[FIXED] How to Fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Stop Code Error in Windows 10/11?

Struggling with the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error in Windows 10 or 11? Our guide offers simple, effective fixes to get your system up and running.

One of the most common errors experienced by Windows 10/11 users is the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error. It is a typical blue screen of death (BSOD) error with the code 0x0000007b, which frequently shows up during Windows startup and happens after a Windows upgrade, Windows 10 Anniversary update, or Windows reset.

The Windows INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error often stops computers from booting correctly. It tells users that their PC ran into a problem and restarting is necessary to address the error. It also says Windows is collecting some error info and will restart after it’s finished.

The Windows Stop Code INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE: What Is It?

Windows typically updates itself automatically, which is especially exciting when a new update is rolled out. However, this auto update is liable to introduce a huge problem. Imagine eagerly waiting for Windows to reboot itself after an update, only to see the error code 0x0000007b on your screen.

Then, after a few moments, your PC restarts, and this cycle continues all over again. Just picture that scene and imagine how it feels. Well, this error message implies that Windows couldn’t access the system partition while attempting to start up, forcing Windows to restart all over again.

By the way, several Windows users have reported the prevalence of this error message on computers running an SSD. But still, what are the causes of the BSOD INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error?

Causes of the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE BSOD in Windows 10/11

The blue screen INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error refers to a message that occurs when the Windows operating system fails to access the system partition while trying to start up.

Windows may not access the system partition due to the following issues:

• Corrupted, outdated, or inaccurately configured drivers;
• Hardware conflicts resulting from system updates or changes;
• A damaged hard disk;
• Malware;
• Invalid or damaged BCD (Boot Configuration Data);
• Other causes.

Besides causing the Windows INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error, the problems highlighted above may result in other system malfunctions, including the “MSVCP110.dll missing” error, “VIDEO DXGKRNL FATAL ERROR,” “INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR,” the “Reboot and Select proper Boot device” error, and much more. It’s important to fix the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE blue screen to prevent the possibility of a more severe system malfunction in the future.

How to Fix the Windows BSOD INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE

There are several solutions on how to troubleshoot the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error in Windows 10 and 11. You don’t need to use all of them; start with the first one and check if the error is resolved. If not, head on to the next one. So, here’s how to fix the Windows blue screen INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE:

Solution 1: Uninstall the recently installed packages

Recently installed packages can be the reason for the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error in Windows 10/11. If Windows Update is set to install packages automatically, it will do so without letting you know. You can remove these packages if you suspect they may be causing this problem.

If you uninstall these updates one by one, you will eventually delete the package causing the issue. Since it’s not possible to boot Windows normally when this error occurs, you’re recommended to uninstall the packages by going to Startup Repair and using the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command.

This process restarts your computer. Make sure all work has been saved before you continue.

Steps to follow:

• Ensure your computer is completely off.
• Press your PC’s power button to turn it on, and then hold down the power button for 5 seconds until it automatically shuts down. Repeat this process more than two times until the Preparing Automatic Repair screen appears.

Also read: How to Fix Windows 10/11 Automatic Repair Loop

This step aims at bringing up the Preparing Automatic Repair screen. If Windows cannot boot correctly, this screen pops up, and Windows tries to fix the issue by itself. You can skip this step if this screen appears the first time you power up your computer.

Also read: Help! What to Do if Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC

1. Wait for the Windows diagnostics to complete.
2. Click Troubleshoot on the Windows Recovery Environment screen.
3. Choose Advanced options on the Troubleshoot screen.
4. Select Command Prompt.

Your PC should restart and boot itself into the Command Prompt. When the Command Prompt has appeared on your screen, follow the instructions below:

• First, input the DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RevertPendingActions command (if you have Windows installed in the drive C) and tap Enter.

Try to boot normally. If it didn’t help, you need to remove the packages manually:

• Run the DISM /Image:C:\ /Get-Packages command.

• A list of packages installed on the system appears. You can use the date field to determine the most recent package. Make sure to jot down the package name.
• To uninstall a package, enter the DISM /Image:C:\ /Remove-Package /PackageName:[package name] command.

“Package name” here is the name of the package that you jotted down in the preceding step.

• Reboot your computer after uninstalling the packages. Then, check to verify whether the error has been successfully resolved.

If the error persists after uninstalling recent updates, you are recommended to remove another recently updated package using the same process. Alternatively, you can use an entirely new solution to fix this blue screen hitch.

Also read: How to Open and Read .DMP Files After a BSOD?

Solution 2: Update your drivers

Drivers are special tools that allow your hardware to operate within Windows correctly. However, outdated or incompatible drivers can create all sorts of troubles, including the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE Windows 10/11 error. You’re highly advised to update your drivers to fix these types of errors.

To update a faulty driver, visit your hardware manufacturer’s official website and find and download the latest drivers. Often, controller drivers like IDE ATA/SATA can cause this boot device problem. So, downloading and installing the latest version of your drivers can fix the error once and for all.

Solution 3: Enable the AHCI mode in the BIOS

Many users have reported the possibility of fixing this boot device problem by enabling the AHCI mode in the BIOS. The BIOS menu can vary significantly between manufacturers. Your best bet is to check your motherboard manual for instructions.

