The “no bootable devices found” error is common on Windows PCs. It can be frustrating, stopping you from working on projects. In this piece, we explore why this error happens. We’ll share quick steps to fix it. This way, you can get back to work soon.
Have you seen the “no bootable devices found” message on your PC? It’s a big roadblock, making you stop working and feel stuck. But don’t worry, there are quick solutions to get your PC running again. Interested to know how?
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the causes of the “no bootable devices found” error can help you troubleshoot it effectively.
- Checking your BIOS settings and boot order is one of the first steps to resolve the error.
- Resetting the primary partition as active using the Windows installation media can fix the error if it’s caused by an inactive partition.
- Checking the status of your internal hard disk and repairing any errors using the CHKDSK utility can help resolve the error.
- Creating a Windows bootable media can be a solution if all else fails.
Understanding the “No Bootable Devices Found” Error
Have you seen the “no bootable devices found” error on your computer? It means the computer can’t find a device to start up from. This could be a USB drive, DVD drive, or the hard drive inside your computer.
If you see this error, it’s like your computer is lost. It can’t find the files it needs to start. So, it can’t operate properly without these files.
Don’t worry, you can fix it. First, find out what’s causing the error. It could be wrong BIOS settings, a loose hardware connection, or something wrong with the bootable device itself.
We will help you figure out and fix the problem. Whether it’s a USB, DVD, or another device, we’re here for you. Follow our guide to make your computer work right again.
Causes of the “No Bootable Devices Found” Error
Many things can lead to the “no bootable devices found” error. They include:
- Incorrect BIOS settings: This error can show up if your BIOS isn’t set to boot from the right device.
- Faulty hardware connections: If the connection between your computer and the bootable device is bad, the computer won’t see it.
- Issues with the bootable device: A bootable USB or DVD may be damaged, corrupt, or not made correctly.
Knowing the cause helps in solving the problem. In the following parts, we’ll look at each cause closely. We’ll also give you steps to fix the issues.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Incorrect BIOS settings | If the boot order in your BIOS is not set correctly, your computer may not be able to find a bootable device. |
| Faulty hardware connections | Loose or faulty connections between your computer and the bootable device can prevent proper detection. |
| Issues with the bootable device | The bootable USB drive, bootable DVD drive, or other bootable device may be damaged, corrupted, or improperly created. |
Causes of the “No Bootable Devices Found” Error
The “no bootable devices found” error happens when the computer can’t find a bootable disk. Knowing the main reasons helps you fix this. Some common causes are:
Incorrect Boot Order in the BIOS
If the BIOS has the wrong boot order, your computer might not find the right devices to boot from. External hard drives, CD-ROMs, or disk partitions might be missed. Changing the boot order in BIOS can fix this.
Non-Active Primary Partition
When the active setting is missing on your main computer partition, you might get this error. This partition holds the OS files needed at startup. Setting the main partition as active again lets the computer boot correctly. You can do this with Windows media or tools like disk management.
Issues with the Internal Hard Disk
If the internal hard disk has issues like bad sectors, it might cause this error. Troubles with boot sectors can stop the computer from booting up. Using tools like CHKDSK can find and fix these hard disk issues.
“The ‘no bootable devices found’ error can be frustrating, but by understanding the causes and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can overcome this issue and get your computer back to optimal functionality.”
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Boot Order in the BIOS | Modify the boot order in the BIOS settings to prioritize the correct bootable devices. |
| Non-Active Primary Partition | Set the primary partition as active using the Windows installation media or disk management tools. |
| Issues with the Internal Hard Disk | Run disk utility tools, such as CHKDSK, to diagnose and repair problems with the internal hard disk. |
Method 1 – Check Your BIOS Settings and Boot Order
When you see the “no bootable devices found” error, start by looking at your BIOS and boot order. The BIOS handles how your computer’s hardware works, including starting up. You need to make sure the right boot device is first in the boot order. This might fix the error and let your computer start up right.
Here’s how to get into the BIOS and change the boot order:
- Turn on your computer or restart it if it is already running.
- During startup, watch for a message telling you how to get to the BIOS settings. You’ll see this on the screen. It might say to press F2, Del, Esc, or F10. But this key can change depending on who made your computer.
