The INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error (Bug Check Code 0x0000007B) occurs when the Windows boot loader loses communication with the storage drive (SSD or HDD) where the operating system is installed. Since Windows can’t read the required boot files, the startup process stops and displays the INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE stop code instead of loading the desktop.

This Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) usually occurs after a Windows update, a storage driver change, a BIOS configuration change, disk corruption, or hardware issues with the SSD or HDD. Whether the Inaccessible Boot Device error started after a recent Windows update, a driver change, or for no obvious reason, we have compiled 13 proven solutions to help you get back to your desktop.

What Causes the “Inaccessible Boot Device” Error?

Several factors can prevent Windows from accessing the system drive during startup. Corrupted or incompatible storage drivers, problems with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD), or errors on the hard drive or SSD are common.

• Faulty Storage Drivers: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible disk controller drivers.
• Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD): Damage to the essential system files required to launch Windows.
• Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings: Mismatched storage controller modes (such as IDE instead of AHCI).
• File System and Hardware Failures: Loose internal cables, bad sectors on your SSD/HDD, or failing hardware components.
• Third-Party Software Conflicts: Some updates or software installations can modify critical system settings.

1. Disconnect External Devices

If this is the first time you have encountered this error, a simple restart may help. A restart reloads the BIOS/UEFI settings and ensures that the system correctly detects the internal storage drive

Again, External devices like USB drives, external hard drives, or peripherals may interfere with the boot process if the system prioritizes them in the boot order or if they cause conflicts.

• Turn off your computer completely.
• Disconnect all non-essential USB devices, external storage drives, printers, and memory cards.
• Leave only the keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected.
• Turn your computer back on and check if Windows boots normally.

If your PC starts successfully, reconnect your devices one at a time until you identify the device causing the problem. If the error persists, continue with the next solution.

2. Check if Your SSD or HDD Is Detected in BIOS/UEFI

The INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error often appears when Windows cannot communicate with the drive containing the operating system. Before trying software fixes, make sure your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware can detect the system drive.

Step 1: Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup

1. Turn off your computer completely.
2. Turn it back on and immediately press the BIOS key repeatedly. Depending on your PC manufacturer, this is usually F2, Delete, F10, or Esc.
3. Wait for the BIOS/UEFI setup screen to appear.

Step 2: Check if the Drive Is Detected

Navigate to the Storage, Main, Information, or Boot tab (the exact location varies by manufacturer).

• If your SSD or HDD is listed, Windows can detect the drive. Continue with the next troubleshooting method.
• If the drive isn’t listed, Windows won’t be able to access it during startup, which can trigger the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error.

What to Do if the Drive Isn’t Detected

If your system drive doesn’t appear in BIOS/UEFI:

• Restart the computer and enter BIOS again to confirm the drive is still missing.
• On desktop PCs, ensure the SSD or HDD data and power cables are securely connected.
• If possible, try a different SATA cable or SATA port.
• For laptops with removable storage, make sure the SSD or HDD is properly seated.
• If the drive still isn’t detected, it may have failed and could require replacement.

Once the drive is detected in BIOS/UEFI, restart your PC and check whether Windows boots normally. If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error persists, continue with the next solution.

3. Verify the Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

If your SSD or HDD is detected in BIOS/UEFI but isn’t set as the primary boot device, your computer may attempt to boot from another drive or device and may trigger the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error.

Step 1: Open the Boot Menu

While you’re still in the BIOS/UEFI setup, navigate to the Boot tab or Boot Order section. The exact location varies depending on your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

Step 2: Check the Boot Priority

Verify that the drive containing your Windows installation is listed as the first boot device.

• If your Windows installation is on an SSD, make sure that SSD is selected as the first boot device.
• If multiple drives are installed, confirm you’re selecting the correct one.

Step 3: Save the Changes

If you made any changes:

1. Press F10 (or choose Save & Exit).
2. Confirm the changes.
3. Restart your computer.

If Windows still displays the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error after confirming the correct boot order, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

4. Boot into Safe Mode

If your SSD or HDD is detected correctly and the boot order is configured properly, try starting Windows in Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads Windows with only the essential drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot problems caused by faulty drivers, Windows updates, or third-party software.

Enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If your PC won’t boot normally, you can access the Windows Recovery Environment by interrupting the startup process:

1. Turn on your PC.
2. As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the Power button to force it to shut down.
3. Repeat this process three times.
4. On the next startup, Windows should display the Automatic Repair screen.
5. Click Advanced options.

