'' Inaccessible boot device '' is a blue screen error which occurs if your system couldn't access its partitions. As the name mentions, the problem is mostly related to the boot device. You are most likely to encounter this error if you are using a SSD.
Similar to other BSOD errors this too will stop the PC from booting. What this error means is that the PC has encountered a severe problem that needs restart for overcoming. Therefore, whenever this error appears it forces your computer to restart.
Even though inaccessible boot device looks complicated, it aren't hard to fix. The problem comes with several troubleshooting steps.
In this article, I am going to tell you about 10 Ways to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows | Blue Screen of Death. There is no necessity to try them all. Your problem is most likely to be solved by trying few solutions.
Let's get started,
1. Perform CHKDSK
If there are corrupt files in the hard drive it can lead to inaccessible boot device error. Besides that, a corrupt hard drive results in data loss. Therefore, you need to follow the CMD method of repairing the drive. The CMD method Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK) fixes corrupted files only by a single line of command.
To run CHKDSK,
- Insert the installation media
- Restart the PC
- Boot from the installation media
- Choose your language
- Press Shift + F10
- Type and press Enter after the command
2. Perform SFC Scan
If the corrupt system files are reason behind inaccessible boot device error, this tool can help you to resolve them. System File Checker (SFC) is a tool available in windows which scans and detects errors in the system. This tool can be used to check the damaged system files.
To run SFC Scan,
- Insert the installation media
- Restart the PC
- Boot from the installation media
- Choose your language
- Press Shift + F10
- Type and press Enter after the command
3. Perform DISM
Similar to corrupt system files, damaged system images can be one of the reasons for inaccessible boot device error. All the damaged system images can be fixed effectively using a tool known as DISM. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) redeploys all the damaged system images.
To perform DISM,
- Insert the installation media
- Restart the PC
- Boot from the installation media
- Choose your language
- Press Shift + F10
- Type and press Enter after the command
dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth
After each command press Enter
7. Again type,
dism/online/cleanup- image/restorehealth/source:wim:X:sourcesinstall.wim:1/Limitaccess
( X refers to the drive mounted )
After each command press Enter
4. Uninstall Updates
If your recent updates of windows is not installed properly, you might encounter inaccessible boot device error. Due to automatic updates, even some updates are installed without notifying. One way to solve this is by removing the updates temporarily. For the ones having trouble identifying the problematic update, try removing the updates one by one. Usually after this process the PC restarts fine.
5. Update Drivers
Outdated drivers are known to be incompatible with the system. Inaccessible boot device can also appear due to corrupt or outdated drivers. Especially, the drivers related to the hard drive. Hence, the prioritized solution here will be to try updating the drivers. You can easily find the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website. Or else, follow the device manager method of updating drivers manually.
6. Remove External Devices
Even some recent hardware changes can trigger this error. The best way to fix this is by inspecting the hardware components one by one. Finding the faulty device can be challenging unless you inspect each component individually. Thus, when your computer starts make sure that no external devices are connected to your computer. Remove those components and check if your computer starts normally.
7. Switch to AHCI Mode
Another way to fix inaccessible boot device is by enabling AHCI mode. This method has proved to be effective if you have recently made changes to the BIOS. However, the way of enabling the AHCI mode may differ according to the motherboard model. The conventional method of enabling AHCI mode is presented below.
To switch AHCI mode,
- Restart the computer
- Press F8 several times after the POST
- Find '' Set AHCI mode '' in the Advanced boot option
- Enable AHCI mode
8. Reinstall Graphics Drivers
There is also a chance for the inaccessible boot device error to appear after a recent graphics driver update. Especially, if you are a Nvidia graphics card user. In this case, it is easy to fix them just by reinstalling the graphics driver. Even if you are using a graphics card other than Nvidia, it is worth trying this method.
9. Perform System Restore
System restore is a feature available in windows which restores your system to the last saved point. If you are experiencing any sort of errors in the system functioning, you could use this feature to restore your PC. Moreover, you need not to be worried about your personal files since this feature do not cause any impacts to them. However, all the settings related to the device manager will be reverted back to defaults.
To Restore System,
- Insert the installation media
- Restart the PC
- Boot from the installation media
- Choose your language
- Select troubleshoot
- Select '' System Restore ''
10. Reinstall Windows
One last method you can try to solve inaccessible boot device error is by reinstalling windows. To try this method you will be needing one of the installation medias. But be aware that this method will definitely wipe off all the installed programs. However, your personal files will remain the same.
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