The Windows INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error often stops computers from booting correctly. It tells users that their PC ran into a problem and restarting is necessary to address the error.<\/p>\n
It also says Windows is collecting some error info and will restart after it\u2019s finished.<\/p>\n
The Windows Stop Code INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE: What Is It?<\/h2>\n
Windows typically updates itself automatically, which is especially exciting when a new update is rolled out. However, this auto update is liable to introduce a huge problem. Imagine eagerly waiting for Windows to reboot itself after an update, only to see the error code 0x0000007b on your screen.<\/p>\n
Then, after a few moments, your PC restarts, and this cycle continues all over again. Just picture that scene and imagine how it feels. Well, this error message implies that Windows couldn\u2019t access the system partition while attempting to start up, forcing Windows to restart all over again.<\/p>\n
By the way, several Windows users have reported the prevalence of this error message on computers running an SSD . But still, what are the causes of the Inaccessible Boot Device Stop Code Error ?<\/p>\n
Causes of the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE BSOD in Windows 10\/11<\/h2>\n
The blue screen INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error refers to a message that occurs when the Windows operating system fails to access the system partition while trying to start up.<\/p>\n
Windows may not access the system partition due to the following issues:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Corrupted, outdated , or inaccurately configured drivers;<\/li>\n
- Hardware conflicts resulting from system updates or changes;<\/li>\n
- A damaged hard disk;<\/li>\n
- Malware ;<\/li>\n
- Invalid or damaged BCD ( Boot Configuration Data <\/a>);<\/li>\n
- Other causes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Besides causing the Windows Inaccessible Boot Device \u00a0error, the problems highlighted above may result in other system malfunctions, including the \u201cMSVCP110.dll missing\u201d error, \u201cVIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR,\u201d \u201cINTERNAL_POWER_ERROR,\u201d the \u201cReboot and Select proper Boot device\u201d error <\/a>, and much more. It\u2019s important to fix the BSOD to prevent the possibility of a more severe system malfunction in the future.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNeed help with your PC?<\/div>\r\n\tTry our Ask a Question<\/a> service — our experts will diagnose and resolve your PC issues completely free of charge.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nHow to Fix the Windows BSOD INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE<\/h2>\n
There are several solutions on how to troubleshoot this error in Windows 10 and 11. You don\u2019t need to use all of them; start with the first one and check if the error is resolved. If not, head on to the next one. So, here\u2019s how to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Stop Code Error:<\/p>\n
Solution 1: Uninstall the recently installed packages<\/h3>\n
Recently installed packages can be the reason for this error in Windows 10\/11. If Windows Update is set to install packages automatically, it will do so without letting you know. You can remove these packages if you suspect they may be causing this problem.<\/p>\n
If you uninstall these updates <\/a> one by one, you will eventually delete the package causing the issue. Since it\u2019s not possible to boot Windows normally when this error occurs, you\u2019re recommended to uninstall the packages by going to Startup Repair and using the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNote<\/div>\r\n\tThis process restarts your computer. Make sure all work has been saved before you continue. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSteps to follow:<\/b><\/p>\n
- \n
- Ensure your computer is completely off.<\/li>\n
- Press your PC\u2019s power button to turn it on, and then hold down the power button for 5 seconds until it automatically shuts down. Repeat this process more than two times until the Preparing Automatic Repair <\/i> screen appears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/b>How to Fix Windows 10\/11 Automatic Repair Loop <\/a><\/p>\n
\nThis step aims at bringing up the Preparing Automatic Repair screen. If Windows cannot boot correctly, this screen pops up, and Windows tries to fix the issue by itself. You can skip this step if this screen appears the first time you power up your computer.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/b>Help! What to Do if Automatic Repair Couldn\u2019t Repair Your PC <\/a><\/p>\n
\n- \n
- Wait for the Windows diagnostics to complete.<\/li>\n
- Click Troubleshoot <\/i> on the Windows Recovery Environment screen.<\/li>\n
- Choose Advanced options <\/i> on the Troubleshoot screen.<\/li>\n
- Select Command Prompt.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Choose]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nYour PC should restart and boot itself into the Command Prompt <\/a>. When the Command Prompt has appeared on your screen, follow the instructions below:<\/p>\n
- \n
- First, input the DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Cleanup-Image \/RevertPendingActions command (if you have Windows installed in the drive C) and tap Enter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Input]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nTry to boot normally. If it didn\u2019t help, you need to remove the packages manually:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Run the DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Get-Packages command.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Run]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- A list of packages installed on the system appears. You can use the date field to determine the most recent package. Make sure to jot down the package name.<\/li>\n