Boot into Safe Mode

• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.

• Click Restart.

• After your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode, or 5 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.

If Windows Starts in Safe Mode

If you can successfully boot into Safe Mode, the problem is likely caused by a driver, Windows update, or corrupted system file rather than a hardware failure. Continue with the next troubleshooting methods to identify and fix the underlying cause.

If you still can’t boot into Safe Mode, continue to the advanced recovery methods later in this guide.

5. Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error started after installing a recent Windows update, the update may have introduced an incompatible storage driver or modified boot-related system files. Removing the latest update can often restore normal startup.

Option 1: Uninstall the Latest Update from Settings

If you’re able to sign in to Safe Mode:

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Windows Update > Update history (Windows 11) or Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history (Windows 10).
3. Click Uninstall updates.
4. Select the most recently installed quality or feature update.
5. Click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.
6. Restart your computer.

Option 2: Uninstall Updates from Windows Recovery Environment

If you can’t access the desktop but can open the Windows Recovery Environment:

1. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
2. Select Uninstall Updates.
3. Choose either:
   • Uninstall latest quality update, or
   • Uninstall latest feature update
4. Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

If Windows starts normally after removing the update, pause Windows Update temporarily until Microsoft releases a fix or an updated driver.

6. Run CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors

File system corruption or bad sectors on the system drive can prevent Windows from accessing the boot partition and may trigger the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error. Running the CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility can scan your drive for errors and automatically repair them.

If You Can Access Safe Mode

1. Click Start, search for cmd, then select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r

Note: If Windows is installed on a different drive letter, replace C: with the correct drive.

3. If prompted to schedule the scan for the next restart, type Y and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer and allow CHKDSK to scan and repair the drive. This process may take some time, depending on the size and condition of your disk.

If You Can’t Boot into Safe Mode

You can also run CHKDSK from the Windows Recovery Environment:

1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
3. Enter the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r

4. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your PC.

If CHKDSK reports and repairs disk errors, try starting Windows normally. If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error persists, proceed to the next solution.

7. Run SFC and DISM to Repair System Files

If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error is caused by corrupted or missing Windows system files, running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can often resolve the problem.

If You Can Access Safe Mode

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete. If Windows finds corrupted system files, it will automatically attempt to repair them.

Next, run the following DISM command and press Enter

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If You Can’t Access Safe Mode

You can also run these commands from the Command Prompt in the Windows Recovery Environment. However, depending on your Windows installation, you may need to specify the offline Windows directory. If the standard commands don’t work, continue with the remaining troubleshooting methods in this guide.

Restart Your Computer

After all scans finish successfully, restart your computer and check whether Windows boots normally. If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error persists, proceed to the next solution.

8. Update or Roll Back Storage Controller Drivers

Corrupted, outdated, or incompatible storage controller drivers are one of the most common causes of the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error. If the problem started after installing a new driver or a Windows update, updating or rolling back the storage driver may resolve the issue.

Roll Back the Driver

If the error started after a recent driver update:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Storage controllers or IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.
3. Right-click your storage controller and select Properties.
4. Open the Driver tab.
5. Click Roll Back Driver (if the option is available).
6. Restart your computer and check if Windows boots normally.

Update the Driver

If the rollback option isn’t available or doesn’t fix the problem:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Expand Storage controllers or IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.
3. Right-click the storage controller and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.
5. Install any available driver updates and restart your PC.

Tip: If the issue started immediately after installing a manufacturer-provided storage driver, consider uninstalling it and allowing Windows to use the default Microsoft storage controller driver instead.

If updating or rolling back the driver doesn’t resolve the issue, continue with the recovery methods below.

9. Repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error persists, the Windows Boot Configuration Data (BCD) or Master Boot Record (MBR) may be corrupted. Windows includes the Bootrec tool, which can repair common boot problems and rebuild the boot configuration.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt in Windows Recovery Environment

1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
3. Choose your Windows installation and sign in if prompted.

Step 2: Repair the Boot Records

Run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each command:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

If Windows detects an installation, type Y and press Enter to add it to the boot list.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

Close the Command Prompt, select Continue, and restart your PC.

If Windows still displays the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error after rebuilding the boot configuration, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

Note: If the bootrec /fixboot command returns “Access is denied”, don’t worry. This is a common issue on UEFI-based systems. Continue with the remaining Bootrec commands or move on to the next solution.