- Press the right key quickly to get into the BIOS settings. You need to do this within a few seconds of turning on your computer.
- Use the arrow keys to move around in the BIOS. Look for something about boot settings or the order.
- Find the option to change the boot order. It might be called “Boot Order” or “Boot Sequence.”
- Move the device you want to boot from to the top of the list. This could be your main hard drive or any other bootable device.
- Remember to save your changes and then exit the BIOS. You usually do this by pressing a key the BIOS tells you about.
By doing these steps and tweaking your BIOS settings, you might avoid the “no bootable devices found” problem. This could help you start your computer smoothly.
Method 2 – Reset Primary Partition as Active
If your computer’s primary partition isn’t active, you might see a message saying “no bootable devices found.” The OS is on the primary partition, so it must be active for your computer to start. I’ll guide you on setting the primary partition to active using the Windows setup tool. This technique can fix the issue of an inactive primary partition.
You’ll need a bootable USB drive or DVD to make the primary partition active again. Follow these steps:
- Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your computer.
- Restart the computer, making sure to boot from the new media. You might have to go into your computer’s settings to do this.
- When the computer starts from the media, pick your language and click Next.
- Select “Repair your computer” at the lower left of the screen.
- Then, choose “Troubleshoot” and “Advanced options”.
- Click on “Command Prompt” from the advanced options.
- Enter
diskpartin the Command Prompt and press Enter. - Then input
list diskand press Enter to list all available disks. - Find and pick the disk with your primary partition.
- Type
select disk [disk number]and press Enter, replacing [disk number] with the primary partition’s disk number. - Input
list partitionand press Enter to see all partitions on the chosen disk. - Figure out which partition is the primary one.
- Type
select partition [partition number], replacing [partition number] with the primary one’s number. - Enter
activeto make the partition active. - Finally, close the Command Prompt. Restart your computer.
After your computer restarts, see if the error message is gone. Making the primary partition active often lets your computer start as usual.
Always take out the bootable media before restarting. Otherwise, your computer might try to boot from it again.
If this method doesn’t work, move on to the next part for other solutions.
Important Note:
Changing partition settings can be risky without the right knowledge. Always back up your data first. If you’re unsure, get help from someone who knows what they’re doing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solves the “no bootable devices found” error when the primary partition is inactive. | Needs a bootable media and Command Prompt, which might be tricky for some. |
| The process is quite simple. | You could lose data if you make a mistake. |
| No extra software or tools needed. | It might not work if the problem is something else. |
Method 3 – Check Internal Hard Disk Status
Are you seeing the “no bootable devices found” error on your Windows PC? This could mean your internal hard disk is having troubles. Problems like corruption or damage can keep the computer from starting right. This leads to the error message you’re seeing. Luckily, there’s a tool called CHKDSK that can check your hard disk’s health. It can also fix any issues it finds.
CHKDSK is a tool in Windows that looks for errors on your hard drive. It then fixes them. This tool is great for problems with files, bad sectors, and other hard disk issues. Running CHKDSK can help with the “no bootable devices found” error. It looks into possible hidden issues that need fixing.
Note: Running CHKDSK may take some time, and your computer may be unavailable during the process. Make sure you have enough time before starting and avoid interrupting the scan.
To run CHKDSK on your hard disk, do the following:
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box.
- Type
cmdand hit Enter. This opens the Command Prompt. - In the Command Prompt, type
chkdsk C: /f /r /xand hit Enter. If your hard disk’s drive letter is different, changeC:to the right one. - CHKDSK will ask if you want to schedule a check. Type
Yand press Enter. - Restart your PC. CHKDSK will check your hard disk for issues and try to fix them.
After CHKDSK is done, restart your computer again. Check if the error is gone. If it’s not, you might need to try other ways to fix the problem.
Remember, CHKDSK is best at fixing file system and disk structure errors. If your hard disk is physically damaged or very corrupted, you may need a new one. Also, you might need to restore your system from a backup.
Common CHKDSK parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| /f | Fixes errors found on the disk |
| /r | Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information |
| /x | Forces the volume to dismount before the scan |
Using the right CHKDSK settings can make it better at solving your hard disk’s issues. This could help fix the “no bootable devices found” error.
