Repair MBR/BCD via Windows Installation USB
  1. Repair MBR/BCD via Windows Installation USB
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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03Check drive health status in BIOS
  1. Check drive health status in BIOS
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • Disconnected storage drive SATA or NVMe cables
  • Corrupted boot files (MBR or BCD)
  • Failed hard drive or SSD