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Inaccessible Boot Device error on Windows 10 or 11 is a “blue screen of death” (BSOD) error that stops Windows from booting properly. Sometimes, it won’t let you boot into Windows at all, which can be a little bit unnerving.
However, fixing an Inaccessible Boot Device error isn’t all that difficult once you know what caused it. It’s typically, though not always, the result of changing something in your system. But what exactly does Windows mean when it says the boot device isn’t accessible?
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What Does the Inaccessible Boot Device Error (Code 0x0000007b) Mean?The Inaccessible Boot Device error means that Windows failed to access the system partition (i.e., your hard disk) while starting the system. These errors are more common on PCs that have an SSD, and can be caused by several things.
For instance, tinkering with your BIOS settings, outdated or corrupt drivers, a faulty hard disk, or simply updating Windows can cause the error, among other things.
You can try a couple of easy fixes. This is even easier if you remember changing some (software or hardware) settings. If you don’t recollect changing anything, we’ll give you the fixes in the order you should try them.
Switch to AHCI in BIOSIf you’ve been spending some time playing around with the BIOS or if you’ve updated your BIOS recently, this is the fix you’d want to try first. The BIOS allows you to choose a mode for SATA drives. If you’ve chosen a mode other than AHCI, you’ll need to fix this.
Start by going into your BIOS. The interface of the BIOS will differ based on your manufacturer. So, you’ll need to look around a little. The general steps, though, are more or less the same.
Remove Recently Installed Update PackagesIf you encountered the error after an update, just uninstalling the update packages might resolve the issue.
You’ll need to use Command Prompt for uninstalling the packages. To use the Command Prompt when you’re unable to boot, restart the PC from the blue screen two times. After two consecutive failed boot attempts, the system will enter the Automatic Repair mode.
Run the following commands one-by-one (i.e., press Enter after each one):
dir C:
Dism /Image:C: /Get-Packages
Here, C has been assumed as the drive in which Windows is installed. If you’ve installed Windows on another drive, use the relevant drive letter.
Running the second command will return a list of update packages installed on your PC.
Use this information to find the update package you believe is causing the problem and note its name. Then, execute the following command:
Dism.exe /Image:C: /remove-package /[name of the package]
Replace the words “name of the package” with the actual name (package identity). Note that if you’re using the Command Prompt from inside Windows, you’ll need to use the /Online parameter for all commands where /Image:C has been used.
For instance: Dism /Online /Get-Packages.
While you’re at it, run the following commands to remove pending updates that are stuck, if any. If you aren’t sure about the presence of any stuck pending updates, just run these commands one-by-one anyway:
reg load hklmtemp c:windowssystem32configsoftware
reg delete “HKLMtempMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionComponent Based ServicingSessionsPending”/v Exclusive
reg unload HKLMtemp
When you’re done, restart the PC and see if everything’s back to normal.
Update IDE ATA/SATA Controller DriversIf the previous fixes didn’t work for you, it’s worth spending a minute updating the drivers. If an outdated or corrupt driver is the reason for the Inaccessible Boot Device error, updating or reinstalling it should fix it.
To update the driver, you’ll need to boot into Safe Mode. Once you’re in Safe Mode:
Select Device Manager from the right pane, switch to the left pane, and select the small arrow beside IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.
At this point, you’ll need to select if you want Windows to automatically search for a newer version of the driver and install it, or if you’d like to use driver installation files that you’ve already downloaded.
Your best bet is to find and download the appropriate drivers from the manufacturer’s website and then use the second option, because you’ll know you have the correct driver that you need.
Next, just follow the wizard’s prompts and restart the PC normally.
No luck? At this point, you may want to see if your hard drive has some corrupt files.
Fix Errors on Hard DriveErrors on your hard drive could also result in an Inaccessible Boot Device. Windows 10 (and all Windows versions) provides users a simple way to check for and fix filesystem errors and bad sectors automatically. The tool will mark hard bad sectors, so they aren’t used in the future.
You can do this with CHKDSK, a command-line tool. To run CHKDSK, you’ll need to either:
Once the Command Prompt is running:
Execute the following command if you launched the Command Prompt from the automatic repair mode:
chkdsk /r C:
Execute the following command if you’ve launched the Command Prompt from within Windows:
chkdsk /f /r
Once the scan completes, restart the PC and see if the Inaccessible Boot Device error has resolved.
More Fixes to TryIf you’re still encountering the Inaccessible Boot Device error, Windows has one more radical option you can try.
