How to Fix an INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE BSOD
(Image credit: Future)
As its name indicates, the INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE BSOD reflects some kind of issue with a Windows installation’s designated boot device. When this error occurs, it means that the Windows file system tried to read the boot device and failed. Most often, this means the boot device failed to initialize.
Alternatively, when the boot loader attempted to access the designated boot device, it did not recognize its data as a file system structure. In simpler terms, the boot process did not find a bootable system where the boot configuration data said it was supposed to be. At the highest possible level, this error indicates no boot device is known or accessible to the problem PC.
Common Causes of INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE BSODs
Most of the time, the INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE error occurs because a boot device has failed or is unreadable. During input/output (I/O) initialization the boot device driver might not have been able to initialize the boot device (which is a hard drive or SSD, perhaps even one of the best SSDs). Other potential causes include:
- File system initialization could not recognize the data on the boot device.
- Device parameters for the boot device have become damaged, corrupted, or are invalid.
- If an error occurred during initial system installation, the OS may have been installed on an unsupported disk controller, or a valid driver for a non-standard disk controller may not be valid or available.
By far the most common situations when this error occurs, involve changes to the Windows boot environment of some kind. Repartitioning the boot/system drive, alterations to the boot configuration data (BDC), BIOS configuration changes, or installing a new or different disk controller can provoke this stop code, which takes numeric value 0X0000007B (aka 0X7B). This error code is discussed in more detail in the Microsoft Docs page for INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE .
Recovering From INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE Errors
Sometimes, this error will occur as a one-time glitch.
If that happens, some kind of transitory error interfered with one boot-up, but Windows recovers on the next restart. If that happens on one of your PCs, be sure to make an image backup with some means to recover from bootable media if the problem recurs. I use Macrium Reflect Free to make daily image backups; that program’s bootable Rescue Media on a USB Flash drive offers an alternate boot, and can restore the most recent image backup to my boot/system disk any time it’s needed.
In fact, that bootable Rescue Media also includes a “Fix Windows Boot Problems” option that I have used many times to repair boot issues. It’s adept at fixing boot errors that may pop up when editing or altering boot menus or boot configuration data. Access to this facility is depicted in the following screenshot, and fully described in a useful Macrium Knowledge Base article (50168).
The Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) on the Macrium Rescue Disk includes a general-purpose boot repair facility.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Microsoft’s repair advice for INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE also includes the following recommendations:
- Revert recent hardware changes: If you’ve recently added or changed system hardware – especially disk drives or related drivers or drive controllers – remove them from the system. Often this will immediately fix what’s wrong because the boot drive order can be affected in the aftermath of such changes. If this fixes the problem, you’ll need to make configuration changes to resolve potential IRQ or I/O port conflicts to get all parts working.
- Undo BIOS changes: If you’ve reset boot order or drive priority improperly, restoring previous settings will usually set things right. This stop code may pop up, for example, when changing controller mode from legacy to AHCI, or from RAID to AHCI (or vice-versa) in the BIOS. See our article on how to enter your BIOS for help getting into the menu.
- Check storage device compatibility: If you’ve added a new storage device or controller, you must check to make sure it’s compatible with Windows (see Windows 10 Specifications for details).
If you’ve added a controller, make sure the driver is compatible with your Windows version. It might be a good idea to try a fresh download from the maker or OEM, just to be sure the driver is not damaged or corrupted.
In the vast majority of cases, the INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE error will get resolved when you undo your most recent system changes. In a few cases, though, you may not be able to get Windows to recognize a boot device through any of the preceding fixes. If that happens you have no choice but to perform a fresh, clean install of your specific Windows version (see our article on how to do a repair install of Windows). And if that doesn’t work, your drive could be physically damaged.
You may also have to forgo new drives or controllers if you are unable to make them work, even under such a clean install. In my 30 years’ working with Windows this has never happened to me, but one does read about such things online occasionally. Through trial and error, and working with known, good and compatible hardware components, you should be able to put a working Windows configuration together, even in the face of such problems.
Ed Tittel is a long-time IT writer, researcher and consultant, and occasional contributor to Tom’s Hardware. A Windows Insider MVP since 2018, he likes to cover OS-related driver, troubleshooting, and security topics.
