How to fix Dell No Bootable Device Found Windows 11?

By Shirley Howard to Fix Windows | 2023-10-20
Approved

The error "No bootable device found Dell" is quite common yet frustrating. It occurs when you start up your computer. This error indicates some problem with your boot device. If you are facing the same issue with your Dell system, you can get help from this guide.

In this article, we will explore the Dell Inspiron 15 no bootable device found issue and learn some potential fixes.

Part 1: Overview Dell No Bootable Device Found

If you face a Dell no bootable device found error, before panicking, please know that many users face such issues as depicted in the following:

I am using a dell latitude 5480 but when i tried turning it on the other day it shows no bootable device found. I've tried using legacy boot like the video on youtube did but it still shows no bootable device found.

Such issues are quite common and are easy to fix. Before dwelling on the reasons behind it, let's first understand the error.

1. What does Dell no bootable device found mean?

The No bootable device found Dell Windows 11 is a startup error that occurs when the system fails to find or access the bootable media. This error indicates either a connection problem between the CPU and hard drive or the damaged hard disk.

2. What causes the Dell laptop no boot device found error?

Several factors can cause the Dell Optiplex 3060 no bootable device found issue, some of which are as follows:

  • A Virus or malware
  • Misconfigured boot sequence
  • Inactive boot partition
  • Damaged or corrupted hard disk
  • Corrupted boot sector

Part 2: How to Fix Dell No Bootable Device Found on Windows 10/11?

Method 1. Use Windows 10/11 Bootup ToolHot

Fixing startup issues using traditional workarounds is quite risky. Therefore, we recommend you use PassFab FixUWin, which is a comprehensive Windows bootup tool. This tool helps you repair your Windows system most easily and conveniently.

By simply scanning the files and identifying and repairing the faulty ones automatically, this incredible tool fixes most Windows errors, including no bootable device found dell on windows 11. With its highly user-friendly environment, it lets you start up your faulty PC with a few clicks.

Here is how you can fix Dell Latitude no bootable devices found error in no time:

  • Install and launch PassFab FixUWin on a working PC.
  • Plug in a USB drive and hit Create Now.

    create boot disk now
  • Now, move back to the problematic PC, plug in the bootable USB, and restart it.

  • Set the bootable device on boot priority through the boot menu.

     enter into boot menu to fix dell no bootable device found
  • Click on Automated repair button to start repairing your laptop.

    perform smart system repair
  • Click Restart to ensure that the issue is fixed.

    fix no bootable device found dell windows 11 successfully

Method 2. Choose the Correct Boot Device

The common cause of no bootable device found Dell Inspiron 15 Windows 11 is the incorrect boot device. This happens sometimes when you accidentally change boot settings, ending up with an incorrect boot device selected to boot from. When the processor fails to locate the operating system in that device, it throws this error.

However, you can reset the boot sequence as follows:

  • Restart your Dell laptop and press the BIOS key unless the BIOS settings appear.

    Note:

    BIOS key could be F12, F2, or DEL, depending upon the model.

  • Switch to the Boot menu using the arrow keys and check the available boot devices.

  • Ensure that the device with OS is on top. If not, bring it to the top using the '+' or '-' keys.

    choose the correct boot device
  • Save changes and exit BIOS.

Method 3. Perform Startup Repair

The Startup Repair is a Windows built-in utility to fix boot issues. This tool automatically resolves the startup issues by scanning and diagnosing the underlying problems. Please note that you will require Windows Installation Media to apply this fix.

  • Insert Windows Installation Media and restart your computer.

  • Set the bootable device on boot priority through BIOS settings.

  • Choose your language and keyboard preferences and hit Next.

  • Click Repair your computer link.

  • Under Advanced Options, choose Troubleshoot and then Startup Repair.

    choose startup repair
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair and reboot your system normally.

Method 4. Check Disk Status

If Dell Latitude no bootable device found error is still not fixed, your hard disk might be at fault. However, Windows provides you with ways to check the disk status and troubleshoot any problems found (using DISM). To use this method, you will need to access the command prompt.

  • Insert the Windows installation disk and boot your system from it.

  • Choose language preferences and hit Next.

  • Click Repair your computer link and go to Advanced Options.

  • Go to Troubleshoot Advanced Options Command Prompt.

  • Type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth. Hit Enter.

    use dism command cleanup

    This command will scan your disk. If it finds any problems, it will display the error message on the screen.

  • Now, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth. Hit Enter.

    This command will perform advanced scanning.

    use dism command to fix no bootable device found dell
  • Lastly, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Press Enter key.

    This command fixes any issues found in the disk and recreates the damaged system files.

    check disk status with dism command

Method 5. Reinstall Windows System

When you install Windows in Legacy mode, you cannot fix the Dell Optiplex 3060 no bootable device found issue by simply switching to UEFI mode. To access your system, you will need to reinstall Windows System in UEFI mode.

  • Reboot your Dell system and hit the BIOS key (F12, F2 or Del).

  • Go to Boot Sequence, change it to UEFI, and click the Apply button.

    go to boot sequence
  • Under Advanced Boot Options, disable the Enable Legacy ROMs and hit Apply.

    enable legacy roms
  • Go to the Secure Boot option, enable it, and again hit Apply.

    apply the setting
  • Exit the BIOS setup and reinstall Windows normally.

Method 6. Activate the Primary Partition

The primary partition is the place in your hard disk where the boot instructions and operating system are stored. If it is inactive, the system fails to load the OS and shows the "no bootable device found Dell press any key to reboot the machine" error.

You can reset the primary partition to active state by following the steps below:

  • Insert Windows bootable media and boot the PC from it.

  • After choosing the appropriate options, click Next.

  • Access the repair options by clicking Repair your computer link.

  • Click Advanced Options Troubleshoot Advanced Options Command Prompt.

  • Run the following commands individually by pressing Enter after each:

    • Lit disk
    • Select disk 0
    • List partition
    • Select partition 1
    • Active
  • Now, exit the command prompt by running the Exit command and reboot your computer.

Method 7. Fix Corrupted MBR

The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a small tool responsible for keeping track of all the system files on the hard disk. If corrupted or damaged, the system can lose access to the OS and throw Dell Inspiron laptop no boot device found error.

However, you can quickly fix the MBR by running some commands on the command prompt as follows:

  • Use Windows Installation Media to access the repair options.

  • Go to Advanced Options Troubleshoot Advanced Options Command Prompt.

  • Type the following commands one at a time and press Enter:

    • bootrec fixmbr
    • bootrec fixboot
    • bootrec scanos
    • bootrec rebuildbcd
  • Exit the command prompt and reboot your computer to check if it boots normally.

Final Thoughts

Resolving Dell no bootable device found error is a risky task as it can cause serious damage to your data or machine. This article proposes several ways to fix this issue, all being tested and proven. However, we recommend using PassFab FixUWin, a Windows bootup solution, to resolve any startup issues, as it is the safest, quickest, and most reliable.

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