Fix No Bootable Device Error on Windows 10

This guide helps you resolve the “No bootable device” error on Windows 10, which typically appears when your computer cannot find a valid operating system to start. It covers checking BIOS settings, repairing the boot loader, and testing hardware—so you can get back to work without reinstalling Windows.

What You’ll Need

• A Windows 10 installation USB drive (or recovery drive)
• Another working computer to create the USB if needed
• Your computer’s manual (or quick web search) to know how to enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, F10, Del, Esc)

Step-by-Step

1. Check for simple issues first. Remove any external drives, SD cards, or USB devices. Restart the computer and see if it boots. Sometimes a stray USB stick is selected as the boot device and fails.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI. Restart the computer and press the key shown on the screen (often F2, F10, Del, or Esc) repeatedly until the BIOS/UEFI setup opens.
3. Verify the boot order. In BIOS, find the “Boot” or “Boot Order” menu. Ensure your hard drive (or SSD) is listed first. If it isn’t, use the +/– keys or drag to move it to the top. Save changes and exit (usually F10).
4. Check if the drive is detected. In BIOS, look for a “Storage” or “SATA” section. If your drive is not listed at all, it may be a hardware connection issue (see Troubleshooting).
5. Disable Secure Boot (temporarily). If you have a newer PC, Secure Boot can sometimes block the boot loader. In BIOS, find “Secure Boot” and set it to “Disabled” (or “Other OS”). Save and exit.
6. Boot from the Windows installation USB. Insert the USB, restart, and press the boot menu key (often F12, F11, or Esc) to choose the USB drive. If you don’t have a USB, create one on another PC using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.
7. Open Command Prompt from the installer. When the Windows Setup screen appears, click “Repair your computer” (bottom left). Then go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
8. Run Bootrec commands. In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   
   bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd
   
   If you get “Access is denied” on /fixboot, skip it and continue.
9. Exit and restart. Type exit, then restart the computer. Remove the USB stick. Hopefully Windows boots normally.
10. If that didn’t work, try rebuilding the BCD manually. In the same Command Prompt, type:
    
    bootrec /rebuildbcd again, and when it asks to add the installation, type Y.
11. Check disk for errors. Still in Command Prompt, type chkdsk /f /r C: (replace C: with your Windows drive letter if different). This may take a while. Then exit and restart.
12. If all else fails, use Startup Repair. Boot from the USB again, choose “Repair your computer” > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair. Follow the prompts.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking external drives – A USB stick or external hard drive left plugged in can be the boot device and cause the error.
• Incorrect BIOS key – Pressing the wrong key may boot normally or open a different menu. Double-check your PC’s manual.
• Changing the wrong BIOS setting – Be careful not to disable your SATA controller or change the storage mode (AHCI vs IDE) unless you know what you’re doing; it can make the drive undetectable.
• Skipping the bootrec /scanos step – This step helps Windows find the installation, which is necessary for /rebuildbcd to work.
• Assuming the drive is dead – A loose cable or a simple boot order issue is more common than a failed drive.

Tips

• Always back up important data regularly, so a boot error doesn’t mean data loss.
• If you have a desktop PC, check the SATA cable connections to the hard drive and motherboard. Reseat them firmly.
• After fixing the boot, consider checking the drive health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo (on a working PC) or wmic diskdrive get status in Command Prompt.
• If you have a laptop, a failing drive is more common; consider replacing it if the error recurs.
• Keep your Windows installation USB safe for future repairs.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t work, try these additional checks:

• Drive not detected in BIOS: If your drive doesn’t appear in BIOS, check power and data cables (desktop) or reseat the drive (laptop). If it’s still not detected, the drive may be dead or the port may be faulty. Try a different SATA port or cable.
• Bootrec /fixboot gives “Access denied”: This is common on UEFI systems. Skip that command and try bootrec /rebuildbcd directly. If that fails, use diskpart to manually assign a letter to the EFI partition and then run bcdboot commands (advanced).
• After fixing boot, Windows starts but crashes: This may indicate a corrupted system file. Boot into Safe Mode (press F8 during startup or use the USB) and run sfc /scannow.
• Multiple drives: If you have more than one drive, the boot files might be on a different drive than Windows. Run diskpart to list disks and select the correct one before using bootrec.
• Secure Boot re-enabled: If you disabled Secure Boot and it still doesn’t boot, try enabling it again after repairing the boot loader, as some systems require it.
• If nothing works: Consider a fresh Windows installation (backup your data first). If the drive is failing, replace it before reinstalling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer say “No bootable device”?

This error means the BIOS/UEFI cannot find a valid operating system on the boot drive. Causes include incorrect boot order, corrupted boot loader, loose cables, or a failed drive.

Will I lose my files if I fix the boot error?

Usually no. The repair commands (bootrec, chkdsk) do not delete personal files. However, if you need to reinstall Windows, you may lose files unless you back them up first.

Can I fix this without a Windows installation USB?

You can try changing the boot order in BIOS, but to run bootrec commands you’ll need a recovery drive or installation media. You can create one on another PC.

How long does chkdsk take?

It depends on the drive size and health. It can take from a few minutes to several hours. Let it finish; interrupting it can cause more problems.

What should I do if my hard drive is not detected in BIOS?

Check physical connections (desktop) or reseat the drive (laptop). If it’s still not detected, the drive may be dead or the port may be faulty. Try a different port or test the drive on another computer.

Is it safe to disable Secure Boot?

Yes, temporarily. Secure Boot is a security feature that verifies the boot loader. Disabling it can help if it’s blocking Windows. Re-enable it after fixing the boot.

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