How to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10? — Auslogics Blog
One of the most common errors experienced by Windows 10 users is the Inaccessible Boot Device error. It is a typical “blue screen of death” (BSOD) error with the code 0x0000007b, which frequently shows up during Windows startup and happens after a Windows 10 upgrade, Windows 10 anniversary update or Windows 10 reset.
This error message often stops computers from booting correctly. It tells users that their PC has developed a problem and restarting is necessary to address the purported error. It also says Windows is collecting some error info and will restart at a given percentage.
Meaning of Inaccessible Boot Device Error (error code 0x0000007b)
Windows typically updates itself automatically, which is especially exciting when a new update is rolled out.
However, this auto update is liable to introduce a huge problem. Imagine eagerly waiting for Windows 10 to reboot itself after an update, only to see the error code 0x0000007b on your screen.
Then, after a few moments, your PC restarts all over again. Just picture that scene and imagine how it feels. Well, this error message implies that Windows couldn’t access the system partition while attempting to start up.
The problem (obviously) forced Windows to restart all over again. Several Windows 10 users have reported the prevalence of this error message in computers running an SSD. But what are the causes of the inaccessible boot device error? Read on to find out.
Causes of Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10:
The Inaccessible Boot Device error refers to a BSOD error message that occurs when the Windows 10 operating system fails to access the system partition while trying to start up. Windows 10 may not access the system partition due to the following issues:
- Corrupted, outdated or inaccurately configured drivers
- Hardware conflicts resulting from system updates or changes
- A damaged hard disc
- Malware
- Other causes
Besides causing the Inaccessible Boot Device Error, the problems highlighted above may result in other system malfunctions, including the MSVCP110.
dll missing error, I VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR, INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR, and much more. It’s important to fix the inaccessible boot device issue to prevent the possibility of a more severe system malfunction in the future.
How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10
There are several solutions on how to troubleshoot the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. However, it’s not necessary to use all of them. You only need to give a few solutions a try and make do with the one that works for you. With that said, here’s a recommended guide on how to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10:
Solution 1: Uninstall the Recently Installed Packages
Recently installed packages can result in the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. If you’ve set Windows Update to install packages automatically, it will install new packages without notifying you. If you believe the recently-installed packages cause this problem, you can remove them one after another.
Hopefully, uninstalling the updates one by one will ultimately delete the package causing the issue. Since it’s not possible to boot Windows 10 normally when this error occurs, you’re recommended to uninstall the packages by going to Repair and using the DSM command.
Note: This process restarts your computer. Make sure all work has been saved before you continue. Steps to follow:
- Ensure your machine is completely off
- Press your PC’s power button to turn it on, and then hold down the power button for 5 seconds until it automatically shuts down. Repeat this process more than two times until the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen appears.
- Note: This step aims at bringing up the Preparing Automatic Repair screen. If Windows cannot boot correctly, this screen pops up, and Windows tries to fix the issue by itself. You can skip this step if this screen appears the first time you power up your computer.
- Wait for the Windows diagnosis to complete
- Click Advanced Options to bring up the Windows Recovery Environment screen
- Click Troubleshoot on the Windows Recovery Environment screen
- Choose Advanced Options on the Troubleshoot screen
- Select the Command Prompt
Your PC should restart and boot itself into the Command Prompt.
When the Command Prompt has appeared on your screen, follow the instructions below:
- Type dir c : ( That is if you have Windows installed in the drive C) and tap Enter
- Run Dism / Image: C:\/ Get-Packages
- A list of packages installed on the system appears. You can use the date field to determine the most recent package. Make sure to note the package identity
- To uninstall a package, enter dism.exe /image:c:\ /remove-package /[package name].
“Package identity” here is the package name that you jotted down in the preceding step.
- Reboot your computer after uninstalling the packages. Then, check to verify whether the error has been successfully resolved.
If the error persists after uninstalling recent updates, you are recommended to remove another recently updated package, using the same process. Alternatively, you can use an entirely new solution to fix this blue screen hitch.
Solution 2: Update Your Drivers
Drivers are handy tools that allow Windows to use your hardware correctly.
However, outdated drivers are not compatible with Windows 10 and thus create all sorts of hitches, including the inaccessible boot device error. You’re highly advised to update your drivers to fix these types of errors.