You could reset your PC so that Windows will revert to mint condition, just like it was when you first installed it. A reset will wipe your data, so try and boot into the PC and create a backup first.
If you’re comfortable working with computer hardware, you may also want to check for loose cables or see if any of your hardware components have been physically damaged.
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Fix Boot Device Not Found Error In Windows 11/10
What does the Boot device not found error mean?When you install Windows on a drive, it becomes the boot device. When a computer boots, the BIOS or UEFI looks for the OS installed on that drive, and continues the process further. You can read about how Windows boots here. Coming back to the error code, when the BIOS or UEFI doesn’t find any device from which it can boot, it gives the error saying the boot device cannot be found.
Boot Device Not FoundThese are the troubleshooting tips you can follow to overcome the Boot Device Not Found error. It could be a physical issue or a software issue.
Check connection with the boot drive
Change Boot Order
Fix Boot Record from Recovery
Check if Primary Partition is active
Make sure to prepare a bootable Windows USB drive. The last two option requires you to boot into Advanced Recovery Mode to execute commands.
1] Check connection with the boot driveIf you are using a custom PC that comes with a cabinet, we suggest you open it. Remove any connected power supply and check on the wires. Drives are connected with the motherboard through a cable. Check if both ends are connected well, and it’s not lost. It’s a good idea to detach and reattach and see if the boot works.
If you are using a laptop. You have two options. If you have the skills which help you open the laptop, and check for loose connection, go ahead. If not, take it to a service center if none of the other tips work.
2] Change Boot OrderWhen the computer boots, the BIOS or UEFI looks at the boot order. The order tells were to first look for a boot drive. If for some reason, a USB is connected to your computer, and the first boot device is USB, then you have sorted your problem. You can remove the USB and boot or get into the BIOS and change the Boot order.
If you are all good on the hardware, let’s try to fix it through the software. Use the bootable USB drive, boot into Advanced Recovery Mode, and open the Command Prompt.
3] Fix Boot Record Not Found from RecoveryIn the Command Prompt, we will use the bootrec command to rebuild BCD or otherwise known as Boot Configuration Data. It contains boot configuration parameters on how to start your Windows. If it is corrupted, then BIOS will not be able to find the boot drive. You can use bootrec /rebuildbcd.
Read our detailed post on how to Repair Master Boot Record, where we use the following command options:
bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcdOnce done, when you boot the computer, it will detect the boot drive, and load Windows OS.
4] Check if Primary Partition is activeOn a hard drive which has multiple partitions, the one where you install Windows is called a Primary Partition. Apart from being Primary, it needs to be an active partition. You need to use the DiskPart tool to activate the partition. Since we cannot access the GUI, we will execute it from the Command Prompt.
DiskPart list disk select disk 0 list volume select volume X (where x is the volume where Windows is installed) active exitOnce done, the primary drive will be active, and you will be able to boot into the computer without any problem. Make sure to select the right volume; else you will have to come back, and change it again.
TIP: Disabling Local Security Authority protection is known to have helped many resolve this issue.
Hope this helped.
How To Boot To Windows 11/10 System Recovery Options
You’ve got multiple ways to boot Windows 11/10 into the Windows Recovery Environment. But that depends on the state of the operating system. For example, is Windows functional? Or do you have trouble even accessing the desktop area? Regardless, the methods below have you covered.
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Once you boot into the Windows Recovery Environment, read on to learn more about the system recovery options that you can use to fix Windows 11/10.
Boot via Start MenuAssuming that you can boot into Windows 11 or Windows 10, the most convenient way to get to the Windows Recovery Environment is by restarting your computer as usual via the Start menu.
The only extra thing you must do is press and hold the Shift key as you select the Restart option.
Boot via Settings AppThe Settings app in Windows 11 and Windows 10 features a dedicated option to reboot your PC into the Windows Recovery Environment. Using the method above is faster, but it should be helpful if you have trouble with the Start menu.
Boot via Security ScreenYou can also get Windows 11/10 to boot into your system recovery options via the Security Screen. It’s the best method to use while dealing with an operating system that keeps freezing.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open the Security Screen. Then, select the Power icon at the screen’s bottom-right, hold down the Shift key, and choose Restart.
Boot via Lock ScreenIf you have trouble logging into Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can try booting into the Windows Recovery Environment via the Lock Screen. Again, select the Power icon and select Restart while holding down the Shift key.
