Inaccessible boot device Windows 10

What is error message 'inaccessible boot device' in Windows 10?

Inaccessible boot device is an error that usually occurs when the Windows operating system loses access to the system partition upon startup. When this occurs, the system usually shuts down to protect itself from possible corruption or loss of data.

How can you fix 'inaccessible boot device' in Windows 10?

Some of the solutions to this error include:

• Reconnecting the hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD)
• Checking the HDD or SSD for defects
• Resetting the PC
• Reinstalling Windows

Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.

• Reconnect Hard disk drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)
• Check hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) for defects
• Reset PC or Reinstall Windows

1. Reconnect Hard disk drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)

"Inaccessible boot device" in Windows 10 may be caused by the poor connection from your HDD or SSD to the motherboard or power supply. Try to reconnect the cables in case they were attached poorly. Also, check your BIOS setting if it is booting to your primary (where Windows is installed) HDD or SSD. See instructions below.

1. Turn on the PC, press the key to enter BIOS setup.

2. Go to the Boot tab, select Boot device priority and select the drive wherein Windows is installed.

3. Press F10 and save.

2. Check hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) for defects

“Inaccessible boot device” in Windows 10 may also be caused by defective HDD or SSD. It is also possible that the SATA cable is causing the problem. If you have a spare SATA cable use it for your primary HDD or SSD. However, if switching cable did not help, try to check your HDD and SSD for defects. When testing an HDD use a different PC to have an accurate result.

See video below

https://youtu.be/BN4uwBDdcU8

SSD

For the SSD, let your computer standby in the BIOS for at least six hours so it can perform self-cleaning.

3. Reset PC or Reinstall Windows

"Inaccessible boot device" may also occur if your Windows 10 is damaged, has become unreliable, or has corrupt or missing files. Resetting your PC may fix the error.

Reset PC

NOTE: Please reconnect the HDD where the Windows is installed and remove all secondary HDD and other storage devices such as USB storage device. Then, turn on the computer. If the error still persists, follow the instructions below.

1. Insert the Windows 10 installation CD/DVD or USB.
2. A message will appear “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD”, press any key to boot from the Windows installation CD/DVD or USB.
3. Select your language, time and keyboard, and click Next.
4. Click Repair your computer.
5. Click Troubleshoot ==> Reset your PC ===> Remove Everything .
6. Then, customize your Windows and input your other information.

Reinstall Windows

https://youtu.be/lunM4WOM97U