INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE appears when Windows cannot read the drive it is installed on using the expected storage driver or configuration. It often follows an update, storage driver change, or BIOS setting change.
This applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs that blue screen before reaching the desktop.
Does This Affect You?
This stop code usually requires recovery tools because Windows cannot boot far enough to repair itself normally. Start with Startup Repair, then check storage mode and drive/file repairs.
Run Startup Repair
- Interrupt startup two or three times if recovery does not appear automatically.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
- Enter the account password if prompted.
- Let Windows scan and restart, then test booting normally.
Check BIOS/UEFI Storage Mode
- Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI with the manufacturer key, often Del, F2, or F10.
- Find SATA Mode, SATA Operation, or Storage Controller Mode.
- If this was recently changed, switch it back between AHCI and RAID as appropriate.
- Save and test. If it does not help, restore the original value.
Repair Files and Check the Drive
- From recovery, open Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Run
chkdsk C: /rand let it finish. - Run
sfc /scannowto repair system files. - Type
exitand restart.
More Inaccessible Boot Device Fixes
Uninstall Recent Updates
From recovery, open Advanced options > Uninstall Updates and remove the newest quality or driver update if the timing matches.
Roll Back a Storage Driver
If Safe Mode opens, use Device Manager to roll back the storage controller driver from Properties > Driver.
Check Drive Health
Use the drive maker’s diagnostic tool if you can access the disk from Windows or another PC. Replace the drive if diagnostics report failure.
Sources
- Microsoft Support: Fix a Windows startup problem
- Microsoft Support: Use Startup Repair in Windows
- Microsoft Learn: Troubleshoot INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE errors