Resolved: Unmountable Boot Volume in Windows 11

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Cici 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

The "Unmountable Boot Volume" error signifies that the operating system is unable to access or load the boot drive, which contains essential files needed for system startup. This issue can result in the following symptoms on your Windows 11:

• The error appears on a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).
• Your system is stuck in a boot loop and can't start Windows.
• Automatic attempts to fix the issue fail to resolve it.
• You experience issues accessing data and system files on your primary drive.

If you're encountering the Windows 11 boot volume not mounting error, this guide is here to help. Our tool covers five possible solutions and the common reasons behind the issue.

How to Fix the Boot Volume Cannot be Uninstalled in Windows 11

Let's explore how to fix the inability to uninstall Startup Disk on Windows 11. Feel free to choose any solution that suits your needs.

• Solution 1: Use Automatic Repair
• Solution 2: Fix the MBR
• Solution 3: Run SFC
• Solution 4: Run CHKDSK
• Solution 5: Use Boot Repair Tool

Read on, and we'll walk you through fixing the Uninstall Boot Volume error in Windows 11. If you find this guide helpful, hit the Share button to pass it along to those who need it.

Solution 1: Utilize the Automatic Repair Tool Fix 1: Use the Automatic Repair Feature

Windows 11 lets you automatically fix boot errors that prevent mounting. The "Automatic Repair" tool in Windows is designed to diagnose and resolve issues related to starting up your computer. You'll need to use a Windows 10/11 installation media to access Automatic Repair. Here's how to use it to fix the problem:

Step 1: Connect a USB media drive and boot your system. This will allow you to access the recovery menu.

Step 2: Wait for your computer to boot, and then select the “Repair your computer” option.

Step 3: Under Advanced options, choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: Select "Repair your computer" from the list, and then choose the "Troubleshoot" option.

Step 5: Click on “Repair Disk” to have the system fix the unmounted startup volume error.

Step 6: Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If Automatic Repair can't fix the problem, try using the recommended tool to repair the MBR.

Solution 2: Repair the MBR

The Master Boot Record (MBR) on a Windows computer stores partition and system-related files. These files contain information about the operating system that helps your computer boot up properly. A corrupted MBR on your system could be the reason behind the "Windows 11 cannot mount startup volume" error.

Partition Master is a free MBR repair tool that saves you from delving into intricate manual processes. It offers an easily accessible "Repair MBR" feature, specifically designed to simplify the MBR repair process. Its user-friendly interface and additional functionalities assist users in swiftly resolving multiple disk-related issues. You can handle unmountable boot volumes or unbootable computers, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity.

Download the tool Partition Master to fix MBR with one click and recover system boot.

Step 1. Create the Windows PE boot disk

1. Launch Partition Master and click the "Bootable Media Creator" button on the toolbar. Select "Create Boot Disk". 2. Click "Next" to complete the process.

Create a bootable disk

Step 2. Boot into Partition Master Live USB

Plug in the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your computer. Restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Set it to boot from “Removable Device” or “CD-ROM Drive.” Partition Master will then launch automatically.

Step 3: Rebuild the MBR

Click “Tools” and select “Rebuild MBR”.

Rebuild MBR

Select the disk and MBR type, then click “Rebuild”.

Rebuild MBR

You'll then see a message that the MBR on Disk X has been successfully rebuilt.

This tool provides a straightforward solution to fix MBR errors and also addresses any boot-related issues. Here are some scenarios where users commonly employ it to repair the MBR or create a bootable USB to fix other startup errors:

• Boot drive not showing up in BIOS
• System cannot find any bootable devices
• The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck

If you have other issues, such as a damaged hard drive or file system, this tool can also help you resolve them quickly and easily. Download it now for free – don't wait!

Fix 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Click on this link to jump to #3: Run SFC

If you're familiar with basic CMD commands, try running the SFC. It's a built-in Windows tool that checks and repairs corrupted system files that might be causing the error preventing the boot volume from mounting. Here's how to run SFC on Windows 11:

Step 1: Open the menu from the Install/Recovery drive, and then click Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Select "Advanced options" and then choose "Command Prompt."

Step 3: Type the following command in the CMD window, and then press the "Enter" key.

This line of text is an English command that translates to "System File Checker" in Chinese. It is a command used to scan and fix issues with system files. When entered in the Command Prompt, this command checks the integrity of system files in the Windows operating system and automatically repairs any damaged or missing files.

Step 4: Wait until you see the “Verification 100% complete” message.

Step 5: Restart your computer after the scan is complete.

Check if the issue with the unremovable boot volume is fixed. If the SFC SCANNOW gets stuck on verifying stage, you can resort to the Partition Master tool.

Fix 4: Run CHKDSK

The steps to perform this method are similar to the previous one. But, you need to run the CHKDSK command to fix the errors. This CMD command is easier to use and quickly resolves the disk issues. Let's see how to run CHKDSK to fix hard drive errors:

Step 1: Restart your computer using the USB drive.

Step 2: Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 3: Type the following command in the Command Prompt window, and then press the "Enter" key.

This is a command in the Windows operating system to check the file system of drive H: (H:) and fix any errors. In Chinese, it translates to: 检查H:驱动器的文件系统并修复错误

Step 4: When prompted to schedule a check for the next restart, type Y and press Enter.

