How to Fix "No Bootable Device Found" Error
The "No Bootable Device Found" error occurs due to issues like misconfigured BIOS settings, disconnected or damaged bootable drives, or corrupted OS files. This guide provides step-by-step solutions, including checking BIOS configurations, verifying hardware connections, disabling Secure Boot, running disk checks, and reinstalling the operating system if necessary. Tools such as MiniTool Power Data Recovery and EaseUS OS2Go are suggested for data recovery.
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Key Takeaways:
- A “No Bootable Device Found” error usually points to issues with BIOS settings, bootable devices, or hardware.
- Solutions range from checking BIOS configurations and disabling Secure Boot to running disk checks and reinstalling the operating system.
- If data recovery is needed, tools like MiniTool Power Data Recovery and EaseUS OS2Go can help.
- This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot the issue independently.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix No Bootable Device Found
1. Understand the Problem
A “No Bootable Device Found” error typically occurs due to:
- Misconfigured BIOS settings.
- A damaged or improperly connected boot device.
- Corrupt system files or a missing operating system.
The following steps will walk you through common fixes.
2. Check BIOS Settings
The BIOS determines how your computer starts, so incorrect boot priorities can cause this issue.
- Restart your computer and press the required key (usually F2, F12, Del, or Esc) to access the BIOS.
- Go to the Boot Order/Boot Options section.
- Ensure your bootable drive (e.g., hard drive, SSD, or USB) is set as the first boot option.
- Save the changes (F10 in most BIOS setups) and restart your system.
Pro Tip: Take a photo of your current BIOS settings in case you want to revert.
3. Check for Loose Connections
Improperly connected hardware often leads to a “No Bootable Device” error.
- Step 1: Turn off your computer and unplug it.
- Step 2: Open the case (if it’s a desktop) or access the hard drive compartment on a laptop.
- Step 3: Ensure the cables connecting your hard drive to the motherboard are snug.
- Step 4: Plug everything back and turn on your computer.
If your drive isn’t being recognized, consider using MiniTool Partition Wizard to analyze the disk.
4. Disable Secure Boot
Secure Boot sometimes blocks certain devices. Disabling it can help:
- Re-enter BIOS Settings.
- Locate the Secure Boot option in the Security or Boot menu.
- Set Secure Boot to “Disabled.”
- Save changes and restart.
Note: This is common when attempting to boot from a USB or non-Windows system.
5. Perform a Disk Check
There could be errors on the storage device causing it to be unbootable.
- Use a bootable USB drive with Windows installation media.
- Boot into this media and open the Command Prompt (Shift+F10 during the Windows setup process).
- Run the following command:
chkdsk /f /r C: - Allow the disk check to complete and restart your system.
For easier solutions, tools like EaseUS Todo PCTrans can help migrate or recover data from an inaccessible system.
6. Test a Different Bootable Device
If the problem persists, rule out a damaged boot device.
- Create a new bootable USB using the Rufus tool.
- Test the drive on another computer to ensure it’s functional.
- Connect the new bootable device to your problem machine and retry booting.
7. Recover Lost Data
If fixing the boot issue fails and you need the files stored on your hard drive:
- Use EaseUS Backup Center or MiniTool ShadowMaker.
- Install these tools on a functional computer, connect your problematic drive via an external adapter, and recover your files.
Affiliate Pick: Get EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner for decluttering recovered files efficiently: Link.
8. Reinstall the Operating System
If all else fails, you might need to reinstall your OS.
- Use a bootable USB with the installation media:
- Windows: Download the installation tool from the Microsoft Website.
- Linux: Use a distribution like Ubuntu via Ubuntu Official.
- Re-enter BIOS and set the USB as the primary boot device.
- Follow the installation instructions.
- Ensure all critical data is backed up before proceeding.
Consider using EaseUS OS2Go to create a portable Windows installation if you need a temporary solution.
Visualization: A Simple Boot Order Diagram
FAQs
1. Why does the error occur in the first place?
Common causes include a faulty hard drive, misconfigured BIOS settings, or accidental removal of the bootable OS files.
2. Can I fix this without losing data?
Yes. Use tools like EaseUS Todo PCTrans or MiniTool Partition Wizard to recover data before making major changes.
3. How do I create a bootable USB for Windows?
Download the Windows Media Creation Tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB.
4. Can this issue be caused by a virus?
Yes, malware can corrupt boot files. Install Malwarebytes (25% off) to scan and remove malware from a functioning device.
By following these steps, you should be able to both solve the “No Bootable Device Found” problem and safeguard your data effectively.