- To uninstall a package, enter the DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Remove-Package \/PackageName:[package name] command.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u201cPackage name\u201d here is the name of the package that you jotted down in the preceding step.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Reboot your computer after uninstalling the packages. Then, check to verify whether the error has been successfully resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If the error persists after uninstalling recent updates, you are recommended to remove another recently updated package using the same process. Alternatively, you can use an entirely new solution to fix this blue screen hitch.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/b>How to Open and Read .DMP Files After a BSOD? <\/a><\/p>\n
\nSolution 2: Update your drivers<\/h3>\n
Drivers are special tools that allow your hardware to operate within Windows correctly. However, outdated or incompatible drivers can create all sorts of troubles , including the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re highly advised to update your drivers <\/a> to fix these types of errors. To update a faulty driver, visit your hardware manufacturer\u2019s official website and find and download the latest drivers.<\/p>\n
Often, controller drivers like IDE ATA\/SATA can cause this boot device problem. So, downloading and installing the latest version of your drivers can fix the error once and for all.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nYou can update your drivers automatically with Auslogics Driver Updater<\/a> . It recognizes your system automatically, finds the right drivers for it and repairs all problematic drivers in one click. Using a professional driver troubleshooter maintains your system\u2019s safety and prevents it from permanent damage.<\/p>\nHere is how you can use the Driver Updater tool:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Download and run Auslogics Driver Updater.<\/li>\n
- The tool will automatically start scanning your drivers for issues.<\/li>\n
- Wait until the scan is over.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If driver issues are detected, let Auslogics Driver Updater fix them. Restart your PC and check if the Windows INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error is resolved.<\/div>\r\n
\r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\nSolution 3: Enable the AHCI mode in the BIOS<\/h3>\n
Many users have reported the possibility of fixing this boot device problem by enabling the AHCI mode in the BIOS <\/a>. The BIOS menu can vary significantly between manufacturers.<\/p>\n
Your best bet is to check your motherboard <\/a> manual for instructions. In general terms, however, the process involves entering the BIOS during bootup by pressing either the Delete key, Esc key, or Function keys.<\/p>\n
When you\u2019re in the BIOS interface, look for the System <\/i> or Hardware Configuration <\/i> menu. Locate the AHCI <\/i> or SATA Mode <\/i> option. Switch the AHCI Mode <\/i> value to Enabled <\/i> or set SATA Mode <\/i> to AHCI <\/i>.<\/p>\n
Solution 4: Get rid of update pending packages<\/h3>\n
The Windows operating system can sometimes get entangled in limbo due to pending updates. Packages that are pending forever and not installing can lead to this Inaccessible Boot Device Stop Code Error. It\u2019s important to remove them to allow Windows to run properly.<\/p>\n
Follow the procedure below to remove those update pending packages:<\/p>\n
- \n
- If your computer is running Windows 10, then go to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery. <\/i><\/li>\n
- Choose Restart now<\/i> under Advanced startup.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Choose]()
Restart now<\/i> under Advanced startup<\/i>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- If you\u2019re a Windows 11 user, go to Settings > System > Recovery. <\/i><\/li>\n
- Click Restart now <\/i> next to Advanced startup<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Click Troubleshoot <\/i> on the Windows Recovery Environment screen.<\/li>\n
- Choose Advanced options <\/i> on the Troubleshoot screen.<\/li>\n
- Select Command Prompt. <\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Choose]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nRun the following commands as soon as the Command Prompt application has started running. These three commands will remove the Sessions Pending registry key. Don\u2019t forget to hit the Enter button after each line.<\/p>\n
reg load HKLM\\temp C:\\windows\\system32\\config\\software \r\n\r\nreg delete HKLM\\temp\\Microsoft\\CurrentVersion\\Component Based Server \r\n\r\nreg unload HKLM\\temp<\/pre>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Run\"]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>
\nAfter this process, any pending updates should be moved and stored in their respective temporary folders. You can create a new folder (for instance, \u201cPackages\u201d <\/i>) in the \u201ctemp\u201d <\/i> folder and place these package files there. Here\u2019s how to do it:<\/p>\n- \n
- Create a temporary folder by typing MKDIR C:\\temp\\Packages. Press the Enter button when complete.<\/li>\n
- Next, you need to get a list of updates. To do that, type DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Get-Packages and jot down any package with the Install Pending<\/i> tag.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Finally, type DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Remove-Package \/PackageName:[package name] \/scratchdir:C:\\temp\\Packages. Then, press Enter . <\/i> Don\u2019t forget to replace [package name] <\/i> with the appropriate package name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Solution 5: Check and fix all corrupted hard drive files<\/h3>\n
If you have corrupted files <\/a> on your computer\u2019s hard drive, they can trigger the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error. Gladly, fixing corrupted files on a hard drive is not that hard; it is a straightforward process that you can easily go through by yourself.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read: <\/b>How to Run Hard Drive Diagnostics on Windows PC? <\/a><\/p>\n