Boot via Windows PowerShellThe Windows PowerShell console (which you can access via the programs list on the Start menu) offers another way to load the Windows Recovery Environment. Just type the following command and press Enter:
shutdown /r /o
By default, Windows should boot into WinRE within 30 seconds. If you run into any trouble, try re-running the command with extra parameters. That force-closes all programs and reboots the operating system instantly:
shutdown /r /o /f /t 0
Another command that can help you access the system recovery options is the reagentc /boottore command. However, you must run it in an elevated Windows PowerShell console and then reboot your computer manually.
Boot via Hardware Recovery ButtonIt’s also possible to access WinRE by pressing a specific function key (e.g., F11, F10, or F9) on your PC immediately at startup. Don’t expect it to work on every desktop or laptop device.
Boot via Automatic RepairIf Windows 11 or Windows 10 fails to load or freezes at startup, you can force your computer to enter the Windows Recovery Environment by forcibly shutting it down three times. To do that, press and hold the Power button until the screen turns off.
You should see the words Preparing Automatic Repair flash underneath the Windows 11/10 logo on the screen after the third attempt. Select Advanced Options when prompted to enter WinRE.
Boot via Using Installation MediaIf you have a Windows 11/10 installation USB or disc, you can use it to enter the Windows Recovery Environment. Provided that you’ve then set up your computer to boot from a USB or DVD, press any key when your computer asks you to at startup.
Using the Windows System Recovery OptionsHere’s a brief rundown of the system recovery options that you have access to in WinRE:
Startup Repair: Prompts your computer to run a series of automatic repairs and helps fix problems preventing Windows 11 or Windows 10 from loading. It’s best to run this while troubleshooting Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors.
Startup Settings: This allows you to change the default startup behavior of the operating system. For example, you can use it to launch Windows 11/10 in Safe Mode.
Uninstall Updates: If an issue occurred right after applying a feature or quality update for Windows 11/10, this option lets you roll it back.
UEFI Firmware Settings: Helps you access your UEFI firmware settings quickly.
System Restore: If you’ve set up System Restore in Windows 11/10, this option lets you undo harmful changes by reverting your computer to an earlier state.
System Recovery Image: This lets you use a system recovery image to restore the data on your computer.
Reset this PC: This option is available after selecting Troubleshoot in WinRE. You can use it to reset Windows 10 or Windows 11 to factory settings. You also get the opportunity to keep personal data intact.
Start Fixing Windows 11/10Using the system recovery options in the Windows Recovery Environment is not the solution to all issues that crop up in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If you continue to experience problems, you might want to take that extra step and reinstall Windows from scratch.
Fix Error 0X800704Ec On Windows 11/10
If you are getting error code 0x800704ec while using the Printer, Microphone, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Store, Bluetooth, or Sound, this guide can help you fix all the issues. The solutions are different as this error can occur in different situations in different apps. However, if you follow this guide, you can fix the issue irrespective of the app.
Fix Error 0x800704ec while using printerTo fix error 0x800704ec while using the printer on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
Run Printer Troubleshooter
Reinstall Printer driver
Restart Print Spooler service
To learn more about these steps, continue reading.
1] Run Printer TroubleshooterIt is the first thing you need to use to troubleshoot this problem on Windows 11 or Windows 10 computers. Most of the common problems like this one gets resolved by using the corresponding Troubleshooter. That is why you can use the Printer Troubleshooter to get the job done. In order to use the Printer Troubleshooter in Windows 11/10, do the following.
Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
Find the Printer Troubleshooter.
Follow the screen instructions.
Then, you might need to restart your computer to finish the troubleshooting process.
2] Reinstall Printer driverAlmost all the printers come with a driver that helps you do things in a better way. It helps you manage all the options and features. If you haven’t installed it or the installed driver got corrupted due to some reason, you might not be able to use your printer. That is why it is recommended to download and install the driver first. However, if you have already installed it, you could try updating it. Finally, you can uninstall the driver and reinstall it.
3] Restart Print SpoolerThe Print Spooler service manages all the printing jobs on Windows 11/10 PC. If there are some problems with this service, you might not be able to use your printer in the normal way. That is the reason you must check whether this service is stopped or not. If stopped, you can start it. Even if it is running, you can try restarting the Print Spooler service as well. For that, do the following:
Search for services in the Taskbar search box.
Then, check if it resolves the issue or not.
Fix error 0x800704ec while using MicrophoneTo fix error 0x800704ec while using microphone on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
Verify external microphone
Verify microphone list
Disable audio enhancements
Allow Microphone access
1] Verify external microphoneIf you have connected an external microphone to your laptop, it is time to check if the microphone actually works or not. In most cases, external microphone manufacturers include a panel that helps you manage all the features and options. If your microphone has the same, you can use that to verify if you have a working or faulty microphone.
