[FIXED] How to Fix “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error for Windows 10/11

Despite what the error message says, deciding to actually reboot and select the proper boot device on a Windows 10/11 PC may not directly resolve the problem.

Boot device errors can be the most time-wasting errors that Windows users can encounter. This is because these errors are triggered by the smallest things, such as corrupted system files or even outdated drivers. But these errors could prevent you from accessing your Windows as you are stuck on the login page or just before.

Fixing the “boot device not found” and other similar errors is not a difficult process. With a sufficient grasp of what boot devices are, you can easily resolve the issues associated with them.

But if you follow through with the instructions in this article, 10 times out of 10, you will be able to repair your PC and fix the problem with boot devices.

What Is a Boot Device

A boot device is an actual device that contains the information (boot files) that a computer needs before it can launch an OS for your use. With the distinct operational characteristics of this piece of hardware and the software associated with it, boot devices are special. There is no alternative for them on Windows, Mac, or any other existing OS.

With boot files stored on a boot device, your computer can initiate a sequence that enables it to start and run effectively.

Each of the cited bootable devices has its own characteristics. For example, even though HDD and SSD drives fall under the hard drive category, the “boot device not found” and “reboot and select proper boot device” errors are more frequently associated with HDDs. That tells you that one way to permanently fix boot device issues is to swap your HDD for an SSD. But the latter is more expensive and not without its own batch of issues.

Related: SSD vs. HDD: What’s the Difference and What to Choose

Now that you know what boot devices are, let’s find out the possible causes of the error you’ve run into.

What Can Cause “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” on Windows 10/11 and Earlier Versions

The error message can show up due to various reasons. Moreover, these reasons may vary from OS to OS. For instance, Secure Boot (disabling which can potentially resolve the error) was implemented by default starting from Windows 8, so it’s less likely to be the culprit if your PC is running an earlier Windows version. 

Here’s the list of the most common reasons for the missing bootable drive error :

• Incorrect BIOS settings: The device you want to boot from may not be set as a primary boot device in your BIOS.
• A loose connection or a faulty drive: Your HDD cable may be loose or your boot device may be failing.
• An outdated BIOS: An outdated BIOS version might not support newer hardware configurations.
• Corrupted boot files: The boot files your OS needs to start may be corrupted.
• UEFI and Secure Boot conflicts: Modern systems using UEFI with Secure Boot enabled might encounter this error if the bootloader isn’t properly signed.
• Fast Startup issues: The Fast Startup feature might cause boot conflicts, especially after a power outage or improper shutdown.
• Software corruption: Windows updates or software installations can sometimes lead to corrupted boot records, causing this error.

How to Fix “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” on Windows 11/10/8/7/XP

If Windows prompts you to reboot and select the proper boot device or insert boot media in the selected boot device and press a key, sometimes you really need just to perform these actions, and the problem would be fixed. Other times, you need to be a bit more technical.

Here are some reliable ways you can try to fix this boot error and get your Windows to start.

Fix 1: Check and adjust the boot order and sequence in the BIOS

Whether it is the “reboot and select proper boot device” or “insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key” error message, an incorrect boot order or sequence may be to blame. As long as you fix this boot order in the BIOS and get Windows to recognize bootable devices in the right order, the issues should be fixed. This fix will work for all Windows OS versions.

To check and adjust the boot order in the BIOS, follow the subsequent suggestions:

• Restart your computer.
• Keep pressing the function key on your keyboard that enables Windows to initiate the BIOS menu. The correct function key depends on the model of your computer. But the main options are the F2, F8, F10, F12, Esc, or Delete keys.
• Navigate to the Boot tab.

• Adjust the boot order so that the drive with your OS comes first.
• Close the BIOS page after saving the changes (usually by pressing F10).

After this, your computer would restart, and you should no longer see the “reboot and select proper boot device” error message.

Fix 2: Check and reconnect your drive’s cable

Checking and reconnecting your drive’s cable is one of the easiest ways to get out of the error messages. This method will work if your HDD or other boot device’s cable got loose or popped out of the socket.

