How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10

Are you experiencing the inaccessible boot device error on your Windows 10 device? We’re here to help. In this article, you’ll learn how to fix your boot device and get access to your computer by reading our guide.

Note: Errors related to your boot device can be devastating and scary to experience. Don’t worry — we’ve already explained how to solve critical Windows 10 problems such as Windows update database errors.

What is the Inaccessible Boot Device Error and what causes it?
What is a “Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)” Error?
Method 1. Remove recently installed packages
Method 2. Update your drivers
Method 3. Run the Blue Screen troubleshooter
Method 4. Remove “Update Pending” packages
Method 5. Run the System File Checker and DISM scan
Method 6. Enable AHCI Mode in the BIOS
Final thoughts

What is the Inaccessible Boot Device Error and what causes it?

Put, the “Inaccessible Boot Device” error means that Windows 10 cannot access the system partition during the startup process, causing it not to boot properly.

A number of things can cause this BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) error. The most common perpetrators are:

BIOS updates,
Windows 10 system updates, and,
SSD errors.

No matter the origin of your problem, you will get the same error message and the BSOD.

You can use the solutions below to solve the problem and fix your computer.

Warning: Some methods below may only work if you can access your computer without crashing. If your device is completely unable to boot, we recommend getting in touch with Microsoft’s customer service team.

What is a “Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)” Error?

You may get a “blue screen” error when your system suffers a fatal error. Nicknamed the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error. It’s a relatively common issue that immediately stops your system, and forces it to reboot.

The BSOD is always an unpredictable error that stops your computer’s functionality and access.

Most blue screen errors are associated with system-related issues that cause Windows to receive a “STOP” error, leading to a system crash. In many cases, this happens without a warning, leading to loss of work and files. occasionally, BSOD can get files corrupted.

The old version of Blue Screen of Death, from NeoSmart Knowledgebase

In older versions of Windows, the BSoD appeared unfriendly, displaying a screen of text and technical information. However, in recent versions the error displays in a more comprehensible error screen, making it simpler to identify what error you ran into.

Solved: Inaccessible Boot Device Error on Windows 10

Use the following solutions to solve the inaccessible boot device error on Windows 10.

Method 1. Remove recently installed packages

If you recently installed a Windows 10 update, it’s very possible that the said update caused the Inaccessible Boot Device error. Luckily, removing this update is an easy process if you follow our step-by-step guide.

First, enter Advanced Startup mode by following the steps below:
1. Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
2. Click on the Update & Security tile, and then switch to the Recovery tab. Look for the Advanced startup header, and click in the Restart now button underneath it.
Once your computer boots up again, you’ll be redirected to a blue screen with a menu. Here, navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt.
Type in dir c: and press Enter to execute the command.
- Our steps assume Windows 10 is installed in the C: drive. If not, replace the drive letter with the appropriate drive Windows 10 is installed on. Continue replacing “c:” with this drive letter in the next steps.
Next, type in and execute the Dism /Image:c:\ /Get-Packages command.
A list of all packages installed on your device should load. Here, look for the latest package installed on your device and note down its full name.
Type in and execute the dism.exe /image:c:\ /remove-package /package command. Make sure to replace “package” with the full package name you noted in the previous step.
Restart your computer and see if the boot device error is still present after removing the latest package.

If the issue persists, we recommend trying the same method above and removing the second latest package you installed on your computer. If both package removals were unsuccessful at restoring your boot device, try a different solution.

Method 2. Update your drivers

In some cases, the inaccessible boot device error may show up on your device due to outdated IDE ATA/SATA controller drivers. Updating these drivers will fix the issue and get rid of the blue screen. Follow these steps:

Press the Windows + X keys to open Windows Quick access menu.
Choose Device Manager from the context menu.
Expand the IDE ATA/SATA controller section. Here, simply double-click on the Standard SATA AHCI Controller listing.
Switch to the Driver tab, and then click on the Update Driver button.
Select the method of updating your driver. You can either let Windows 10 search for a driver automatically or manually locate a new driver file already on your computer.
Wait for the driver installation to complete. We recommend restarting your computer in order to finalize the changes created by the new driver. Now, you should test if the inaccessible boot device error is still present.

A driver update is only a quick fix for the inaccessible boot device issue. If this method doesn’t work for you, proceed to the next solution!

