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“No Bootable Device Found” – What It Means and How to Fix It

Few things are more alarming than turning on your computer and seeing the message: “No Bootable Device Found.”

This error means your system can’t locate an operating system to start from, leaving you stuck at startup. But don’t panic—this is often fixable with a few steps.

What It Is:

Your computer is trying to start up (or “boot”) but can’t find a drive that has a valid operating system (like Windows, Linux, or macOS). As a result, it halts and shows an error on screen.

No boot able device found - how to fix it

Common Causes:

  • 🛠️ Disconnected or Failed Hard Drive: The internal drive may have come loose (especially if the computer was dropped or opened recently), or the drive may have failed entirely.

  • ⚙️ Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings: If the boot order is wrong, the system might try to boot from the wrong device—like an empty USB port or network device.

  • 🔄 Corrupted Bootloader or OS Files: Sometimes system files are damaged due to a failed update or improper shutdown, making the drive unreadable during boot.

  • 🔌 Loose or Damaged SATA/Power Cables: Physical connections from the motherboard to the hard drive might be loose or damaged.

How to Fix It:

1. Check the Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

  • Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC during startup).

  • Navigate to the Boot menu.

  • Ensure your system drive (e.g., SSD or HDD) is listed first in the boot sequence.

2. Reconnect or Reseat Internal Drives

  • Power off your PC and unplug it.

  • Open the case (if it’s a desktop) or access the drive bay (for laptops).

  • Ensure all cables connected to your drive are secure. If it’s a laptop with a removable hard drive, make sure it’s seated properly.

3. Run a Diagnostic Tool

  • Many PCs offer built-in diagnostics you can access from the BIOS menu.

  • Run a hard drive test to check for hardware failure.

4. Use a Bootable USB or Recovery Media

  • If the system files are corrupted, boot from a recovery drive or installation media.

  • Use the repair options to fix startup issues:

    • On Windows: Choose “Startup Repair”.

    • On macOS: Boot into Recovery Mode and use Disk Utility.

5. Replace the Drive (If Necessary)

  • If the drive has failed (you’ll often hear clicking noises or get error codes), it may need replacing.

  • Restore your OS from a backup or reinstall it using recovery media.

At PC Expert Services, we are committed to providing accurate and reliable repair estimates. To ensure this, we offer a free diagnostic service to thoroughly assess your device and identify the exact issue.