To update a faulty driver, visit your hardware manufacturer’s official website and find and download the latest drivers. Often, controller drivers like IDE ATA/SATA can cause this boot device problem. So, downloading and installing the latest version of your drivers can fix the error once and for all.
You can update your drivers automatically with Auslogics Driver Updater. It recognizes your system automatically and finds the right drivers for it. With this driver update software, you can easily have your computer scanned and all driver problems detected and fixed without employing a slow manual approach.
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Using a professional driver troubleshooter, such as Auslogics Driver Updater, maintains your system’s safety and prevents it from permanent damage. It repairs all problematic drivers in one click.
Solution 3: Toggle AHCI Mode Value in BIOS to Enabled
Many users have reported the possibility of fixing this boot device problem by switching the AHCI mode to “Enabled” in the BIOS. The BIOS menu varies significantly between manufacturers, and you might want to check your motherboard manual for instructions. For that reason, this troubleshooting process lacks a one-size-fits-all approach of explaining it.
In general terms, however, the process involves entering the BIOS during boot by pressing either the Delete key, Escape key, or Function keys. You will then select Advanced Options and locate the Set AHCI Mode. Switch the AHCI Mode value to Enabled.
Solution 4: Get Rid of “Update Pending” Packages
The Windows 10 operating system can sometimes get entangled in limbo due to pending updates.
Packages that are pending forever and not installing can lead to this technical blue screen problem. It’s important to remove them to allow Windows to run properly.
Follow the procedure below to remove “update pending” packages in Windows 10:
- Go to Update and Security in the menu
- Click on Recovery
- Proceed to Advanced Startup
- Choose Restart Now
- Select Troubleshoot
- Tap Advanced Options
- Select Command Prompt
Run the following commands as soon as the Command Prompt application has started running. These three commands will remove the Sessions Pending registry key. Make sure to press the “Enter” button after each line.
- reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software
- reg delete HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Current Version\Component Based Server
- reg unload HKLM\temp
After this process, any pending updates should be moved and stored in their respective temporary file. Getting a list of updates isn’t a hard task.
All you should do is type dism/image: \ /get-packages and note any package with the “install Pending” tag.
- Create a temporary file by typing MKDIR C:\temp\packages. Press the “Enter” button when complete
- Keep in mind that all packages that are pending have to be moved or placed in their respective temporary file. Key in dism / image : C: \ remove package / package identity:/scratchdir:c:\temp|packages. Then, press Enter. Don’t forget to replace “package identity” with the appropriate package name.
Solution 5: Check and Have all Corrupted Hard Drive Files Fixed
If corrupted files are available on your computer’s hard drive, they are likely to introduce the inaccessible boot device error. Gladly, fixing corrupted files in a hard drive is a straightforward process that is easily understandable.
If you believe that corrupted files are causing this problem, you can fix that by using the Command Prompt. Note that you must be an administrator to perform this task.
Press the “Windows” button and key in cmd. When the result has been displayed, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
Still on the same Command Prompt application, key in chkdsk / f / r and then choose Enter. Give the application a few moments to process your input and display the output. Then, type the letter Y and press the “Enter” button. If Windows is not bootable, you can use the recovery console to run this command by typing chkdsk/r C:
Solution 6: Malware Scan
Viruses can also cause BSoDs, hence the importance of scanning your computer regularly to remove all malware. A competent anti-malware solution such as Auslogics Anti-Malware will detect and neutralize all malicious items and give you the peace of mind you need.
Conclusion:
The Inaccessible Boot Device error is troublesome, but many Windows 10 users report that solving this issue is not an uphill task. The above five methods have been proven to be useful when it comes to fixing the blue screen error in Windows 10.
There is no doubt one of these solutions will work for you. Just give them a try and tell us your opinion in the comments section below. Good luck!
By the way, if you need to increase system volume in Windows 10, we are glad to show you an effective way of doing it. And here is how to stop browser tracking: try the tool to obtain awesome result.
How to Fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10
Inaccessible boot device errors in Windows 10 aren’t hard to fix. However, you need to know exactly what you need to do before you can get stuck in and solve any errors you find.
So, what exactly causes a boot device error? How do you know if it’s affecting you? And what can you do to fix it? Keep reading to find out more.
(Note: Some of these solutions will only work if you can still get occasional access to your PC without it crashing.)
What Is the Inaccessible Boot Device Error?