In general terms, however, the process involves entering the BIOS during bootup by pressing either the Delete key, Esc key, or Function keys. When you’re in the BIOS interface, look for the System or Hardware Configuration menu. Locate the AHCI or SATA Mode option. Switch the AHCI Mode value to Enabled or set SATA Mode to AHCI.

Solution 4: Get rid of update pending packages

The Windows operating system can sometimes get entangled in limbo due to pending updates. Packages that are pending forever and not installing can lead to this INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE blue screen error. It’s important to remove them to allow Windows to run properly.

Follow the procedure below to remove those update pending packages:

• If your computer is running Windows 10, then go to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery.
• Choose Restart now under Advanced startup.

• If you’re a Windows 11 user, go to Settings > System > Recovery.
• Click Restart now next to Advanced startup.
• Click Troubleshoot on the Windows Recovery Environment screen.
• Choose Advanced options on the Troubleshoot screen.
• Select Command Prompt.

Run the following commands as soon as the Command Prompt application has started running. These three commands will remove the Sessions Pending registry key. Don’t forget to hit the Enter button after each line.

reg load HKLM\temp C:\windows\system32\config\software

reg delete HKLM\temp\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Component Based Server

reg unload HKLM\temp

• Create a temporary folder by typing MKDIR C:\temp\Packages. Press the Enter button when complete.
• Next, you need to get a list of updates. To do that, type DISM /Image:C:\ /Get-Packages and jot down any package with the Install Pending tag.

• Finally, type DISM /Image:C:\ /Remove-Package /PackageName:[package name] /scratchdir:C:\temp\Packages. Then, press Enter. Don’t forget to replace [package name] with the appropriate package name.

Solution 5: Check and fix all corrupted hard drive files

If you have corrupted files on your computer’s hard drive, they can trigger the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error. Gladly, fixing corrupted files on a hard drive is not that hard; it is a straightforward process that you can easily go through by yourself.

Also read: How to Run Hard Drive Diagnostics on Windows PC?

So, if you believe that corrupted files are causing this problem, you can fix that by using the Command Prompt. Note that you must be an administrator to perform this task. Here’s how:

• Press the Windows button and type cmd in the search field.
• When the result is displayed, select Run as administrator.

• Next, type chkdsk /F /R and hit Enter. Give the application a few moments to process your input and display the output.

• Then, type “Y” and press Enter. 
• If Windows is not bootable, you can launch the Command Prompt from the Recovery Environment and run the command by typing chkdsk C: /r.

One more thing you need to try is to rebuild the BCD. Here’s how:

• In the Command Prompt, run the following commands (don’t forget to hit Enter after each):
  
  

  bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd
  bootrec.exe /fixmbr
  bootrec.exe /fixboot

   

• Reboot and check if the error is fixed.

Solution 6: Run DISM and SFC scans

The DISM and System File Checker (SFC) tools allow you to repair the Windows image and fix damaged system files. So if there’s a chance that it is the image or the damaged files that triggered the blue screen INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error, it won’t hurt to run the scan.

Here’s how:

• Get to the Command Prompt using the tips from the previous solutions.
• Type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and hit Enter.
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• Next, type “sfc /scannow” and tap Enter.
• Stay patient and let the scan finish, then reboot the PC and check if it helped.

Solution 7: Perform a malware scan

The number of malware attacks worldwide is quite impressive, meaning that the Internet is swarming with all sorts of harmful things waiting for the moment to get access to your system and wreak havoc on your PC. Malware can also cause BSODs, hence the importance of scanning your computer regularly.

Also read: [EXPLAINED] Does Windows 10 Need Antivirus?

Solution 8: Perform a system restore

If the Windows INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error occurred after a recent change or update, try performing a system restore to revert to a previous state.

Make sure to back up any important files before you go with the system restore. Once you’ve backed them up, here’s what you need to do:

• Open the Start menu.
• In the search field, type “Restore” and choose Create a restore point from the results.
• In the System Properties dialog box, click on the System Protection tab.
• Click on the System Restore button.
• In the System Restore dialog box, select the restore point you wish to use, and then click Next.
• Confirm the restore point and click Finish.
• Click Yes to confirm that you want to restore the system.
• Wait for the system restore process to complete. This may take a few minutes.
• After the restore process is done, the computer will restart automatically.

After the PC restarts, check whether the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error is fixed.

Solution 9: Reinstall Windows

If none of the solutions above worked, your last resort is to reinstall Windows using the Media Creation Tool.

The Stop Code INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE: Fixed

With Windows dominating the OS market, no wonder people are constantly seeking ways to get rid of all those Windows’ BSODs and other issues. The INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE Windows 10/11 error may seem like a tough nut to crack, but many Windows users report that solving this issue is not an uphill task.

The methods outlined above have been proven to be useful when it comes to fixing the INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE blue screen error in Windows 10/11. There is no doubt that one of these solutions will work for you. 

What is more, most of these tips can be used to get rid of another common problem: the Windows stop code CRITICAL PROCESS DIED. Just give them a try and tell us your opinion in the comments section below.

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