[11 Fixes] Stop Code Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows 11

Why does the Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11 problem appear?

A help seeker from Microsoft Community reported that when he attempts to start his computer running Windows 11 after an update, only to be met with a blue screen displaying an error message that reads "Your PC ran into an error of INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE and needs to restart”.  This situation is especially common after Windows 11 updates with stop code like error code 0x80070002 or just INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE.

Why does the "Inaccessible Boot Device" notification appear on your Windows PC? The specific cause of this error can vary, but it could be due to the following common reasons:

Getting to know why this error happens, let's solve this issue with the right solutions. In the next part, we'll share 11 methods with tips that work and fit your specific needs.

11 fixes for Windows 11 Inaccessible Boot Device

Many solutions can be used for fixing Windows 11 Inaccessible Boot Device. Here we list 11 useful and practical methods for you. You can choose the one that suits your situation most.

Fix 1. Run Windows Startup Repair utility

When the Inaccessible Boot Device issue occurs in Windows 11, you generally lose control of your PC. At this time, you can access to the recovery environment and run the Start Repair in the recovery environment.

It can diagnose and fix common startup problems and attempts to repair any corrupted system files, misconfigured boot settings, or problematic drivers that may be causing the Inaccessible Boot Device error.

Step 1. Start your computer and press F11 until the Windows Troubleshoot screen opens.

Step 2. In the Troubleshoot interface, select “Advanced Options”

Step 3. Select “Startup Repair”. Then let Windows fix startup difficulties by following the on-screen directions. Restart your computer and check for the issue after the fix.

Fix 2. Perform professional boot-repair

If you're not familiar with computers, it's best to use a tool for boot repair. AOMEI Partition Assistant is easy to use and helps fix many Windows problems. You can use it to repair your PC if you see the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error in Windows 11, or if your computer won’t start and shows a blank or dead screen.

When the blue screen shows on your Windows 11 with Inaccessible Boot Device notice, you can follow the steps:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. In the Main Tab, please click the "Recover" tab and select "Boot Repair".

Step 2. The Boot Repair tool will pop up. Please click "Next" to start the system’s boot entries scan process.

Step 3. After the process is completed, it will display the scan result: system paths, system versions, and boot status. And, all repairable boot entries will be available to select.

You can either repair to the current disk or repair to another disk. Repair to the current disk is recommended for common users.

Step 4. Select one/multiple repairable boot entries you want to repair and click the "Repair" button to start the boot repair.

Step 5. Wait for the repair process to finish. Once it is finished, you can check the repair result. If it succeeds, you will get a "Repair Successfully" result.

Note: If your PC completely won't boot, please click the "create a bootable disk" option to create a WinPE "Boot Repair" disk to fix the issue.

Fix 3. Create a bootable media to rebuild MBR

If you don't have a Windows 11 installation DVD or CD and can't access the recovery environment, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant.

This tool allows you to create a bootable USB flash drive without the installation DVD or CD. It has a straightforward interface, suitable for both professionals and beginners. Using this tool, you can regain control of your device and easily make repairs like rebuilding MBR, which may possibly lead to the Inaccessible Boot Device for Windows 11. Here are the specific steps.

Step 1. Connect the USB device to any functional Windows computer, then install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Click "Make Bootable Media" and then "Next" to continue.

Step 2. Choose the right USB drive under “USB Boot Device” and click “Proceed”.

Step 3. The USB will be formatted, so please back up any vital data. If you have done this, click "Yes".

Step 4. Then wait for the process to be completed.

Note: The bootable USB drive should contain the pre-installed AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

When the procedure is complete, insert the bootable USB drive into the machine that is having boot troubles, and adjust the boot order in the Boot menu to boot from the bootable USB stick. You may then rebuild the MBR on the system's primary hard disk.

Fix 4. Check disk connections

If the disk is connected loosely, the system can't detect the hard drive or SSD properly, preventing it from finding the operating system needed to start the computer. As a result, you will see the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE stop code in Windows 11.

Step 1. To check if the HDD or SSD is connected properly, turn off and unplug your computer, or open the back of your laptop.

Step 2. Find the drive inside, and make sure it’s plugged in securely to the motherboard. Then, close the computer, plug it back in, and turn it on again.

Fix 5. Rollback Windows 11 updates

How to fix Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows 11? You can try to rollback Windows 11 updates by entering the recovery environment as well.

Step 1. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates from the WinRE.

Step 2. Choose the update you want to uninstall, follow the on-screen instructions, and wait for the process to complete.

Fix 6. Run a system file scan

Running the system file scan can check for and repair corrupted or missing system files that may cause the boot problem. This process ensures that the essential system files required for a successful boot are in a healthy state, resolving the Inaccessible Boot Device error and allowing the system to start up properly.

Step 1. Type "Command prompt" in the search box, select it, and run it as administrator.

Step 2. Input the command "DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth" and press “Enter”.

Step 3. Next, type "sfc /scannow" and press “Enter”. Wait patiently for its completion.

Fix 7. Update device drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers will lead to boot problems and trigger the error of Windows 11 Inaccessible Boot Device. By updating device drivers to their latest versions, the stability, and functionality of the drivers will be enhanced, thus ensuring compatibility with the operating system and resolving any known issues that may cause Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11.

Step 1. Right-click the “Start” button and open the “Device Manager”.

Step 2. Click to unfold the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers list, and right-click the option to choose “Update driver”.