Here are the steps to take:

• Power off your PC.
• If you’re using an external boot device, unplug the cable from the PC and the drive, then plug it back in.
• If you’re trying to boot from the internal drive, you need to open the computer case and physically check if the drive is connected properly and reconnect it if needed.

Power on the PC and check if you’re still getting the “reboot and select proper boot device” error message.

Fix 3: Run the diagnostics to test your hardware

If the boot problems is as a result of hardware issues, having diagnostic tools on hand can help fix it.

Fix 4: Update the BIOS or firmware

The BIOS is the software engine that helps you start and run your Windows OS. But it can also become outdated, leaving you with boot issues. If you are certain that your BIOS is outdated, all you would need to do when faced with these messages is update it.

Updating the BIOS requires you to do the following:

• Check your BIOS version by typing “msinfo32” into the Windows Run program (Windows key + R key) and clicking Enter.

• If the version is outdated, get the latest BIOS version from your computer manufacturer by visiting the website and downloading the BIOS driver files.
• Once you install the update, restart your computer.

With the BIOS updated, you should no longer see any boot-related error messages.

Fix 5: Temporarily disable Secure Boot

If the bootloader, for some reason, is not properly signed, disabling Secure Boot can help you bypass “reboot and select proper boot device” on Windows 11, 10, and 8. Yes, this fix is not for all and will only work for later OS versions (however, Microsoft seems to support Secure Boot on Windows 7 systems since 2022 as well).

Here’s how you can disable Secure Boot:

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Navigate to the Boot or Security tab.
• Find the Secure Boot option and set it to Disabled.

• Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

Fix 6: Disable Fast Startup

In simple words, the Fast Startup feature allows your PC to load the OS faster by putting it into hibernation mode instead of shutting it down fully.

Although Fast Startup is not that common to trigger missing bootable drive error, it’s still worth a shot. The feature was first introduced in Windows 8, so the fix will suit those who’re running this or an older OS version.

Follow these steps:

• Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
• Click on Choose what the power buttons does.
• Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Scroll down to Shutdown settings and uncheck Turn on fast startup.

• Click Save changes and restart your computer.

Fix 7: Repair boot files

For this fix, you’ll need a Windows installation media to boot from. But it’s definitely worth a shot since it can not only fix the missing bootable drive error on Windows 10 and 11, but on Windows XP, 7, and 8 as well.

Here’s how to do it:

• Boot from your Windows installation media.
• Choose your language settings, and click Next.
• Click Repair your computer.
• Select Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
• Type these commands one-by-one, pressing Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

• Restart your computer and see if the issue is resolved.

Fix 8: Run Automatic Repair

This fix also requires the installation media, and it’ll help you fix the invalid boot device error on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. However, if you’re running Windows XP, don’t worry; it has its own repair tool.

To run Automatic Repair:

• Insert your Windows installation media and restart your computer.
• Press any key when prompted to boot from the installation media.
• Select your language preferences and click Next.
• Click on Repair your computer.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

• Select your Windows installation and let the tool attempt to fix the issue.

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

Fix 9: Activate the inactive partition

An inactive partition might cause the “reboot and select proper boot device” error because the system cannot find a bootable drive.

Follow these steps:

• Boot from Windows installation media and access the Command Prompt.
• Type “diskpart” and press Enter.
• List all partitions by typing “list partition.”
• Select the partition you wish to activate by typing “select partition X” (replace X with the partition number).

• Exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Fix 10: Reinstall the operating system

The last thing you can do to fix the error (and most of the others) is to reinstall your Windows OS. You should only do this when repairing or refreshing the OS does not work.

The “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error: Fixed

As you can see, fixing booting errors like “reboot and select proper boot device” or “insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key” in Windows can be easy (but not always). To prevent these problems from cropping up in the future, make sure to run hardware and software diagnostic tests frequently. You can also use the Auslogics Essential Tools software pack to keep your computer healthy.

Which fix has worked for you? Let us know in the comments!

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