Method 3. Run the Blue Screen troubleshooter

BSOD errors have been present in Windows systems since the very beginning. What used to be a scary and often devastating issue can now be solved by running a simple blue screen troubleshooter built into Windows 10.

While the troubleshooter may not be able to restore the files and progress you lost due to the inaccessible boot device error, it may help prevent another crash.

Press the Window Key to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings. Alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
Click on the Update & Security tile. This is where you can find most of your built-in troubleshooters.
Switch to the Troubleshoot tab using the left-side pane. Here, you should be able to see a troubleshooter titled Blue Screen.
If you don’t share full diagnostic data with Microsoft, click on the Additional troubleshooters link and locate the Blue Screen troubleshooter there.
Click on the Run the troubleshooter button.

Wait for the troubleshooter to identify the issue and apply any possible fixes. Please note that your device may shut down and restart during this process. When it’s finished, see if you’re able to access your boot device.

Method 4. Remove “Update Pending” packages

In rare cases, Windows 10 packages get stuck in a pending state and cause all sorts of issues on your device, including the inaccessible boot device error. The steps below show you how to efficiently remove these pending updates and successfully install them on your device to fix boot errors.

First, enter Advanced Startup mode by following the steps below:
- Click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of your screen to bring up the Start menu. Choose Settings, or alternatively use the Windows + I shortcut.
- Click on the Update & Security tile, and then switch to the Recovery tab. Look for the Advanced startup header, and click on the Restart now button underneath it.
Once your computer boots up again, you’ll be redirected to a blue screen with a menu. Here, navigate to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Command Prompt.
You’ll need to run a series of commands to delete the SessionsPending key in your Registry. Our steps assume Windows 10 is installed in the C: drive. If not, replace the drive letter with the appropriate drive Windows 10 is installed on.
Press the Enter key on your keyboard after each line:
reg load hklm\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software
reg delete "HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending" /v Exclusive
reg unload HKLM\temp
Next, we’ll move all pending updates to their own temporary file. First, run the following command: dism.exe /image:c:\ /Get-Packages
Note down every package that has the "Install Pending" tag. You’ll need to move these packages.
Run the following command to create a temporary directory: MKDIR C:\temp\packages
Now, we’ll move all of the pending packages into this temporary folder with the help of a command. Replace “package” with a package name you noted down and execute the following command for all pending packages:
dism /image:c:\ /remove-package /packagename: package /scratchdir:c:\temp\packages
After all packages have been moved to the temporary folder, restart your computer and check if the inaccessible boot device error is still present.

Method 5. Run the System File Checker and DISM scan

The System File Checker is a tool available in most versions of Windows by default. It’s also called an “SFC scan,” and it’s your quickest way to automatically fix corrupted system files and a plethora of other issues.

Alongside it, we recommend running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. This effectively re-deploys your system image in order to fix issues directly related to it. Instructions to run both of these commands can be found below:

Open the Command Prompt in one of the following ways:
1. Open the Search function in your taskbar, or alternatively use the Ctrl + S keyboard shortcut to bring up the search bar and look up “Command Prompt”. When you see it in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator.
2. Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to bring up the Run utility. Type in “cmd” and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys on your keyboard. By doing so, you’re launching the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.
3. Press the Windows + X keyboard shortcut, then select Command Prompt (Admin).
When prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the app to launch with administrative permissions.
- Also Read: Check out our How to make a local user an administrator in Windows 10 guide.
First, we’ll run the System File Checker. Type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: sfc /scannow
Wait for the SFC scan to finish scanning your computer and repairing corrupt files. This may take a long time; ensure that you don’t close the Command Prompt or shut your computer down.
Next, type in and execute the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your device after both of the scans are complete. You should be able to tell if the inaccessible boot device error has been resolved.

Method 6. Enable AHCI Mode in the BIOS

Unfortunately, the process of accessing and navigating your BIOS differs based on the motherboard installed in your computer. Based on user reports, it’s possible that finding and enabling AHCI mode in your BIOS could fix the inaccessible boot device error on Windows 10.

For detailed instructions, we recommend looking up the manufacturer’s website.

Final thoughts

If you need any further help with Windows, don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team, available 24/7 to assist you. Return to us for more informative articles all related to productivity and modern-day technology!

Would you like to receive promotions, deals, and discounts to get our products for the best price? Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter by entering your email address below! Receive the latest technology news in your inbox and be the first to read our tips to become more productive.

Find anything you need