No Bootable Device Found — Windows Startup Error Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Your PC can't find a drive to start Windows from. It could be a loose cable, a changed BIOS setting, or a corrupted boot file. Don't panic — in many cases, Windows can be repaired without reinstalling.

Affected Models

Windows 11
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 7

Common Causes

The hard drive or SSD cable is loose or disconnected
The BIOS boot order was changed and now points to the wrong drive
Windows boot files got corrupted by a bad update or improper shutdown
The hard drive or SSD has failed completely
A USB drive or disc is plugged in and the PC is trying to boot from it instead

How to Fix It

First, unplug any USB drives, external hard drives, or discs from the PC.

The PC might be trying to boot from a blank USB drive. Remove it and restart.
Restart the PC and press the key to open BIOS (usually F2, F10, Del, or Esc — it shows on screen).

Inside BIOS, find the Boot Order or Boot Priority menu.
Make sure your main hard drive or SSD is listed first in the boot order. Save and exit.

Press F10 to save in most BIOS setups.
If the problem continues, boot from a Windows installation USB and choose Repair your computer.

You can create a Windows repair USB from another PC using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Startup Repair. Let Windows try to fix the boot files automatically.

This fixes most corrupted boot file problems without reinstalling Windows.

When to Call a Professional

Call a technician if the drive makes clicking or grinding noises. Physical drive failure requires professional data recovery — don't try to repair it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does No Bootable Device mean my hard drive is dead?

Not necessarily — it often means the boot order is wrong or the boot files are damaged. Try the BIOS fix first before assuming the drive is dead. If Startup Repair doesn't work, then the drive may need replacement.

Can I fix this without a Windows USB?

Sometimes yes — fixing the boot order in BIOS costs nothing and takes 2 minutes. If that doesn't work, you'll need a Windows repair USB. You can make one for free from the Microsoft website on another PC.

Will Startup Repair delete my files?

No — Startup Repair only fixes boot files, not your personal files. Your documents, photos, and programs should remain untouched. As always, having a backup is the safest approach.