Method 4 – Create Windows Bootable Media
If the first tries don’t fix the problem, make a Windows bootable media. This action can help with errors like “no bootable devices found.” It lets you boot your computer and work on hard disk partitions easily. EaseUS Partition Master is a great tool for this. Here’s how to do it:
- Download and install EaseUS Partition Master on a working computer.
- Launch the software and select “Create Bootable Disk”.
- Choose the right media type, like a USB or CD/DVD.
- Select the disk you want to turn into a bootable one.
- Click “Proceed” to start the process.
After making your bootable media, put it in your computer. Then, go into the BIOS and change the boot order to start from your new media. This method works well if your issue is with the boot sectors or MBR.
A bootable USB or disk is a handy tool. It lets you fix boot problems on your PC. With this option, you can try advanced repair steps and solve the error yourself.
Comparison of Bootable External Storage Options
| Bootable External Storage | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Bootable USB Flash Drive |
|
|
| Bootable Disk Drive (CD/DVD) |
|
|
What Does “No Bootable Devices Found” Mean?
When you see the “no bootable devices found” message, your computer could not find a drive to start. This can change a bit based on your computer’s brand. Usually, it’s a sign that the BIOS can’t find a working drive, or it’s not reading it right.
Knowing what this error means helps to fix it. You have to figure out what’s causing it. Then, you can fix the problem and use your computer like before.
UEFI vs. BIOS: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?
In recent years, UEFI has become the new standard for PC startup. It’s taking over from the old BIOS. UEFI and BIOS do the same job of starting up the computer, but UEFI is more advanced. It suits today’s computers better.
One key advantage of UEFI is faster startup times. It loads the operating system at the same time. This lets the computer start much faster. People who need their computer to start quick love this, like gamers and workers.
UEFI can also handle big hard drives better than BIOS. It uses GPT to work with hard drives over 2TB. That means you can put lots of data on your computer without a problem.
UEFI also makes your computer more secure. It checks that only safe software starts up. This keeps your computer safer from viruses and other malware.
It’s essential to know the difference between UEFI and BIOS for your PC’s startup. Older machines might still use BIOS. But, new computers use UEFI because it’s better for most users.
| Features | UEFI | BIOS |
|---|---|---|
| Boot Times | Faster | Slower |
| Hard Drive Support | Supports larger hard drives (GPT) | Limited support for larger hard drives (2TB limit) |
| Security | Offers enhanced security features (Secure Boot) | Basic security features |
| Compatibility | Modern motherboards | Legacy systems |
UEFI is the way forward in motherboard technology. It offers faster start-ups, supports big hard drives, and keeps your computer safe. When picking a motherboard, look for UEFI support to get the best features.
Common Boot Issues and How to Fix Them
Seeing the message “no bootable devices found” is a common issue. There are other problems too, like Windows boot loops. Sometimes, computers get stuck on restart or show black screens.
Here, I’ll talk about these issues. I’ll give you some solutions to try. These can help you fix your computer.
Windows Boot Loop
The Windows boot loop is a common issue. Your computer keeps restarting but never fully starts. Various things can cause this, like bad hardware or system files.
To fix it, try these steps:
- Start in Safe Mode by pressing F8 when the computer boots.
- In Safe Mode, turn off startup programs you don’t need with the System Configuration tool.
- Check if there are hardware issues and update drivers if needed.
- Do a virus scan to rule out malware.
- If it keeps happening, try a system restore or reinstalling Windows.
Computer Stuck on Restarting
Your computer may get stuck while restarting. This could be from waiting on Windows updates or software problems.
To fix it, try these steps:
- Force your computer off by holding the power button.
- Take off any extras like printers or USBs and try restarting.
- If it’s still stuck, boot into Safe Mode. Then, remove any new software or updates.
- Check for Windows updates. Install them to stay current.
- If nothing else works, try a system repair with a Windows installation disk.
By trying these fixes, you can get past common boot issues. Always back up your data first. If you can’t fix it, get help from a pro or the manufacturer.