We’ve already explained how to fix one of the most common problems: the «critical process died» stop code.
Now it’s time to look at another issue frequently complained about: how to fix an inaccessible boot drive error.
We all know Windows loves to update itself. Often, it’s exciting—especially when a major upgrade rolls around. But your excitement can quickly turn to despair.
Picture the scene. You eagerly wait for Windows to reboot after the upgrade, then bam! You see a «blue screen of death» (BSOD) with the inaccessible boot drive error message and your computer restarts.
In simple terms, the message means Windows lost its access to the system partition during the startup process.
Although tens of thousands of users saw the code as a result of a 2017 update, the boot device error has a number of possible causes, including BIOS updates and overclocked CPUs. Some users suggest that the problem appears to be more prevalent in computers running an SSD.
Let’s take a look at how you can fix the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. Unfortunately, you might need to try several different solutions.
1. Remove Recently-Installed Packages
If you believe an update has caused your problem, you need to work through your recently installed packages and remove them one by one. Hopefully, you will eventually delete the update that’s causing the issue.
Note: The following process will restart your machine. Make sure you save any work before continuing.
To begin, open the Settings app and navigate to Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now. After a few moments, a blue screen will pop up. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
Your computer will restart and boot into the Command Prompt app. Once the Command Prompt is on your screen, follow these instructions:
- Type dir c: (assuming Windows is installed in the C drive) and press Enter.
- Run Dism /Image:c:\ /Get-Packages.
- You will see all the packages installed on your system. Use the date field to identify the most recent and make a note of its complete name.
- To remove the package, type dism.exe /image:c:\ /remove-package /[package name]. Replace [package name] with the name you noted in the previous step.
- Reboot your machine.
If removing the most recent update did not fix your issue and you still see BSODs, repeat the above process with the next most recent update.
2. Remove «Update Pending» Packages
Sometimes, Windows updates get stuck in a strange limbo, forever pending and never installing. These pending updates can cause an inaccessible boot device error.
To remove them, you’ll once again need to open Command Prompt in the advanced startup options by going to Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
When the Command Prompt app is running, run the following three commands. They will delete the SessionsPending registry key. Press Enter after each line:
reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows
ystem32\config
oftware
reg delete "HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending"/v Exclusive
reg unload HKLM\temp
Next, you need to move any pending updates into their own temporary file. Type dism /image:C:\ /get-packages to get a list of updates. Make a note of any which has the «Install Pending» tag.
Now you need to create a temporary file. Type MKDIR C:\temp\packages and press Enter.
Lastly, move all the pending packages into the temporary file. Type dism /image:c:\ /remove-package /packagename:[package name] /scratchdir:c:\temp\packages and press Enter. Replace [package name] as appropriate.
3.
Update Your Drivers
If neither of the two fixes we’ve already discussed manages to solve your problem, there are some other generic troubleshooting steps you can try before heading to your local PC repair shop.
Firstly, try and update your drivers. Faulty drivers can be responsible for any number of ailments on your machine. The problem is more likely to present itself if you are using old drivers. In the case of the inaccessible boot device error, the most common culprit is an IDE ATA/SATA controller driver.
There are two ways to check for updates. Firstly, you could check the manufacturer’s website. Secondly, open Device Manager, expand the IDE ATA/SATA controller sub-menu, right-click on Standard SATA AHCI Controller, and select Update Driver.
4. Enable AHCI Mode in the BIOS
Some users have reported that enabling AHCI mode in your system BIOS instantly solves the inaccessible boot drive error.
The BIOS menu can vary considerably between manufacturers, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all way of explaining the process.
However, in general terms, you’ll need to enter the BIOS during boot (typically by pressing Escape, Delete, or one of the Function keys), head to the Advanced Options menu, find Set AHCI Mode, and change the value to Enabled.
5. Check for a Corrupted Hard Drive
Corrupted files on your hard drive might be the cause of the error. Thankfully, if they are the root of the issue, it’s straightforward to fix.
Firstly, you need to open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do so, press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click on the result and choose Run as administrator.
Within the Command Prompt app, type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. Wait for the app to process your input, then type Y and press Enter.
If you cannot boot Windows, you can also run this command from the recovery console by entering chkdsk /r C: instead.
Other Troubleshooting Solutions
If you still have not managed to fix the inaccessible boot device error, you might feel like it’s time to call in a professional.
