How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error In Windows 11

Experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your Windows 11 PC can be daunting, especially when faced with the cryptic 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error. Fear not! Let's walk through some user-friendly steps to get your PC running smoothly again.

What causes ‘INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE’ error? It can be hard to pinpoint what is the definitive cause behind this issue, but some common factors that are known to trigger this particular BSOD error are as follows:

Damaged or disconnected HDD or SSD.
Corrupted or broken system file.
The conflict between drivers.
Outdated graphics/SATA drivers.

Step-by-step guide to resolve the error

Enter Safe Mode via System Configuration:

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.
Navigate to the 'Boot' tab.
Check the 'Safe boot' option and select 'Minimal'.
Click 'Apply', then 'OK', and restart your PC.
This will start Windows 11 in Safe Mode, a diagnostic mode with limited functionality that is helpful for troubleshooting.

Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan:

Right-click on the Start button and select 'Terminal (Admin)'.
In the terminal window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
The System File Checker will begin scanning and repairing corrupted system files. This might take some time, so patience is key.

Perform a DISM Scan:

Right-click on the Start button and select 'Terminal (Admin)'.
In the terminal window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter.
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool will start. It can download and replace corrupted files from Windows Update.

Reinstall the Graphics Driver:

Open 'Device Manager' by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.
Expand the 'Display adapters' section.
Right-click on your graphics card and choose 'Uninstall device'.
After uninstalling, restart your PC. Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver.

Run Check Disk on System Drive:

Open Windows Terminal (admin) and type chkdsk /r C: then press Enter.
This command schedules a disk check on the C: drive (your system drive) on the next restart. It checks for and fixes disk errors.

Reset Windows 11:

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Click on 'Reset this PC'.
Choose 'Keep my files' to reinstall Windows without losing personal data.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Disconnect External Drives:

Physically unplug any connected external hard drives, USBs, or other storage devices.
This is to ensure they are not interfering with the boot process.

Check Your Boot Drive Connection:

If comfortable, open your PC’s case and check the SATA cable connections to your primary storage drive.
Ensure the cable is securely connected to both the drive and the motherboard.

Update SATA Adapter Drivers:

Open 'Device Manager' by right-clicking the Start button and selecting it.
In Device Manager, find and expand 'IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers'.
Right-click on 'Standard SATA AHCI Controller' and select 'Update driver'.
Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' and follow the prompts.

Set Proper Boot Device in BIOS:

Restart your PC and repeatedly press DEL or the key indicated on the screen during boot to enter BIOS setup.
Navigate to the Boot section and check the boot order.
Ensure your primary Windows 11 drive is set as the first boot option.
Save changes and exit BIOS.

By following these steps, your 'INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE' error should be a thing of the past. Remember, regular maintenance and updates can prevent a lot of these issues. Keep your system clean, your drivers updated, and your files backed up. Happy computing!