2] Verify microphone listWhether you use a microphone or not, if you have installed it earlier, you can find it in the Recording tab. However, if the desired device is not appearing even after connecting it to your computer, you need to reinstall the device. To verify the microphone list, do the following:
Open old Sound settings panel.
Switch to the Recording tab.
Find the microphone name.
3] Disable audio enhancements 4] Allow Microphone accessIt is probably the last thing you need to check in order to fix the aforementioned error. If you haven’t enabled Microphone access on your computer, no app will be able to access it. Therefore, follow these steps to allow Microphone access on Windows 11/10:
Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
Toggle the Microphone access button to turn it on.
Then, you can restart the app and check if the problem is resolved or not.
Read: Mic or Microphone not working on Windows
Fix error 0x800704ec while using Microsoft TeamsTo fix error 0x800704ec while using Microsoft Teams, follow these steps:
Remove cache
Repair and reset Microsoft Teams
Try web client
To know more about these solutions, keep reading.
1] Remove cacheAt times, the cache could cause the above-mentioned issue on your computer. If you have changed a lot of settings or installed an update of Microsoft Teams, there is c chance of getting such an issue. That is why you can follow this guide to remove or clear Microsoft Teams cache.
2] Repair and reset Microsoft TeamsIf clearing the cache doesn’t help, you can always repair the app on your PC. Following that, you can reset it as well if the first solution doesn’t work. To repair or reset Microsoft Teams on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
Find Microsoft Teams.
Next, you need to restart the Microsoft Teams app and sign in to your account again.
3] Try web clientMost of the Microsoft Teams’ problems get resolved by following the two aforementioned solutions. However, if there are some issues at the Microsoft end, you cannot fix them in any way. In such situations, you can try using the web client.
Fix error 0x800704ec while using Microsoft StoreIf you are getting Can’t sign in with a Microsoft account message with error code 0x800704ec while using Microsoft Store, you can follow the linked guide to fix the issue.
The solutions are pretty straightforward. You need to check a setting in the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry Editor.
TIP: Error 0x800704ec can also occur in Windows Defender
Fix error 0x800704ec while using BluetoothTo fix error 0x800704ec while using Bluetooth on Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
Install Bluetooth driver
Install Bluetooth device driver
Run Bluetooth Troubleshooter
Start Bluetooth Audio Gateway service
Let’s check out these steps in detail.
1] Install Bluetooth driver 2] Install Bluetooth device driver 3] Run Bluetooth TroubleshooterWhether you failed to transfer files or connect an external device, you can fix that problem by using the Bluetooth Troubleshooter on your computer. You do not need to download or install anything since it is already there on your computer. To use the Bluetooth Troubleshooter, follow these steps:
Press Win+I to open Windows Settings.
Find the Bluetooth Troubleshooter.
Then, you need to follow the screen instructions.
4] Start Bluetooth Audio Gateway serviceThis service plays a vital role in the Bluetooth Handsfree Profile. An interruption in this service could cause the above-mentioned problem. Therefore, you can follow these steps to check if it is running or not:
Search for services in the Taskbar search box.
Then, restart your computer and check if the problem remains or not.
Related: Bluetooth is not working in Windows
Fix error 0x800704ec for Sound in Windows 11/10To fix error 0x800704ec for Sound in Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
Use Audio Troubleshooter
Re-enable audio device from Device Manager
Let’s delve into these steps in detail.
Open old Sound settings.
Select the Enable option.
After that, try using it on your computer.
2] Use Audio TroubleshooterLike other Troubleshooters, you can find a Troubleshooter for fixing sound-related problems in Windows 11/10. To use it, do the following:
Open Windows Settings.
Find the Playing Audio Troubleshooter.
Next, it displays some solutions based on the problems. You need to follow those instructions to get rid of this issue.
3] Reinstall audio device from Device ManagerDevice Manager helps you enable or disable audio devices easily. You can do that to mitigate the aforementioned problem. For that, follow these steps:
Press Win+X.
Select Device Manager.
Expand the Audio inputs and outputs section.
Select the Uninstall device option.
Then, unplug the device and re-plug it.
How do I fix This program is blocked by Group Policy?That’s all! Hope this guide helped.