However, depending on your technical capabilities, there are a couple more things you can try:
- Open your machine’s chassis and check for loose cables
- Physically inspect your RAM, motherboard, and hard drive for faults and damage
Lastly, you could try taking the nuclear option and reset Windows 10 back to a clean copy. If you choose this approach, you will lose all your data, so make sure you make a backup of your data before starting.
How to fix an inaccessible boot device in Windows 10/11
«Inaccessible boot device» error in (Boot Device) Windows 10 or 11 is a «blue screen of death (blue screen of death) » error (BSOD ) that prevents Windows from booting correctly.
Sometimes it won’t let you boot into Windows at all, which can be a little unnerving.
However, fix the error «Inaccessible Boot Device» (Boot Device) is not that hard if you know what caused it. Usually, though not always, this is the result of changing something on your system. But what exactly does Windows mean when it says that the boot device is not available?
What does
Boot Device Error (Boot Device Error) mean?
Error «Unavailable boot device» (Boot Device) means that Windows could not access the system partition (for example, your hard drive) at system startup. These errors are more common on PCs with SSD and can be caused by several reasons.
For example, changing BIOS settings, outdated or corrupted drivers, a failing hard drive, or simply updating Windows can cause the error, among other things.
You can try some simple fixes. It’s even easier if you remember to change some (software or hardware) settings. If you don’t remember changing something, we will provide you with the fixes in the order in which you should try them.
However, before you begin, you should be aware that some of these fixes will require you to access Windows . If you can’t access Windows at all, try booting into Safe Mode (boot into Safe Mode) . In fact, sometimes the problem is solved by simply booting into Safe Mode (Safe Mode) and then restarting the PC again. So try it first.
Switch to AHCI in BIOS
If you have been playing around with BIOS for a while or have recently updated BIOS (updated your BIOS) , this is the fix you would like to try first. BIOS allows you to select a mode for drives SATA . If you have selected a mode other than AHCI , you need to fix it.
Start by entering BIOS (going into your BIOS) . Interface BIOS depends on your manufacturer. So, you need to look around a bit. The general steps, however, are more or less the same.
Find Storage Configuration (Storage Configuration) > SATA Configuration/SATA Emulation or similar in BIOS . If you can’t find them in your BIOS , you’ll need to do some digging and look for the term « AHCI «. Enable ACHI for your SATA controller (or change the mode of SATA to AHCI ), which should resolve the issue.
Remove recently (Remove Recently) installed packages updates (Update)
If you encounter an error after updating, simply removing the update packages may solve the problem.
You will need to use the command line (Command Prompt) to remove packages.
To use Command Prompt (Command Prompt) when you can’t boot, reboot twice from blue screen. After two consecutive failed boot attempts, the system will enter Automatic Repair mode (Automatic Repair) .
- In automatic recovery mode (Automatic Repair) go to « Advanced options (Advanced options) » > « Troubleshooting (Troubleshoot) » > « Advanced options
03 Command options» line
(Command Prompt) » .
- Run the following commands one after the other (i.e. press Enter after each one):
director C: (dir C:)
Dism /Image:C:\ /Get-Packages
This assumes that C is the drive where Windows is installed. If you installed Windows on a different drive, use the appropriate drive letter.
Running the second command will return a list of service packs installed on your PC.
Use this information to find the service pack you think is causing the problem and note down its name. Then run the following command:
Dism.exe /Image:C:\ /remove-package /[name of the package]
Replace (Replace) the words «package name» with the actual name (package ID). Note that if you are using command line (Command Prompt) from Windows , you will need to use the /Online option for all commands that use /Image:C.
For example: Dism /Online /Get-Packages.
- While you’re at it, run the following commands to remove pending updates that are stuck, if any. If you are not sure if there are any stuck pending updates, just run these commands one by one:
reg load hklm\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software
reg delete “HKLM\temp \Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending”/v Exclusive
reg unload HKLM\temp
When you’re done, restart your computer and see if everything is in order.
Update IDE ATA/SATA Controller Drivers
If the previous fixes didn’t work for you, it’s worth taking a minute to update your drivers. If an outdated or corrupted driver is the cause of the “Inaccessible Boot Device (Boot Device) ” error, updating or reinstalling it should fix it.