10. Check the SATA Controller Mode in BIOS/UEFI

If the SATA controller mode was changed after a BIOS update, BIOS reset, or hardware upgrade, Windows may no longer be able to communicate with the system drive, resulting in the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error.

Windows is typically installed using a specific storage controller mode, such as AHCI, RAID, or Intel RST. Changing this setting after Windows is installed can prevent the operating system from booting properly.

Step 1: Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup

1. Restart your computer.
2. Press the BIOS key repeatedly during startup (commonly F2, Delete, F10, or Esc).
3. Open the BIOS/UEFI setup utility.

Step 2: Locate the SATA Controller Settings

Navigate to the Advanced, Storage Configuration, or SATA Configuration menu. The exact location depends on your computer or motherboard manufacturer.

Look for a setting similar to:

• SATA Mode
• SATA Controller Mode
• Configure SATA As
• Storage Controller Mode

Step 3: Verify the Current Setting

If you recently changed the SATA mode, restore it to the mode Windows was originally installed with.

Common options include:

• AHCI
• RAID
• Intel RST (on some Intel-based systems)

Important: Don’t switch between AHCI and RAID unless you know the original configuration. Changing the storage mode incorrectly can itself trigger the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error.

Step 4: Save the Changes

Save the BIOS settings and restart your computer.

If Windows still won’t boot, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

11. Check the Health of Your SSD or HDD

If none of the previous solutions resolved the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error, your system drive may be developing hardware problems. A failing SSD or HDD can prevent Windows from accessing the boot partition, resulting in startup failures and Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors.

Check the Drive Health Using SMART

Most modern SSDs and hard drives support S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology), which reports the drive’s health status.

If you can access Windows or Safe Mode:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following command:

wmic diskdrive get model,status

3. Review the results:
   • OK – The drive isn’t reporting any immediate hardware issues.
   • Pred Fail or another warning – The drive may be failing and should be backed up and replaced as soon as possible.

Use the Manufacturer’s Diagnostic Tool

For a more detailed health check, use the official diagnostic utility provided by your SSD or HDD manufacturer, such as Samsung, Western Digital (WD), Seagate, Crucial, or Kingston.

These tools can perform SMART analysis, surface scans, and firmware checks to determine whether the drive is failing.

What to Do If the Drive Is Failing

If the diagnostic tool reports hardware errors or your drive frequently disconnects or produces unusual noises (HDDs), back up your important data immediately and replace the drive. After installing a new SSD or HDD, reinstall Windows or restore your system from a backup.

If your storage drive appears healthy but the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error persists, proceed to the next recovery option.

12. Use System Restore

If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error started after a recent Windows update, driver installation, or system configuration change, restoring your PC to an earlier restore point may resolve the problem without affecting your personal files.

Note: System Restore only works if a restore point was created before the problem occurred.

Step 1: Open System Restore

1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
3. Choose your Windows installation and sign in if prompted.

Step 2: Select a Restore Point

1. Choose a restore point created before the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error first appeared.
2. Click Next, then Finish to begin the restoration process.

Windows will restart automatically after the restore is complete.

Step 3: Check if the Error Is Resolved

Once your computer restarts, check whether Windows boots normally.

If the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error still appears, continue with the final recovery option below.

13. Repair or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If you’ve tried all the solutions above and the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error still appears, the Windows installation may be severely corrupted. At this point, repairing or reinstalling Windows is the most effective way to restore your PC.

Option 1: Perform an In-Place Repair Upgrade (Recommended)

If you can boot into Windows or Safe Mode, perform an in-place repair upgrade using the latest Windows 11 installation media.

A repair upgrade reinstalls Windows while keeping your:

• Personal files
• Installed applications
• User accounts
• Most Windows settings

This is the recommended option if the problem is caused by damaged Windows components.

Option 2: Reset This PC

If Windows won’t boot properly or a repair upgrade isn’t possible:

1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files if you want to preserve your personal files.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows.

Note: Installed desktop applications will be removed during the reset process.

Option 3: Perform a Clean Installation

If the reset fails or Windows remains unbootable, perform a clean installation using the latest Windows installation media.

Before proceeding, back up any important files if possible, as a clean installation will erase everything on the Windows drive.

After reinstalling Windows, install the latest Windows updates and hardware drivers before restoring your files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Amiush Palk

I am Amiush 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.

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