How To Fix Missing Dll Files Errors On Windows 11/10 Pc
DLL stands for Dynamic Link Libraries and are external parts of applications that run on Windows 11/10/8/7 or any other operating systems. Most applications are not complete in themselves and store code in different files. If there is a need for the code, the related file is loaded into memory and used. If the OS or software is not able to find the concerned DLL file, or if the DLL file is corrupted, you could receive a DLL file is missing message.
Fix Missing DLL files errorIf DLL files are missing on your Windows 11/10/8/7 computer, the best ways to fix such errors are as follows:
Run the built-in System File Checker tool to replace missing or corrupted operating system files
Run the DISM tool and repair the Windows system image and fix a corrupted Windows Component Store
Repair or re-install the software if some application throws up this error
Download Windows 10 OS files from Microsoft
Copy the DLL file from another system and restore it on your PC, followed by re-registering the dll file
Let us take a look at these in detail.
1] Run System File CheckerThe safest way to fix DLL file missing or corrupted errors thrown up by your Windows operating system would be to run the built-in System File Checker, which will replace missing or corrupted system files.
Now in the elevated CMD window, copy-paste the following command and hit Enter:
sfc /scannowThe scan may take 10 minutes, and once it completes successfully, you should restart your PC. Running sfc /scannow in Safe Mode or Boot Time could give better results.
This post will help you if you receive a Windows resource protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix them error message while running the scan.
2] Repair System ImageIf the issue is resolved, great! Else the next thing to do would be to Run DISM to repair the System Image. Again, in an elevated command prompt window, copy-paste the following command and hit Enter:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthThis checks for the Windows component store corruption and restores good health. The scan may take around 15 minutes, and once it completes successfully, you should restart your PC.
This post will help you if DISM fails.
3] Re-install the softwareIf it is some installed software or application that is giving this error, all you need to do is re-install the software. You may uninstall the application that is giving the error from the Control Panel, restart your computer, then go to its official download page and download the latest setup file. Having done this, install the software. The installer will place all the required files on your PC including the DLL files. If the software offers an option to Repair the program, you may first opt to repair the installation and see if that helps.
4] Download Windows OS files from MicrosoftIf it is an OS dll file that is giving errors, you can download Windows OS files from Microsoft. This is a safe option.
5] Copy DLL from another healthy systemSometimes, a software that was meant to run on an older version of Windows, may require a specific version of a DLL file to run. If you face this issue, you should try and copy this DLL file from one of your other systems and replace it here in the proper Directory and see if that works for you. You may have to re-register the DLL file. At times the developers of that software may offer various versions of DLL files on their sites for download – you could download these.
6] Download DLL files?All the best!
How To Remove The Uninstall Option On Boot In Windows 10
How to remove the Uninstall option on boot in Windows 10
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This boot selection feature offers you the possibility to completely remove the Windows 10 OS, as well as other options. If you wait approximately 30 seconds in this boot menu, it will automatically start your Windows 10 OS normally. Fortunately for us, not a lot of Windows users are interested in this boot menu and it will disappear with the next fresh release of Windows 10.
Windows 10 Uninstall on Boot: Get rid of it Remove Uninstall on Boot in CMDIf you wish to remove this boot feature, you can do it very easily by following the lines below.
In the command prompt window, write the following: bcdedit /timeout 0.
Press the “Enter” button to run the command.
After the process has finished, write the following in the command prompt: “Exit” without the quotes.
Press the “Enter” button on the keyboard.
Now reboot your Windows 10 system and check if your Uninstall option on boot is appearing now.
Other methods to delete Uninstall on BootYou can disable Uninstall on Boot by removing the old OS files stored in the chúng tôi folder. Open a new Run window or simply type %systemdrive% in the Start menu to go to the Local Disk. Locate the chúng tôi folder.
Get back the Uninstall feature in Windows 10
Again on the start screen write the following: “cmd”.
Now in the command prompt window write the following: bcdedit /timeout 1.
Press the “Enter” button on the keyboard.
Now after the process has finished write the following in the command prompt: “Exit” without the quotes.
Press the “Enter” button on the keyboard.
Reboot your Windows 10 system and check if this Uninstall feature is running again.
Expert tip:
Important 2: If you updated any apps to be compatible with the Windows 10 version, be aware that if you go back to the Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 system the applications will not work. So be sure that you update your apps to the version of Windows you are using.
Important 3: If you run the “Refresh” feature or the “Restore” feature in Windows 10, the Boot option will be also disabled or it might break thus preventing you from using the previous system of Windows normally. So, if you want to get it back, you will have to place again the installation media with the version of Windows you want to run and reinstall it but be sure to check the option that tells you to keep your personal files.
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