To update the driver, you need to boot into safe mode (Mode) . When you are in safe mode (Mode) :
- Right-click Computer (Computer) and select Manage (Manage) to launch the computer management console. (Computer Management)
- Select Device Manager (Device Manager) in the right pane, switch to the left pane and select the small arrow next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers .
- Right-click the standard SATA AHCI controller (SATA AHCI Controller) and select « Update driver (Update driver) «.
- At this point, you will need to choose whether you want Windows to automatically search for a newer version of the driver and install it, or if you want to use the driver installation files that have already been downloaded.
Your best bet is to find and download the appropriate drivers from the manufacturer’s website and then use the second option because you will know you have the correct driver you need.
Then just follow the wizard prompts and restart your PC in normal mode.
Bad luck? At this point, you can check if there are any corrupted files on your hard drive.
Fix hard drive errors
Hard drive errors can also cause unavailability boot device (Boot Device) . Windows 10 (and all versions of Windows ) provides users with an easy way to automatically check for and fix file system errors and bad sectors. The tool will flag hard bad sectors so that they are not used in the future.
You can do this with CHKDSK , a command line tool. To run CHKDSK you will need:
- Return to Automatic Repair mode (Automatic Repair) (i.e. with two consecutive failed boot attempts) as you did before and run command prompt (Command Prompt) (i.e. « Advanced options (Advanced options) » > « Troubleshooting (Troubleshoot) » > « Advanced options (Advanced options) » > « Command line (Command Prompt) ) or
- load (BOOT) in Safe mode (Safe Mode) and run Command line (Comand Prompt) on behalf of the administrator.
After running the command prompt:
- Run the following command if you run the command prompt (Command Prompt) from automatic recovery mode:
Chkdsk /R C:
- Exclude the following command if you launched command line (Command Prompt) from Windows:
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- In Automatic Repair mode, go to Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
- Execute the following commands in turn (i.e. press Enter after each one):
- While you’re at it, run the following commands to remove stuck pending updates, if any. If you’re not sure if there are any stuck pending updates, run these commands one by one anyway:0156
- Right-click Computer and select Manage to launch the Computer Management console.
- Select Device Manager in the right pane, switch to the left pane, and click the small arrow next to IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.
- Right-click the Standard SATA AHCI Controller and select Update Driver.
- At this point, you need to choose whether you want Windows to automatically search for a new driver version and install it, or if you want to use the driver installation files that you have already downloaded.
- Return to automatic repair mode (i.e. with two consecutive failed boot attempts) as you did earlier and launch a command prompt (e.g. Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt) string) or
- Boot into safe mode and run a command prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following command if you started a command prompt from automatic recovery mode:
- Run the following command if you started a command prompt from Windows:
- Type director c: (Assuming Windows is installed on drive C) and press Enter.
- Run command Dism /Image: c:\/Get-Packages .
- You will see all packages installed on your system. Use the date field to select the most recent package and write down its full name.
- To remove a package, enter DISM.exe /image: c:\/remove-package/[package name] . replace [package name] with with the name you registered in the previous step.
- Restart your computer.
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000
9 restart your computer and see if the « Inaccessible boot device» error is resolved.
(Inaccessible Boot Device)
More fixes to try
If you’re still facing the «Inaccessible Boot Device» error, (Boot Device) Windows has another drastic option you can try.
You can reset your computer (reset your PC) so that Windows returns to its original state, as it was during the first installation. The reset will erase your data, so try booting to your PC first and creating a backup.
If you are comfortable working with your computer hardware, you can also check for loose cables or see if any of your hardware components have been physically damaged.
Up and running again
«Inaccessible boot device» error (Boot Device) can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with Windows BSOD (Windows BSOD) . However, in most cases, it doesn’t take much effort to fix this error. If you encounter a serious problem due to error Windows, keep a (Windows) Windows system image backup on hand so you don’t have to spend a lot of time recreating your Windows environment from scratch.
Related posts
How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows 10/11
Inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10 or 11 is a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error that prevents Windows from booting properly.
Sometimes it won’t let you boot into Windows at all, which can be a little unnerving.
However, fixing the Inaccessible Boot Device error is not that difficult if you know what caused it. Usually, though not always, this is the result of changing something on your system. But what exactly does Windows mean when it says the boot device is not available?
