How to Fix Boot Device Not Found Error in Windows 11 – Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 17, 2025

Seeing a “Boot Device Not Found” error on your Windows 11 PC can be alarming. This message means your computer cannot detect the drive where Windows is installed, preventing it from starting up. Don’t worry — this is a common issue, and most of the time, you can fix it yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why this happens, the most effective solutions, and step-by-step instructions to get your PC booting again.

Summary of Key Fixes

  • Check physical connections of your SSD/HDD

  • Verify BIOS/UEFI settings

  • Use Startup Repair in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

  • Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

  • Update or reset storage drivers

  • Restore system using System Restore or Reset This PC

What Causes the Boot Device Not Found Error?

This error can occur for several reasons:

  • Loose or disconnected SSD/HDD

  • Corrupted or missing boot files

  • Wrong BIOS/UEFI boot order

  • Outdated or corrupted storage drivers

  • Failed Windows updates or system crashes

Understanding the cause helps you choose the right fix.

Step 1: Check Physical Connections

Before changing settings, ensure your hard drive is physically connected:

  1. Turn off your PC completely.

  2. Open the case (desktop) or back panel (laptop).

  3. Ensure the SATA or NVMe SSD cables are properly connected.

  4. Reassemble and power on.

Loose cables or faulty connections are common causes of this error.

Step 2: Verify BIOS/UEFI Settings

Incorrect BIOS/UEFI configurations can prevent Windows from detecting your boot drive:

  1. Restart your PC and press F2, Del, or Esc to enter BIOS/UEFI.

  2. Navigate to the Boot section.

  3. Ensure your SSD/HDD is listed as the primary boot device.

  4. Check that SATA mode is correctly set (AHCI is common).

  5. Save and exit BIOS.

Step 3: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If BIOS detects the drive, the issue may be with Windows itself:

  1. Boot your PC using a Windows 11 installation USB.

  2. Click Repair your computer instead of Install.

  3. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.

Step 4: Run Startup Repair

Startup Repair can fix corrupted boot files:

  1. In WinRE, select Startup Repair.

  2. Choose your Windows 11 installation.

  3. Let Windows automatically detect and fix issues.

Step 5: Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If boot files are missing or corrupted:

  1. Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options.

  2. Type the following commands:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

  1. Press Enter after each command.

  2. Restart your PC and check if Windows boots normally.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Storage Drivers

Sometimes, corrupted or outdated drivers prevent Windows from detecting the boot drive:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode (Advanced Options > Startup Settings).

  2. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.

  3. Expand Disk drives and IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.

  4. Right-click your drive and select Update driver or Uninstall device, then restart.

Step 7: Use System Restore

If the error started after a recent change:

  1. In WinRE, go to Advanced Options > System Restore.

  2. Select a restore point before the problem occurred.

  3. Follow the prompts to restore your system.

Step 8: Reset This PC (Last Resort)

If nothing else works:

  1. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset This PC.

  2. Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows while preserving personal data.

  3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Table: Troubleshooting Methods at a Glance

Method Difficulty When to Use
Check Physical Connections Easy Suspected loose cables or SSD/HDD issues
BIOS/UEFI Verification Easy Drive not detected at startup
Startup Repair Easy Corrupted boot files
BCD Rebuild Moderate Windows cannot boot, files missing or corrupted
Update/Reinstall Drivers Moderate Safe Mode accessible, drivers outdated
System Restore Moderate Recent updates caused issues
Reset This PC Advanced Last resort if other methods fail

Tips for Preventing Boot Device Errors

  • Avoid frequent power cuts while installing Windows updates

  • Keep backups of your system and important files

  • Use a surge protector for desktops and laptops

  • Ensure BIOS/UEFI is up to date

Conclusion

The Boot Device Not Found error in Windows 11 can be alarming, but it is often solvable without professional help. Start with basic hardware checks, verify BIOS settings, and then move on to Windows recovery tools. By following this step-by-step guide, you can identify and fix the problem safely, ensuring your PC boots normally again.

FAQs

1. What does “Boot Device Not Found” mean?
It means Windows cannot detect the drive containing your operating system.

2. Can a loose SSD cause this error?
Yes, loose or disconnected drives are a common cause.

3. Will rebuilding BCD delete my files?
No, it only repairs boot configuration data.

4. Can I fix this error without a Windows USB?
Only if your system can access WinRE automatically; otherwise, a bootable USB is needed.

5. How do I prevent this error in the future?
Keep BIOS updated, secure your drive connections, and avoid abrupt shutdowns during updates.

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