Storage · critical

How to fixINACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE

Inaccessible boot device

What this error means

INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE is a critical-severity storage drive (SSD/HDD) problem. Windows cannot access the system disk at startup. Common triggers are changing SATA mode in BIOS and corrupt MBR/GPT. Use the steps below to track down and fix the cause.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Check SATA/NVMe mode (AHCI vs RAID)

Check SATA/NVMe mode (AHCI vs RAID).

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /fixboot.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Startup Repair from USB

Startup Repair from USB.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Defective disk
  • Changing SATA mode in BIOS
  • Corrupt MBR/GPT