What does an unavailable boot device error (code 0x0000007b) mean?
An inaccessible boot device error means that Windows was unable to access the system partition (i.e. your hard drive) at system startup. These errors are more common on computers with a solid state drive and can be caused by several reasons.
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For example, changing BIOS settings, outdated or corrupted drivers, a failed hard drive, or a simple Windows update can cause the error, among other things.
You can try some simple solutions.
It’s even easier if you remember changing some (software or hardware) settings. If you don’t remember changing anything, we will provide you with fixes in the order you should try them.
However, before you begin, you should be aware that you need access to Windows for some of these fixes. If you can’t access Windows at all, try booting into Safe Mode. In fact, sometimes simply booting into safe mode and then restarting the PC again sometimes solves the problem. So try it first.
Switch to AHCI in BIOS
If you’ve spent some time fiddling with your BIOS, or if you’ve updated your BIOS recently, this is the fix you’d like to try first. The BIOS allows you to select a mode for SATA drives. If you have selected a mode other than AHCI, you need to fix it.
Start by entering the BIOS. The BIOS interface depends on your manufacturer. So, you need to look around a bit. However, the general steps are more or less the same.
Find Storage Configuration > SATA Configuration / SATA Emulation or something similar in the BIOS.
If you can’t find them in your BIOS, you’ll need to do some digging and look for the term «AHCI». Enable ACHI for your SATA controller (or change SATA mode to AHCI) which should fix the problem.
Uninstall recently installed service packs
If you encounter an error after updating, simply removing service packs may solve the problem.
You will need to use the command line to remove packages. To use the command line when you can’t boot, restart your computer twice from a blue screen. After two consecutive failed boot attempts, the system will enter automatic recovery mode.
dir C:
Dism / Image: C: / Get-Packages
Here C was taken as the drive on which it is installed Windows. If you installed Windows on a different drive, use the appropriate drive letter.
Running the second command will return a list of service packs installed on your PC.
Use this information to find the service pack you think is causing the problem and note down its name. Then run the following command:
Dism.exe / Image: C: / remove-package /[name of the package]
Replace the words «package name» with the actual name (package ID). Note that if you are using the command line from within Windows, you must use the /Online option for all commands where / Image: C.
For example: Dism /Online /Get-Packages.
reg download hklm temp c:windows system32 config software
reg delete «HKLM temp Microsoft Windows CurrentVersion Component Based Servicing SessionsPending» / v Exclusive fine.
Update your IDE ATA/SATA controller drivers
If the previous fixes didn’t work for you, it’s worth taking a minute to update your drivers.
If an outdated or corrupted driver is causing the Inaccessible Boot Device error, updating or reinstalling should fix it.
To update the driver, you need to boot into safe mode. In safe mode:
Your best bet is to find and download the appropriate drivers from the manufacturer’s website and then use the second option because you will know you have the correct driver you need.
Then just follow the wizard prompts and restart your computer normally.
Bad luck? At this point, you can check if there are any corrupted files on your hard drive.
Fix hard disk errors
Hard disk errors can also cause the boot device to be unavailable. Windows 10 (and all versions of Windows) provides users with an easy way to automatically check for and fix file system errors and bad sectors. The tool will mark hard damaged sectors so that they are not used in the future.
You can do this with CHKDSK, a command line tool. To run CHKDSK, you need:
After starting a command prompt:
chkdsk /r C:
chkdsk /f/r
Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and see if the inaccessible boot device error is resolved.
Additional Fixes to Try
If you’re still facing the Inaccessible Boot Device error, Windows has another drastic option you can try.
You could restart your computer so that Windows will return to normal, as it was during the first installation. A reset wipes your data, so try booting to your PC and backing it up first.
If you are comfortable with your computer hardware, you can also check for loose cables or see if any of your hardware components have been physically damaged.
Up and running again
Inaccessible boot device error can be a scary thing for those not familiar with Windows BSODs. However, in most cases, fixing this error does not take long. When you run into serious problems due to a Windows error, keep a Windows system image backup handy so you don’t have to spend a lot of time recreating your Windows environment from scratch.
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How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10
One of the most common errors Windows 10 users face is error Inaccessible Boot Device .
The error appears with a blue screen of death (BSOD) with a stop symbol 0x0000007b that often appears at startup Booting Windows This occurs after updating Windows 10 or resetting the operating system.
Inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10 is easy to fix. We have already explained how to fix one of the most common problems: the stop code » critical process has died. It’s time to take a look at another problem that I often run into: how to fix the «Unable to access boot device» error.
What exactly is causing the problem? How do you know if this error affects you? And what can be done to get rid of it? Keep reading to find out more.
( Note: Some of these solutions will only work if you can still access your computer from time to time without crashing during boot.)
What is an unavailable boot device error?
We all know that Windows loves to be updated.
It’s often exciting, especially when a major update is underway. But excitement can quickly turn into unhappiness as all the things you are going to do come to a halt.
landscape pictures . Looking forward to restarting Windows after updating and then all of a sudden! watching a blue screen of death (BSOD) with an inaccessible boot device error message and your computer will restart again.
Simply put, the message means that Windows lost access to the system partition during the startup process.
Although tens of thousands of users have seen this code as a result of the 2017 update, there are a number of possible causes for the not accessible to boot device error, including: BIOS updates و Processor (CPU) overclocking. Some users suggest that the problem is more common on computers with solid state drives.
Let’s take a look at how to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device error in Windows 10. Unfortunately, you may need to try a few different solutions before you come to one that really helps you.
1. Uninstall recently installed service packs.
If you think the problem was caused by an update, you will need to check and remove newly installed packages one by one. We hope you end up uninstalling the update that is causing the issue.
Note: The following process will reboot your device. Be sure to save all your work before proceeding.
First, open the Settings app and go to Update & Security -> Recovery -> Advanced Startup -> Restart now . A blue screen will appear after a few seconds. Go to Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Command Prompt .
The computer will restart and boot into Command line . When the command prompt appears on the screen, follow these instructions:
If uninstalling the latest update does not solve your problem and you still see the blue screen of death, repeat the above process with the latest update, and so on.
2. Remove pending upgrade packages.
Sometimes Windows Updates fail It’s strange to wait forever and never install. These pending updates can cause the boot device not available error.
To uninstall it, you will need to open Command Prompt again in Advanced Startup Options by going to Update & Security -> Recovery -> Advanced Startup -> Restart Now -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options -> Command Prompt.
When the command line application is running, run the following three commands. Which will remove the registry key Pending sessions. Press Enter After each line:
reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software
reg delete "HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending"/v Exclusive
reg unload HKLM\temp
You then need to move any pending updates to a temporary file. write dism /image:c:\/get-packages Update list. Pay attention to any updates marked « Pending install «.
Now you need to create a temporary file. write down MKDIR C:\temporary\packages And press Enter.
Finally, move all suspended packages to a temporary file. write DISM /image:c:\/remove-package/packagename:[package name]/scratchdir:c:\temp\packages And press Enter. replaces [package name] with its own name.
3. Update the drivers.
If neither of the two fixes already discussed solves your problem, you can try other general troubleshooting steps before heading to your local computer repair shop.
First try Update your own drivers. A corrupted and faulty driver can negatively impact your device, resulting in many errors, including the one we discuss in this article. The problem is more likely to appear if you are using outdated drivers. In case of an inaccessible boot device error, the most common cause is the IDE ATA/SATA controller driver.
There are two ways to check for updates. First, you can look at the manufacturer’s website. Second, open Device Manager Expand the IDE ATA/SATA Controller submenu, right-click Standard SATA AHCI Controller and select Driver Update.»
4. Enable AHCI mode in BIOS.
Some users have reported that enabling AHCI mode in the BIOS instantly resolves the Inaccessible Boot Device error.
Content may vary BIOS menu This is very popular among manufacturers, so there is no one-size-fits-all way to explain this process.
However, as a rule, you need to enter the BIOS menu during boot (usually by pressing the key.). Escape or Remove or one of the function keys on the keyboard) and go to menu Advanced Settings , Find Set AHCI Mode and change the value to Enabled .
5. Check the condition of the hard disk.
May Be Corrupted Files There is a reason for the error on the hard drive. Fortunately, if this is the cause of the problem, it is easy to fix.
First, you need to open a command prompt as an administrator. To do this, press the Windows key, type CMD Right-click the result and select Run as administrator.
At the command prompt, type CHKDSK /F/R And press Enter. Wait for the application to process your input, then type Y AND press Enter.