Step 5: Restart your computer and wait for a while. The operating system might take some time to recognize the startup volume.

Solution 5: Use the Boot Repair tool

If none of the above methods work, you can use a free Windows Boot Repair tool - AOMEI Partition Assistant. In addition to the MBR repair mentioned in Solution 2, it offers several useful features to fix disk-related issues, such as the unmountable boot volume on Windows 11. Its "Boot Repair" feature is designed to automatically fix boot errors, as you're trying to fix the issue with the boot volume.

The software has undergone extensive development, evolving significantly through in-depth research into various boot issues to address common startup problems and other prevalent disk errors. Its algorithms have been refined through this process. The user-friendly interface and straightforward functionality make this tool a universal solution for disk-related concerns.

Try the free edition of Partition Master and enjoy its benefits:

Step 1: Connect the external hard drive/USB to the computer, launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, select "Create Bootable Media" and then click "Create Bootable Media".

Step 2: Select the available USB drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to media.

Create Bootable Disk for Partition Master

Step 3. Connect the bootable drive to the new computer and restart it while holding down F2 or Del to enter the BIOS. Set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Restart your computer and enter the WinPE interface. Then, open the Partition Master tool and click “Boot Repair” under “Toolbox”.

Step 5: Select the system you want to fix, and click on "Repair."

Click on Repair your computer:

Step 6: Wait for the message that says the process was successful. Click “OK” to finish the startup repair.

Why Does the "Uninstallable Boot Volume" Issue Occur on Windows 11?

"Unmountable Boot Volume" is a severe error in Windows 11 that can be caused by various underlying issues. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Broken System Files: Corrupted system files can prevent disk mounting and disrupt the boot process.
• Damaged Hard Drive: Physical damage or data corruption on the hard drive can hinder the operating system from loading properly.
• Corrupted Boot Volume: Damage to the files on the boot volume can prevent the system from mounting it during startup.
• Defective RAM: Data corruption caused by faulty RAM modules can slow down the boot process.
• Incorrect BIOS Configuration: Incorrect settings in the BIOS can interfere with the boot process and lead to errors.
• Windows Update Issues: Faulty or incomplete Windows updates can compromise system files, making the boot drive unmountable.

Conclusions

We hope this article has assisted you in resolving the issue with uninstalling the boot volume in Windows 11. We've covered all possible solutions, including both built-in and third-party Windows tools. The recommended tool, Partition Master, offers advanced features that enable users to browse and address boot-related issues effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Uninstallable Boot Volume in Windows 11

Refer to this FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section for more in-depth assistance on the topics discussed on this page. Consult the extensive answers below.

**1. How to resolve the "Restart and select proper boot device" issue in Windows 11?** If you encounter the "Restart and select proper boot device" error in Windows 11, try these troubleshooting steps: 1. **Check BIOS settings:** - Restart your computer and press a specific key (usually F2, F10, Delete, or Esc) during startup to enter BIOS. - In BIOS, locate the "Boot" or "Startup" section. - Ensure that your primary boot device (e.g., SSD or HDD) is set as the first boot option. - Save changes and exit. 2. **Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):** - While restarting, hold down the Shift key and click the power icon, then choose "Restart" to enter WinRE. - Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings." - Restart and try different boot options, such as disabling Secure Boot or enabling legacy mode. 3. **Inspect hard drive connections:** - If using a desktop, turn off the power and ensure the hard drive's data and power cables are securely connected. - For laptops, you may need professional assistance to check internal hardware. 4. **Create and use a System Repair Disc/USB:** - Make a Windows 11 installation media on another computer. - Insert the repair media, restart your computer, and boot from it. - After selecting language and settings, choose "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt." - In the Command Prompt, type commands like `bootrec /fixmbr` and `bootrec /fixboot`, then restart your PC. 5. **Update or reinstall drivers:** - If the issue is due to driver problems, access WinRE and attempt to update or roll back the relevant drivers. If none of these solutions work, consider seeking professional technical support.

If you encounter the “Cannot Unmount Boot Volume” error, try the following:

Step 1: Restart your computer and hold down the “Shift” key to access the “Advanced Startup” options.

Step 2: Click on “Troubleshoot,” then choose “Advanced options,” and open the “Command Prompt.”

Step 3: Type the following command and press Enter.

chkdsk /f /r This command translates to "Check the disk and fix errors" in English. The /f switch indicates that it should repair errors on the disk, while the /r switch tells it to locate bad sectors and recover readable information from them. This is a commonly used command in the Windows operating system for maintaining and diagnosing issues with hard disk drives.

Please restart your computer when you're done with the process.

2. How to fix an unbootable volume in BIOS?

To resolve issues with starting up your system, follow these steps:

Step 1: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. Typically, you can access the BIOS using the F2, F10, F12, or Del keys.

Step 2: Use the arrow keys to browse the Boot tab.

Step 3: Select the primary hard drive from the list. Use the '+' or '-' keys to navigate the list.

Step 4: Select Save changes and exit to exit the BIOS. Check if your computer boots normally.

How can I run a boot volume repair without a CD when the installer is unbootable?

You can use a USB drive instead of a CD as the bootable volume. First, you'll need to create a bootable Windows installation file on the USB drive. To do this, you can use the Windows Media Creation Tool on another computer running Windows 11. Connect the drive to your computer and set it as the preferred boot device in your BIOS settings.