Step 3. In the new interface, you can choose one option according to your demands.

Step 4. Then follow the instructions to complete all the processes.

Fix 8. Reset BIOS configuration

Sometimes, incorrect or incompatible BIOS settings can cause conflicts with the system's boot process. Resetting the BIOS configuration to its default settings can eliminate any misconfigurations or conflicting parameters, creating a clean and stable boot environment. 

Step 1. Restart your computer and press F2/DEL during the process to enter the BIOS.

Step 2. Go to the Advanced Options menu and change the mode of Configure SATA to AHCI. Save and exit the BIOS by tapping F10.

Fix 9. Run Check Disk scan

Running a Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan for Inaccessible Boot Device issue Windows 11 fix can also be effective. It detects and repairs any file system or disk errors that may be causing the boot problem, and make sure the integrity and functionality of the system. By performing it, you can resolve the error and allow the system to boot up successfully.

Step 1. Open the Start menu search bar and type "cmd", then choose "Run as administrator".

Step 2. Enter the command "chkdsk /f /r X:" (replace X with the appropriate drive letter) and hit Enter. This will initiate a scan for drive errors using “CHKDSK”. You will be notified if any errors are found, but it won't attempt to fix them automatically without a command.

Step 3. Upon receiving a prompt to check the disk during the next system restart, press “Y”.

Step 4. Restart the computer to verify its functionality.

However, Check Disk primarily focuses on detecting and repairing file system and disk errors. It may not be capable of resolving more complex underlying problems that cause boot issues.

If you have downloaded AOMEI Partition Assistant, you can directly use its Check Disk function to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device issue. It provides a comprehensive analysis of disk health, allowing you to identify potential issues beyond file system and disk errors. It can detect bad sectors, disk corruption, and other physical disk problems that may contribute to the boot problem.

Additionally, it offers advanced disk management features such as disk surface tests and SMART monitoring, providing deeper insights into the overall health and performance of your disk.

Step 1. Right-click the target SSD, and hit "Properties" > "Health(SMART)" to see the state of the disk.

You will see different three situations of your disk.

▌Situation 1. Health Status: Good
It presents your disk is in a good condition and can be used with confidence, and you can continue to use as usual.

▌Situation 2. Health Status: Caution
It shows that one or more attributes are close to the threshold. The disk still can be used normally, but it is advisable to make a backup of the important data in case of some accidents.

▌Situation 3. Health Status: Bad
This situation means one or more attributes are equal to or less than the threshold. The disk may be damaged soon and cause data loss. It is recommended replace it with a new one as soon as possible.

Step 3. In every interface, you can click "View details" to see the detailed values, text in red indicates that the value of the item is equal to or exceeds the threshold.

Fix 10. Roll Windows 11 back to a restore point

By selecting a restore point that predates the occurrence of the error, you can revert the system to a previous stable state, undoing any changes or conflicts that may have caused the boot problem.

Step 1. Press the "Win + R" shortcut to open Run.

Step 2. In the Open box of the Run window, type "rstrui".

Step 3. Click "OK" to open "System Restore".

Step 4. Press the "Next" button.

Step 5. If there is an option available for "Show more restore points", select that checkbox.

Step 6. Choose a restore point that will revert Windows 11 to a time before the Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11 error occurred on your PC. Alternatively, you can select the oldest restore point available.

Step 7. Click the "Next" button.

Step 8. Click "Finish" to initiate the restoration process.

Fix 11. Reset Windows 11

Resetting Windows 11 will reinstall the operating system components and system files, configure the system settings as the default state to remove misconfigurations, conflicts and corrupted or damaged files that may cause the boot problem.

Step 1. Click “Start” and go to “Settings”.

Step 2. On the System tab, select “Recovery”.

Step 3. Press “Reset this PC”.

Step 4. In the "Reset this PC" utility, choose “Keep my files”.

Step 5. Click on the “Local reinstall” option.

Step 6. Select “Next” to proceed.

Step 7. Finally, click “Reset” to confirm the reset process.

Tips: How to use AOMEI Partition Assistant for data safety?

As you may realize, accidents can happen anytime and anywhere during computer use. That's why it's highly recommended to use AOMEI Partition Assistant to keep your data safe. This powerful software provides various solutions to achieve that.

Tip 1. Create a backup regularly

AOMEI Partition Assistant features the Clone Disk tool for complete system backup and catastrophe recovery. You can back up the whole Windows 11 to an external hard drive, including applications, data, and the operating system. Once the incident happens, you can quickly restore it to its former state and retrieve the important data.

By the way, it's also an extremely helpful feature while upgrading the SSD or HDD.

Tip 2. Recover data after the accident

If you don't usually back up your data and face an issue like the Inaccessible Boot Device problem, AOMEI Partition Assistant can still help.

Its Recover Data feature can restore lost data from system crashes, permanent deletion, formatting, and more. Whether it's pictures, videos, emails, or even website bookmarks that you've lost, it helps you find them back effectively!

Conclusion

Let’s have a short review of today’s topic. About Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11, we list several possible causes with 11 useful and practical fixes for that. During the solving process, as you can see, AOMEI Partition Assistant plays a positive part in solving the problem.

This multifunctional software can not only fully display its talents in checking disk health and backing up data, but it can also serve to move apps to another drive, convert between MBR/GPT, securely erase SSD, and so on. This powerful tool also offers the Windows Server users with the Server Edition to enjoy convenience and efficiency when managing their devices.