\nSo, if you believe that corrupted files are causing this problem, you can fix that by using the Command Prompt. Note that you must be an administrator to perform this task. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Press the Windows button and type cmd in the search field.<\/li>\n
- When the result is displayed, select Run as administrator<\/i>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Run]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Next, type chkdsk \/F \/R and hit Enter. Give the application a few moments to process your input and display the output.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\r\n
![\"Type]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Then, type \u201cY\u201d <\/i> and press Enter.\u00a0 <\/i><\/li>\n
- If Windows is not bootable, you can launch the Command Prompt from the Recovery Environment and run the command by typing chkdsk C: \/r.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One more thing you need to try is to rebuild the BCD. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
- \n
- In the Command Prompt, run the following commands (don\u2019t forget to hit Enter after each):\n
bootrec.exe \/rebuildbcd \r\nbootrec.exe \/fixmbr \r\nbootrec.exe \/fixboot<\/pre>\n<\/li>\n
- Reboot and check if the error is fixed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Solution 6: Run DISM and SFC scans<\/h3>\n
The DISM and System File Checker (SFC) tools allow you to repair the Windows image and fix damaged system files. So if there\u2019s a chance that it is the image or the damaged files that triggered the BSOD, it won\u2019t hurt to run the scan.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Get to the Command Prompt using the tips from the previous solutions.<\/li>\n
- Type \u201cDISM.exe \/Online \/Cleanup-image \/Restorehealth\u201d <\/i> and hit Enter.<\/li>\n
- Wait for the scan to finish.<\/li>\n
- Next, type \u201csfc \/scannow\u201d <\/i> and tap Enter.<\/li>\n
- Stay patient and let the scan finish, then reboot the PC and check if it helped.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Type]()
\u201csfc \/scannow\u201d <\/i>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nSolution 7: Perform a malware scan<\/h3>\n
The number of malware attacks worldwide <\/a> is quite impressive, meaning that the Internet is swarming with all sorts of harmful things waiting for the moment to get access to your system and wreak havoc on your PC. Malware can also cause BSODs, hence the importance of scanning your computer regularly.<\/p>\n
\nAlso read:<\/b>[EXPLAINED] Does Windows 10 Need Antivirus? <\/a><\/p>\n
\n\r\n\tPRO TIP<\/div>\r\nIf you are trying to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Stop Code Error issue, performing a scan with Auslogics Anti-Malware<\/a> can be extremely helpful:<\/p>\n- \n
- Download and run Auslogics Anti-Malware.<\/li>\n
- Wait until the app\u2019s threat database is updated.<\/li>\n
- Go to the Scanners tab and select a scan type based on your needs.<\/li>\n
- Click the green Start Scan button at the bottom of the window.<\/li>\n
- Wait until the scan is over and decide what to do with the detected threats.<\/li>\n
- Restart your PC and check whether the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error is resolved.<\/div>\r\n \r\n Download for Free<\/a>\r\n Learn More<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Solution 8: Perform a system restore<\/h3>\n
If the Windows INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error occurred after a recent change or update, try performing a system restore <\/a> to revert to a previous state.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tPerforming a system restore will undo any changes made to the system since the restore point was created. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n
- If Windows is not bootable, you can launch the Command Prompt from the Recovery Environment and run the command by typing chkdsk C: \/r.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Then, type \u201cY\u201d <\/i> and press Enter.\u00a0 <\/i><\/li>\n
- Next, type chkdsk \/F \/R and hit Enter. Give the application a few moments to process your input and display the output.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Finally, type DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Remove-Package \/PackageName:[package name] \/scratchdir:C:\\temp\\Packages. Then, press Enter . <\/i> Don\u2019t forget to replace [package name] <\/i> with the appropriate package name.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Click Restart now <\/i> next to Advanced startup<\/i>.<\/li>\n
- Choose Restart now<\/i> under Advanced startup.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- If your computer is running Windows 10, then go to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery. <\/i><\/li>\n
- Reboot your computer after uninstalling the packages. Then, check to verify whether the error has been successfully resolved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Run the DISM \/Image:C:\\ \/Get-Packages command.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Choose Advanced options <\/i> on the Troubleshoot screen.<\/li>\n
- Other causes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/unnamed-7.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Input](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/unnamed-8.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Choose](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/unnamed-10.png\")
Restart now<\/i> under Advanced startup<\/i>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Run\"](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/unnamed-11.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/unnamed-12.png\")
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\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Type](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/unnamed-15.png\")
\u201csfc \/scannow\u201d <\/i>\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n <\/div>\r\n