How to Fix "No Bootable Device" Error on Windows

The "No Bootable Device" error in Windows can be frustrating, preventing your system from starting up properly. This issue usually indicates that your computer is unable to detect a valid operating system on your hard drive or SSD. In this guide, we’ll go through the step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

1. What Causes the "No Bootable Device" Error?

Incorrect boot order in BIOS/UEFI.
Corrupted boot sector or Master Boot Record (MBR).
Disconnected or faulty hard drive.
Windows installation errors or missing system files.

2. Check Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

The first thing to do is verify that your hard drive is set as the primary boot device.

Restart your computer and press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC to enter BIOS/UEFI.
Navigate to the Boot Order or Boot Priority section.
Ensure your primary hard drive is listed as the first boot option.
Save changes and exit.

3. Check for Loose or Faulty Hard Drive Connection

If your computer cannot detect the bootable device, your storage drive may not be connected properly.

Turn off your computer and unplug it.
Open the case and check if the SATA/Power cables are securely connected.
If possible, try using a different SATA port or cable.

4. Repair Boot Sector Using Windows Recovery

If the boot sector is corrupted, use Windows Recovery to fix it.

Steps:

Boot your PC using a Windows installation USB/DVD.
Click on Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Run the following commands:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Enable Legacy Boot (If Needed)

Some older systems may require enabling Legacy Boot Mode instead of UEFI.

Enter BIOS/UEFI settings.
Find Boot Mode and set it to Legacy (instead of UEFI).
Save changes and restart.

6. Check for Hard Drive Failures

If your hard drive is failing, Windows may not detect it properly. Check its health using these steps:

Run Hard Drive Diagnostics:

wmic diskdrive get status

If it shows "Bad" or "Unknown," consider replacing your hard drive.

7. Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling Windows may be necessary.

Back up important files using a bootable Linux USB if possible.
Use a Windows installation USB to reinstall the OS.

Conclusion

The "No Bootable Device" error can be fixed using BIOS tweaks, boot sector repairs, or hardware checks. By following these steps, you should be able to restore your PC and get it back up and running.

For more troubleshooting guides, visit Microsoft Windows Support.