Fix INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE Error in Windows

Discover how to troubleshoot and fix the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error in Windows 10 with this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re encountering this error during startup or after a system update, this tutorial covers everything you need to know. Dive deep into step-by-step instructions and essential tips for resolving the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error and getting your Windows 10 system back up and running.

At the time of writing this article, it is still not possible to solve the Inaccessible Boot Device problem, and this sad fact is also mentioned by representatives of Microsoft. Presently, they do not know exactly what causes it. However, they are working on finding a solution, and we hope that future updates for Windows 10 can help eliminate the problem. While the developers are searching for a cure, I offer you some computer expert advice on reducing the chances of having this problem in your computer.

Causes of the error

Cause Description Possible Solution
Faulty Drivers Incorrect or corrupted drivers for disk controllers. Boot into Safe Mode, update or reinstall the drivers.
File System Issues Corrupted file system on the boot drive. Use the chkdsk /f /r command to fix errors.
BIOS/UEFI Configuration Changes Incorrect BIOS/UEFI settings, such as switching from AHCI to IDE or vice versa. Reset the BIOS/UEFI settings to their default or use the same mode that was used during OS installation.
Incorrect Boot Parameters in Windows Corrupted or incorrect bootloader configuration files (boot.ini, BCD). Use the Windows recovery tool to repair the bootloader.
Disk Cable or Connection Issues Physical connection problems with the hard drive. Check the connection of the hard drive or SSD, replace cables if needed.
Slow or Unstable Disk Performance issues or failures of the hard drive. Run diagnostic tools to check the disk or replace the disk.
Windows Updates Some Windows updates may cause the error if they corrupt boot files. Use System Restore or roll back the updates.
External Device Conflicts Problems with connected external devices (e.g., USB drives or external hard disks). Disconnect all external devices and try to reboot the system.
Corrupted Boot Sector Corruption of the MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table). Use the bootrec /fixmbr or bootrec /fixboot command to repair the boot sector.
Error After Installing New Software or Drivers Incorrect installation of drivers or software. Boot into Safe Mode and roll back the recent changes.

How To Fix It

First of all, a very good idea will be to clean the system and check its registry. To do it, we recommend using a standard utility for deleting temporary files in Windows 10.

Another good idea would be to check the structure of the file system in the hard disk of your computer or laptop. To do it, go to Start menu, find Command Prompt there and activate it by clicking the left mouse button on it. In the window that opens enter the command CHKDSK C: /r /f /x and confirm it by pressing the key Y on the keyboard.

CHKDSK C: /r /f /x

Restart the PC and wait for the checking process to complete.

Checking File Integrity

To do it, enter as administrator and type in the command prompt sfc /scannow and then press Enter .

sfc /scannow

The scanning usually takes about 10 minutes. If everything is all right, the following message will appear: Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. If any violations were found, we will see a warning message about corrupt files.

After the process is complete, restart Windows again.

P.S. Running Defragmentation will not hurt either, as well as scanning the system with an antivirus.

After you have done all the actions described above, watch your PC performance for several days. If the error Inaccessible Boot Device appears when loading the OS or when working, try system restore or backup.

Restoring Windows 10

In Windows Explorer, right-click the mouse to open a quick menu and go to Properties. In the left side of the window, click on the link System Protection, then on System Restore.

In the window that opens press Next below. Choose the necessary date.

Click on Next button. The system will show information on the restore point. Press Finish.

To confirm our actions, press Yes.

Conclusion

If the error Inaccessible Boot Device still annoys you, the final solution will be clean installation of Windows 10.

In case of losing data due to the error Inaccessible Boot Device or forced clean reinstallation of Windows 10, we recommend recovering your data with Hetman Partition Recovery as it corrects any errors in the logical structure of the hard disk and recovers its contents.

Author: , Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Editor: , Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

What is the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error in Windows 10?

The Inaccessible Boot Device error in Windows 10 is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that occurs when the operating system is unable to access the boot device. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as corrupted or missing system files, a damaged hard drive, incorrect BIOS settings, or an incompatible driver.

What are some common causes of the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error?

