[Fixed] "Boot Device Not Found" Error

Once in a while, you may encounter an error “Boot Device Not Found” that can be quite a head-scratcher. This error happens when your computer cannot find or access the necessary files to boot the operating system. Let’s explore the reasons behind this hiccup and the steps to get your computer back on track.

Boot Device Not Found

The error “boot device not found” is a standard error that prevents the computer from booting up the operating system. In this article, we will find out the possible reasons behind the error and how we can fix the “boot device not found” error.

Causes of Boot Device Not Found Error

Faulty Hard Drive

When the hard drive malfunctions, it becomes challenging for the computer to locate the necessary files for startup. This issue may manifest as the “Boot Device Not Found” error. Common signs of a faulty hard drive include slow system performance, unusual sounds emanating from the computer, or frequent system crashes.

To address this, it’s crucial to run a diagnostic test using manufacturer-provided tools to assess the hard drive’s health and identify potential issues.

Loose or Disconnected Cables

Consider the cables connecting your hard drive to the motherboard as the lifelines of your computer’s functionality. Loose or disconnected cables can prevent your computer from booting, just as a lamp won’t illuminate without a proper connection. This issue is often accompanied by an error message indicating that the boot device cannot be found.

To troubleshoot, ensure all cables are securely plugged in, minimizing the chances of interruptions in the communication between the hard drive and the rest of the system. You can check the cable(s) for any damage to find and fix the error boot device not found.

BIOS/UEFI Settings

In my experience, most of the time, the cause of the error boot device not being found is a wrong disk set as the preferred boot device.

If BIOS or UEFI settings are not configured correctly, your computer may struggle to locate the startup files resulting in the “Boot Device Not Found” error.

To fix this, open your BIOS or UEFI settings and make sure the disk with the operating system/bootloader installed is set as a primary device.

Missing or Corrupted System Files

Every computer relies on specific files to function seamlessly. These files act as the ingredients for a recipe, and if any of them are missing or corrupted, it’s most likely the computer will run into some error. The error “Boot Device Not Found” may also indicate a disruption in these crucial system files.

Fixing an issue like this depends on the operating system you’re using. If you’re using Windows, you can boot the system into recovery mode and restore your system.

To fix this issue on Linux, you can follow our in-depth tutorial on how to fix the grub menu. The article mentions possible fixes if you’re dual-booting Linux with Windows.

Conclusion

The “Boot Device Not Found” error might seem like a big problem, but with some understanding and simple steps, you can often get your computer back on its feet. Remember, troubleshooting is like solving a puzzle – step by step, and you’ll find the solution. So, next time you see that error message, don’t panic. You’ve got this!