inaccessible boot device windows 11

The “Inaccessible Boot Device” BSOD error usually occurs when the system is unable to access the boot device (where the operating system is stored). This error typically occurs during the boot process, Displays Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error, and prevents Windows from loading properly. The error can be caused by various factors, including hardware and software issues. Lets explores the exact reason behind this blue screen error and solutions to fix “Inaccessible Boot Device” error on Windows 11, Applicable for Windows 10 as well.

Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11

The error message indicates that the system cannot access the storage device containing essential boot files needed to load Windows. As a result, the computer cannot proceed with the normal startup routine, leading to the blue screen error.

Several factors can trigger this “Inaccessible Boot Device” error, including corrupted system files, problematic hardware drivers, changes in disk configurations, or even physical hardware issues like a failing hard drive.

Common Causes of the “Inaccessible Boot Device” Error:

  • Incompatible or outdated storage drivers, especially those related to hard disk controllers or storage interfaces, can trigger this error.
  • Modifying disk configurations, such as changing the SATA mode from IDE to AHCI or vice versa, without proper driver adjustments can lead to this error.
  • Issues with the file system or corruption in critical system files can prevent the boot process.
  • Failing hardware components like the hard drive, storage controller, or RAM can trigger this error.

Check Hardware Connections

Loose or improperly connected hardware can lead to boot issues. Ensuring proper connections ensures that the system can communicate with the storage device correctly during the boot process.

  • Open your computer case and ensure all hardware components, especially hard drives or SSDs and their cables, are securely connected.
  • Gently reseat any loose connections and ensure cables are properly plugged in.

In addition, disconnect all external devices include secondary HDD or SSD and reboot your PC to check if Windows 11 boot without any error.

Perform Startup Repair

Hence windows fails to start normally, Startup Repair help automatically diagnose and fix issues that prevent Windows from starting correctly. It can repair damaged boot files, corrupted system files, and other startup-related problems, which can include the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error windows 10.

Due to this error windows frequently restarts, or is unable to access the normal Desktop, We need to boot from an installation media to access advanced options. (If you don’t have then create an installation media/Bootable USB using this link)

  • When you are ready with a bootable USB/DVD insert it and change BIOS setup to Boot from installation media.
  • Skip the first screen and on the next window click on repair your computer.

windows 10 repair your computer

Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair.”

Startup repair help fix inaccessible boot device error

Startup Repair will scan your system and analyze the various settings, configuration options, and system files as it looks for corrupt files or botched configuration settings. If Startup Repair detects any of these types of problems, it will automatically attempt to fix them. Then after it will automatically Restart windows and start normally.

Repair Master Boot Record (MBR) and Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

Issues with the Repair Master Boot Record (MBR) and Boot Configuration Data (BCD) can disrupt the boot process. Repairing them ensures proper booting and access to the boot device. Use the Windows Recovery Environment to repair MBR and BCD issues.

Repairing the MBR and BCD ensures proper booting and resolves issues related to the boot process.

If startup repair didn’t fix the problem again access advanced options and click on the command prompt.

Windows Advanced Options

And perform the Command below.

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

rebuild BCD MBR help fix inaccessible boot device error

  • The above command check and fixes almost every Boot related problem, and repair corrupted missing BCD, and MBR files.
  • Now type exit to close the command prompt and restart windows.
  • Check on next start system started normally.

Perform System Restore

If the problem started after recent changes, such as driver installations, software updates, or system configuration adjustments, using System Restore can revert your system to a state where it was working correctly.

Use System Restore to revert your system to a previous state where it was functioning correctly.

  • Again Access the Windows recovery environment, “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options”
  • Select a restore point created before you encountered the BSOD error.
  • Follow the prompts to initiate the restoration process.

Boot into Safe Mode With Networking

Safe Mode bypasses unnecessary drivers and services, allowing you to determine if the error persists without certain potentially problematic elements. Boot into Safe Mode to determine if the error persists. If not, the issue might be related to drivers or software.

Booting into Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers and services, helping you identify if the error is caused by software or drivers.

  • Again access Advanced options (explained previous steps) and select startup settings.
  • Click Restart and press F5 to start Windows 11 safe mode, F6 to Enable internet access.

Safe Mode to fix inaccessible boot device error

Check for Corrupted System files

System files that are critical to the boot process might become corrupted due to various reasons, such as software glitches, unexpected system shutdowns, malware infections, or hardware issues. If essential system files necessary for booting become corrupted or damaged, it can lead to the system’s inability to access the boot device and result in the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error on windows 10. Let’s run DISM and SFC utility to scan and repair corrupt or missing system files.

  • Press the Windows key + S, type cmd and select run as administrator,
  • Type command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Next run the system file checker command sfc /scannow

Run system file checker

The above command checks the integrity of protected system files and replaces any incorrect or corrupted versions with the correct versions from a cached copy located in the Windows component store or from the original installation source.

Check Disk Drive Errors

Disk errors can disrupt the normal communication and functioning of the storage device, OS lost access to the system’s data or boot partitions during the startup, leading to this Inaccessible Boot Device error in windows 10. Running CHKDSK can address problems that might prevent Windows from accessing the boot device.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Type the command chkdsk c: /r /f and hit the enter key.

Note – The /f flag indicates that CHKDSK should fix any errors it finds, and the /r flag implies a thorough scan, including locating and repairing bad sectors.

Then press Y to confirm to run the disk check on the next restart, Close the command prompt, and restart windows.

Check disk utility

This will start scanning the drive for errors if found any the chkdsk utility will repair them automatically. Wait until 100% complete the scanning process after that windows automatically restart and start normally.

Update or Roll Back Drivers

 

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts and errors during the boot process and lead to errors, including the Windows 11 “Inaccessible Boot Device” BSOD. Updating or reverting drivers ensures compatibility with the hardware and system.

Update or roll back storage-related drivers, especially those related to hard disk controllers.

Update drivers

Update storage-related drivers, especially those associated with hard disk controllers, from the manufacturer’s website.

  • Press windows key + x and select Device Manager,
  • Expand the IDE ATA/SATA controller section
  • Right-click on Standard SATA AHCI Controller, select update driver,
  • Click on search automatically for the driver to allow downlaod latest driver update from the Microsoft server.
  • Also, you can select the second option “Browser my computer for drivers” to locate updated drivers manually.

Update SATA AHCI controller

Rollback Driver

If the error started after a driver update, consider rolling back to a previous version.

  • Again open Device Manager, expand IDE ATA/SATA controller section
  • Standard SATA AHCI Controller, select properties,
  • Here select the Rollback option, select a reason for driver rollback and follow on screen instructions.

Rollback Driver

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Robeg
I am Robeg founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.