  1. Corrupted or outdated BIOS/UEFI settings.
  2. Faulty or incompatible hardware.
  3. Corrupted or outdated device drivers.
  4. Damaged or corrupted system files.
  5. A damaged or corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR).
  6. Faulty RAM modules.
  7. Incorrectly configured boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings.
  8. Damaged or corrupted hard drive partitions.

How can a user tell if their computer is affected by the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error?

The user can tell if their computer is affected by the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error by looking for a blue screen with an error message that reads "INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE". The user should also check the Event Viewer for any related error messages.

What is the "Automatic Repair" feature in Windows 10?

The Automatic Repair feature in Windows 10 is a built-in troubleshooting tool that helps to diagnose and fix common problems with your computer. It can automatically detect and attempt to repair any errors that may be causing your system to malfunction. It can also help to restore your computer to its original settings and reset any corrupted files.

How can a user use "Automatic Repair" to fix the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error?

  1. Reboot your computer and press F8 or F12 to enter the boot menu.
  2. Select “Repair Your Computer” from the list of options.
  3. Select “Troubleshoot” from the list of options.
  4. Select “Advanced Options” and then select “Automatic Repair”.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.
  6. Once the repair process is complete, reboot your computer and check if the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error is resolved.

Comments (12) #

  • Bernd P 5.03.2021 21:56 #

    Alle those explanations about "inaccessibe boot device" seem to assume right in the next step that some mysterious computer runs a proper windows again for reparing this issue by either ways. ERM: SITUATION : OUR Windows does not boot anymore into any kind of full windows ! The system is only bootable into an emergency system or into restore mode or via a DVD or PE bootable stick or whatever. So this is the situation we are in actually. So: how to fix the controller driver settings properly through the original registry hive "SYSTEM", mounted into the registry editor in PE mode. This is where we must do all the work. maybe DISM commands or such a thing.

  • Luther Stallworth 25.10.2016 06:32 #

    What should a user do if none of the above methods work to fix the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error?

    • Hetman Software 25.10.2016 06:55 #

      If none of the above methods work to fix the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error, the user should try using a system restore point or reinstalling the operating system. If that doesn't work, they should contact their computer manufacturer for assistance.

  • Heywood Bonham 25.10.2016 04:48 #

    How can a user use "Command Prompt" to fix the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error?

    • Hetman Software 25.10.2016 05:05 #

      1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by pressing F8 or the appropriate key during system startup.
      2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
      3. Type the following command and press Enter: bcdedit /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
      4. Reboot the computer and see if the issue has been resolved.
  • Collin Theyer 25.10.2016 01:54 #

    What is the "Command Prompt" feature in Windows 10?

    • Hetman Software 25.10.2016 02:20 #

      The Command Prompt is a feature in Windows 10 that allows users to access the command line interface (CLI) to execute specific commands. It is a text-based interface that provides a way to interact with the operating system by typing commands to perform specific tasks. The Command Prompt can be used to troubleshoot and diagnose system issues, as well as to automate tasks through batch files and scripts.

  • Charl Broomfield 24.10.2016 23:06 #

    How can a user use "Safe Mode" to fix the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error?

    • Hetman Software 24.10.2016 23:28 #

      1. Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
      2. Use the arrow keys to select "Safe Mode" from the list and press Enter.
      3. Once you are in Safe Mode, open the Device Manager by typing "devmgmt.msc" into the Run box.
      4. Expand the "Disk Drives" category and look for any entries with a yellow exclamation mark.
      5. Right-click on the entry and select "Uninstall" to remove the device.
      6. Reboot your computer and see if the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error is resolved.
  • Brooks Horler 24.10.2016 19:07 #

    What is the "Safe Mode" feature in Windows 10?

    • Hetman Software 24.10.2016 19:28 #

      Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows 10 that can help you troubleshoot issues on your PC. It starts Windows in a limited state, with only the essential drivers and services running. This helps to identify problems caused by third-party software, drivers, or hardware conflicts. It also allows you to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to perform advanced repair options, such as restoring the system from a system image.

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 20.07.2018 14:51 #

    Read how to fix error “Inaccessible Boot Device” in Windows 10 and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.

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