Troubleshooting Tips for Boot Errors
Are you seeing a black screen on your Toshiba laptop? Or is your computer stuck when it tries to restart? You’re not alone. There are steps you can take to fix these issues. By doing some simple troubleshooting, you might solve the problem and start using your computer again.
Check for Loose Connections
To fix boot errors, first, check all your cables. Ensure the power cord and display cables fit tightly. Loose connections are common culprits behind start-up problems.
Perform a System Restore
Boot errors might be solved by performing a system restore. This action resets your computer’s settings to a point where everything worked fine. It’s a good way to fix software issues that cause boot problems. Follow your system’s instructions to do a system restore.
Use Recovery Tools
If boot errors persist, try using recovery tools. Operating systems come with tools to diagnose and fix boot issues. These can repair corrupted system files, check startup settings, and fix missing or damaged boot files. Look up how to use these tools in your system’s help manual.
| Tip | Keyword |
|---|---|
| Check for loose connections | Toshiba laptop black screen |
| Perform a system restore | Computer stuck on restarting |
| Use recovery tools |
How to Prevent Boot Errors in the Future
Preventing boot errors is not always easy. Yet, you can do certain things to lower the risk. Make sure to do regular maintenance and manage your data well. This helps avoid issues that could cause boot errors.
- Keep your operating system and drivers up to date: Check for updates regularly. Updates often include fixes that help prevent boot errors.
- Scan for malware: Use an antivirus program to scan for malware. This will help keep your system clean and prevent boot errors caused by viruses.
- Perform regular backups: Backing up your data is important. It prevents big data loss if you face a boot error. Use external drives, cloud storage, or backup software for this.
You can also take extra steps to keep your computer running smoothly:
- Avoid sudden power loss: Power loss can harm your system. Use a surge protector and shut down your computer properly.
- Clean your computer: Overheating from dust can lead to boot errors. Clean your computer’s insides with compressed air often.
- Monitor your storage capacity: Low storage can slow your computer and cause boot errors. Check your hard drive’s space and delete files you don’t need.
Stick to these tips to prevent boot errors and keep your computer working well. Remember, taking preventive actions is the best way to protect your system from issues.
Conclusion
The “no bootable devices found” error might be annoying, but fixing it is doable. Just follow the steps we’ve talked about. This will help you solve the problem and have your computer working again.
Make sure to back up your data often. This is a great way to keep your files safe. With backups in place, you won’t lose your important stuff even if you face booting issues.
If the problem persists, getting expert help is a good idea. An experienced technician can check both your computer’s hardware and software. They’ll figure out the issue and help you prevent future problems.
FAQ
What does the “no bootable devices found” error mean?
This error means your computer can’t find a disk to start Windows from.
What are some common causes of the “no bootable devices found” error?
Common causes are wrong boot order settings, a primary partition not active, or hard disk problems.
How can I fix the “no bootable devices found” error?
To fix it, try adjusting BIOS settings, making sure the primary partition is active, or checking the hard disk status. You can also make Windows bootable media.
How do I access the BIOS and modify the boot order?
Restart your computer and press Del, F2, or F10 to access BIOS. Then, change the boot order in the Boot menu.
How do I reset the primary partition as active?
Use Windows installation media to set the primary partition active. Boot from the media, choose “Repair your computer,” and use the command prompt.
How can I check the status of the internal hard disk?
Use the CHKDSK utility in Command Prompt. Run “chkdsk C: /f” as an administrator. Replace C with your drive’s letter.
How do I create Windows bootable media?
Use a tool like EaseUS Partition Master to make a bootable USB or CD/DVD. This media helps manage partitions and fix boot issues.
What is the difference between UEFI and BIOS?
UEFI is a modern interface replacing BIOS. It starts faster, supports big drives, and has more security.
What are some other common boot-related issues?
Issues include Windows not booting, computers not turning off, and just showing a black screen.
What are some general troubleshooting tips for boot errors?
Try checking connections, doing a system restore, or using recovery tools.
How can I prevent boot errors in the future?
Update your PC and drivers, check for viruses, and backup your data frequently to avoid errors.
How can I get professional help if I’m unable to resolve the “no bootable devices found” error?
If you can’t fix it, a tech expert or the computer’s maker can help.