Encountering the 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error on your Windows 11 PC can prevent your system from booting properly, leaving you unable to access your files and applications. This error indicates that Windows has lost access to the system partition during the startup process. Thankfully, there are several solutions you can try to resolve this issue.

Common causes of the 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error

This error can occur due to various reasons, making it difficult to identify the exact cause. Common factors include damaged or disconnected hard drives or solid-state drives, corrupted or damaged system files, conflicts between drivers, and outdated graphics or SATA drivers.

Set the proper boot device in BIOS

Incorrect boot settings in the BIOS can lead to the 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error. Ensuring that your computer is set to boot from the correct drive may resolve the problem.

Step 1: Restart your computer. As it begins to boot, repeatedly press the DEL, F2, or the key specified by your PC manufacturer to access the BIOS setup menu.

Step 2: In the BIOS menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Boot tab or section.

Step 3: Locate the Boot Priority or Boot Order settings.

Step 4: Set your primary hard drive or SSD—where Windows is installed—as the first boot device.

Step 5: Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key (usually F10).

Check your boot drive connection

Loose or faulty connections between your boot drive and the motherboard can cause startup issues. Verifying these connections can help fix the error.

Step 1: Shut down your computer and disconnect it from the power source.

Step 2: Open your computer's case carefully. If you're using a laptop, you may need to remove the bottom panel.

Step 3: Locate your hard drive or SSD and check that the SATA and power cables are securely connected to both the drive and the motherboard.

Step 4: If possible, try using a different SATA cable or port to rule out a faulty cable or port.

Step 5: Close the case, reconnect the power, and start your computer to see if the issue is resolved.

Disconnect external drives

Sometimes, external storage devices can interfere with the boot process. Removing them can help your system boot correctly.

Step 1: Disconnect all external hard drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, and any other external storage devices from your computer.

Step 2: Restart your computer to see if it boots up without the error.

Run Check Disk on system drive

Running a disk check can identify and repair errors on your hard drive that may be causing the boot issue.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Terminal (Admin).

Step 2: In the terminal window, type chkdsk /r C: and press Enter. This command will schedule a disk check on your C: drive the next time you restart your computer.

chkdsk /r C:

Step 3: Restart your computer to allow the disk check to run. This process may take some time depending on the size of your drive and the number of errors found.

Update SATA adapter drivers

Outdated or corrupt SATA drivers can prevent Windows from accessing your boot drive. Updating these drivers may fix the problem.

Step 1: Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it from the menu.

Step 2: In Device Manager, expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers section.

Step 3: Right-click on Standard SATA AHCI Controller and select Update driver.

Step 4: Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Enter Safe Mode via System Configuration

Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot the issue by starting Windows with minimal drivers and services.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2: Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.

Step 3: In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Boot tab.

Step 4: Under Boot options, check the Safe boot option and select Minimal.

Step 5: Click Apply, then OK. Restart your computer, and it will boot into Safe Mode.

Run System File Checker (SFC) scan

The System File Checker tool scans for and repairs corrupted system files that might be causing the error.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Terminal (Admin).

Step 2: In the terminal window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. The tool will automatically repair any corrupted files it finds.

Perform a DISM scan

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can fix Windows corruption errors by downloading fresh files from Windows Update.

Step 1: Open Windows Terminal as an administrator.

Step 2: Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.

Step 3: Allow the scan to complete. This process can take several minutes to finish.

Reinstall the graphics driver

Conflicts with the graphics driver can sometimes cause boot issues. Reinstalling the driver may help.

Step 1: Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.

Step 2: Expand the Display adapters section.

Step 3: Right-click your graphics card and select Uninstall device.

Step 4: Confirm the uninstallation and then restart your computer. Windows should automatically reinstall the graphics driver.

Reset Windows 11

If none of the above methods work, resetting Windows 11 may resolve the error by reinstalling the operating system.

Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

Step 2: Under Recovery options, click on Reset this PC.

Step 3: Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows without losing your personal data.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

By following these solutions, you should be able to resolve the 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error on your Windows 11 PC. Regular system maintenance and keeping your drivers up to date can help prevent such issues in the future.