Fixing the “Boot device not found” and other similar errors is not a difficult process. With a sufficient grasp of what boot devices are, you can easily resolve the issues associated with them.<\/p>\n
But if you follow through with the instructions in this article, 10 times out of 10, you will be able to repair your PC and fix the problem with boot devices.<\/p>\n
If your PC stops you with a black screen saying “Reboot and select proper boot device” (sometimes worded “or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key”).<\/p>\n
Fastest proven fixes (start here):<\/p>\n
✅ Check the BIOS boot order<\/b> and set the correct drive first<\/p>\n
✅ Reseat or reconnect the drive’s cables<\/b> (external or internal)<\/p>\n
If the error persists, move on to these solutions:<\/p>\n
🧰 Run built-in or manufacturer hardware diagnostics<\/b><\/p>\n
🔄 Update the BIOS\/UEFI firmware<\/b><\/p>\n
🔐 Temporarily disable Secure Boot<\/b> or ⚡ disable Fast Startup<\/b><\/p>\n
\n🩺 Repair boot files<\/b> (bootrec \/fixmbr, \/fixboot, \/scanos, \/rebuildbcd<\/em>) or 🛠️ run Automatic Repair<\/b> from Windows installation media\n<\/p>\n 🗂️ Activate an inactive system partition<\/b><\/p>\n 💿 As a last resort, reinstall Windows<\/b><\/p>\n Tip:<\/b><\/p>\n Always power off and unplug before opening your PC, and back up data when possible.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n \nA boot device is an actual device that contains the information (boot files) that a computer needs before it can launch an OS for your use. With the distinct operational characteristics of this piece of hardware and the software associated with it, boot devices are special.<\/p>\n There is no alternative for them on Windows, Mac, or any other existing OS.<\/p>\n \nWith boot files stored on a boot device, your computer can initiate a sequence that enables it to start and run effectively. Each of the cited bootable devices has its own characteristics.<\/p>\n For example, even though HDD and SSD drives fall under the hard drive category, the “Boot device not found” and “Reboot and select proper boot device” errors are more frequently associated with HDDs.<\/p>\n That tells you that one way to permanently fix boot device issues is to swap your HDD for an SSD. But the latter is more expensive and not without its own batch of issues.<\/p>\n Related: <\/b>SSD vs. HDD: What’s the Difference and What to Choose<\/a><\/p>\n Now that you know what boot devices are, let’s find out the possible causes of the error you’ve run into.\n<\/p>\n \nThe error message can show up due to various reasons. Moreover, these reasons may vary from OS to OS. For instance, Secure Boot (disabling which can potentially resolve the error) was implemented by default starting from Windows 8, so it’s less likely to be the culprit if your PC is running an earlier Windows version.<\/a><\/p>\n Here’s the list of the most common reasons for the missing bootable drive error:\n<\/p>\n \nIf Windows prompts you to reboot and select a proper boot device or insert boot media in the selected boot device and press a key, sometimes you really just need to perform these actions, and the problem will be fixed. Other times, you need to be a bit more technical.<\/p>\n \nAs long as you fix this boot order in the BIOS<\/a> and get Windows to recognize bootable devices in the right order, the issues should be fixed. This fix will work for all Windows OS versions. To check and adjust the boot order in the BIOS, follow the subsequent suggestions:\n<\/p>\n \nAfter this, your computer would restart, and you should no longer see the error message.\n<\/p>\n Here are the steps to take:\n<\/p>\n \nPower on the PC and check if you’re still getting the “Reboot and select proper boot device” error message.\n<\/p>\n \nIf the boot problem is the result of hardware issues, having diagnostic tools<\/a> on hand can help fix it. Different computer brands and models have special tools for analyzing hardware and fixing problems associated with them.<\/p>\n Here’s a quick closer look at the different tools you can use to check your hardware.\n<\/p>\n \nThe BIOS is the software engine that helps you start and run your Windows OS. But it can also become outdated, leaving you with boot issues. If you are certain that your BIOS is outdated<\/a>, all you would need to do when faced with these messages is update it. Updating it can often solve the problem—but only if you truly need the update.<\/p>\n Here’s how to check and proceed safely.<\/p>\n Find your current BIOS version<\/b>\n<\/p>\n \n⚠️ Tip:<\/b> Don’t update the BIOS just to be current—only when there’s a clear benefit such as fixing boot or stability issues.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n If you’ve decided that your BIOS needs an update, here’s how to proceed<\/b><\/p>\n First, prepare for a safe update:\n<\/p>\nWhat Is a Boot Device?<\/h2>\n
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\nWhat Can Cause the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error on Windows 10\/11 and Earlier Versions<\/h2>\n
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How to Fix the “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error on Windows 11\/10\/8\/7\/XP<\/h2>\n
Fix 1: Check and adjust the boot order and sequence in the BIOS<\/h3>\n
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F2<\/code>, F8<\/code>, F10<\/code>, F12<\/code>, Esc<\/code>, or Delete<\/code> keys.<\/li>\n![\"Navigate](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Navigate-to-the-Boot-tab.png\")
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F10<\/code>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nFix 2: Check and reconnect your drive’s cable<\/h3>\n
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Fix 3: Run the diagnostics to test your hardware<\/h3>\n
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\n Tool<\/b><\/th>\n What it tests<\/b><\/th>\n When to use it<\/b><\/th>\n How to use it<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Windows Memory Diagnostic<\/b><\/td>\n Checks the RAM for errors.<\/td>\n If you suspect RAM problems: random crashes, blue screens, or the boot device error appears after a recent RAM change. If you suspect RAM problems: random crashes, blue screens, or the boot device error appears after a recent RAM change.<\/td>\n \n \n
Win + R<\/code>, type mdsched.exe<\/em>, and press Enter<\/code>.<\/li>\n\n MemTest86<\/b><\/a><\/td>\n More thorough RAM testing (standalone, can test longer, often from USB).<\/td>\n If Windows Memory Diagnostic indicates a possible memory issue or if you want a deeper RAM test.<\/td>\n \n \n
\n Built-in manufacturer diagnostics<\/b><\/td>\n Tests disk (HDD\/SSD), motherboard, sometimes power supply, etc.<\/td>\n If the error “Reboot and select proper boot device” persists, especially if the BIOS or diagnostics show the drive isn’t detected.<\/td>\n For many brands (Dell, HP, etc.), you can trigger diagnostics from the boot screen:<\/p>\n \n
F12<\/code> → choose Diagnostics <\/i> or Preboot System Assessment<\/i>. It will test the hardware like disks, memory, etc.<\/li>\nF2<\/code>, F10<\/code>, or Esc<\/code>) → diagnostics. Check the user manual\/manufacturer website for the exact method.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n Disk health tools<\/b> (SMART tests, etc.)<\/td>\n Checks whether the disk is failing: bad sectors, degraded performance, etc.<\/td>\n If the boot device is detected sometimes, but the boot is inconsistent or slow, or you hear unusual noises from the HDD.<\/td>\n \n \n
Fix 4: Update the BIOS or firmware<\/h3>\n
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Windows + R<\/code>, type msinfo32<\/i>, and press Enter<\/code>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"Check](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Check-your-BIOS-version.png\")
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