"Windows 11 failed to find a startup device? Here are the solutions"

Updated By

Tracy King 

Last updated on May 10, 2024

Error: No Boot Device Found in Windows 11

A boot device refers to any hardware component that holds the information necessary to initiate or "boot" a device. Whenever you restart your device, it is the boot device that contains all the files required for the operating system to load. This can be any device such as a hard disk, USB flash drive, floppy disk, or any other storage medium that holds the required boot files.

For a PC to successfully boot into Windows 11, everything in the boot device and the system needs to be functioning normally with no damaged or corrupted files. However, you might encounter the 'No Bootable Device Found' error, which can be perplexing and prompt you to seek a solution.

Figure 2.14. No boot device found

A Windows 11 boot device error occurs when there's an issue with your system hard drive. This can be due to your device failing to detect the hard drive or incorrect BIOS settings. If you're using an HP laptop, you can find more information by clicking on the link below.

No Boot Device Found on HP Laptop? How to Fix?

If you see 'No Boot Device Found' or similar errors on your HP laptop, keep reading this post, and we'll show you how to solve the issue.

If you're wondering how to fix this error notification on Windows 11, this article lists some quick and easy troubleshooting methods that can help you resolve the Boot Device Not Found issue.

Major fixes:

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Why does my computer show "No Bootable Device Found"?

This error can happen on many laptops, such as Dell No Bootable Device Found or Acer No Bootable Device. A No Bootable Device Found error on your computer can be caused by several reasons, including:

• Damaged hard drive partition.
• Incorrect boot order in BIOS.
• Damaged or corrupted boot files.
• Corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR) on the bootable disk.
• Connection issues.
• External factors such as malware, viruses, or third-party system protection software.

How to Fix the "No Bootable Device Found" Error in Windows 11

After identifying the possible causes that might lead to the error, we have provided you with some recommended fixes to eradicate the issue from your computer. Here are some common solutions:

1 - Change the PC's boot order to start from the operating system disk in BIOS

Changing the boot order modifies the sequence in which your device attempts to start up from different drives. To change the boot order in your BIOS, follow these steps:

• Restart your computer and press DEL, F1, or F2 (depending on the manufacturer) to enter BIOS settings.
• Navigate to the Boot menu at the top of the settings page to view your boot order.

• Use the corresponding keys on the screen to set the boot order so that the device loads the operating system in the correct sequence. • Set the boot order to start first from the operating system disk. • Press F10 to save the BIOS changes. • Click Yes at the prompt to confirm your changes.

Restart your computer using the new boot order. The BIOS will attempt to boot from the first device, then the next device in the boot order.

Read also: System cannot find any bootable devices, Boot drive not showing up in BIOS

2 - Reset the BIOS to its default settings

If the boot order is incorrect, you might see an error that says "No Boot Device Found." To ensure that your computer isn't trying to boot from a non-bootable device, you'll need to check your BIOS settings. If this is the issue, resetting your BIOS to its default settings is a good way to resolve it, allowing the Windows operating system to locate a bootable device. Here's how to reset your BIOS:

• Restart the computer repeatedly to enter the BIOS setup menu by pressing , , , , or (depending on the manufacturer). • In the BIOS settings window, press to select and restore the BIOS to its default settings.

Figure 12. BIOS Setup Utility 3

4. Press F10 to save the changes and exit the BIOS window. 5. After saving the changes, use the arrow keys to select "Yes." 6. Follow the prompts and check if you still encounter any boot device error messages.

3 – Use a Partition Master Tool to Rebuild MBR

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a primary file stored in the first sector of any hard drive, and it determines how and from where an operating system loads into a computer's central memory. A “device not found” error can occur when the Windows MBR becomes corrupted – by being overwritten, a malware attack, or a disk failure.

You can install a third-party application to rebuild, repair or restore MBR. Here, I recommend you install the Partition Master Professional tool so that you can quickly access your computer when the boot device fails due to corrupted MBR in the Windows system.

tools Partition Master comes with some valuable features that can rebuild MBR in case of failed booting due to MBR issues. To use this application to rebuild MBR, follow the guidelines below:

Step 1. Create a bootable WinPE disk

• Launch Partition Master and click “Bootable Media” from the toolbar. Select “Create Bootable Media.” • Click “Next” to finish the process.

Create a bootable disk

Step 2. Boot into the Partition Master Live USB

• Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your computer. • Restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Set to boot from “Removable Device” or “CD-ROM Drive”. The Partition Master tool will run automatically then.

Step 3: Rebuild the MBR

Click “Toolbox” and then select “Rebuild MBR”.

Choose a disk and MBR type, then click “Rebuild”.

You'll then see a message that says “The MBR on Disk X has been successfully rebuilt.”

Restart your computer to see if the “No Boot Device Found” error has been fixed.

4 - Disconnect and re-install the hard drive

If the hard drive is not properly connected, the BIOS might fail to detect it, resulting in an incorrect boot device. To ensure that the BIOS recognizes all hard drives, you need to disconnect and reconnect the drive. Follow these steps to fix the issue: 1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord for safe operation. 2. Open the computer case and locate the slot where the hard drive is installed. 3. Gently remove the hard drive from its slot, being careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the connectors. 4. Make sure the data cable and power cable are disconnected from the hard drive. 5. Wait a few minutes, and then reinsert the hard drive into the same or a compatible slot. 6. Ensure that the data cable and power cable are securely connected to both the hard drive and the motherboard. 7. Close the computer case and reconnect the power cord. 8. Boot up the computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or another designated key during startup). 9. In the "Hardware Configuration" or "Storage Devices" section, check if the hard drive is recognized correctly. If it appears, the problem is resolved; if not, try altering the BIOS settings for hard drive detection or update the BIOS to the latest version. 10. If the hard drive still isn't recognized in the BIOS, you may need to replace the hard drive or seek assistance from a professional. After completing these steps, the issue of the BIOS failing to detect the hard drive should be resolved, allowing your computer to start normally.

• Shut down the computer and unplug all hardware devices from their power sources.
• Check that your hard drive is correctly connected.
• Reconnect all hardware devices properly, then turn on the computer.

You can enter your BIOS settings to check if the BIOS can currently detect the hardware.

Conclusion: The 'No Bootable Device Found' issue on Windows 11 can be fixed, and you can do it yourself.

With the methods outlined in this article, you no longer have to be puzzled by the Missing Boot Device error in Windows 11. Boot device issues are resolvable, and by employing the effective solutions provided in this guide, you can swiftly fix the problem.

When performing the fix, make sure you take appropriate precautions and use the correct key as listed in your BIOS settings to navigate the process effectively.