How do I fix Boot device not found? my PC passed all the tests in BIOS and I’ve tried resetting it

[R3GUS]

Had a friend come over for 2 days, he didn’t touch it and it wasn’t on the entire time. It’s an HP pavilion gaming desktop. PLEASE help

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @R3GUS 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I’m sorry you’re facing this “Boot device not found” error—it’s unsettling when the PC passes BIOS tests but still refuses to load Windows. You’ve already tried resetting, so let’s go step by step to give the system a chance to recover.

 

Step 1: Confirm BIOS boot order

• Restart the PC and press F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS Setup.
• Go to Storage > Boot Order.
• Ensure your hard drive or SSD is listed first.
• If it’s missing, the system isn’t detecting the drive properly.

 

Step 2: Reseat storage connections

• Power off the desktop and unplug it.
• Open the side panel.
• Carefully disconnect and reconnect the SATA or NVMe drive cables.
• Make sure the drive is firmly seated in its slot.
• Close the panel and power on again.

 

Step 3: Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

• Restart the PC and press F2 repeatedly to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
• Select Component Tests > Hard Drive > Extensive Test.
• This checks for deeper issues beyond the quick BIOS test.

Guide: HP PCs - Testing for hardware failures

 

Step 4: Repair Windows boot files

If the drive is detected but Windows won’t load:

• Create a Windows installation USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on another computer.
• Boot your HP Pavilion from the USB (press Esc > F9 to select boot device).
• Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
• Let Windows attempt to fix boot files automatically.

 

Step 5: Reinstall Windows if needed

If Startup Repair doesn’t work:

• Boot again from the installation USB.
• Choose Install Windows.
• Delete existing partitions and perform a clean installation.

Guide: HP PCs - Performing a Clean Install of Windows

 

Why this helps

• Checking boot order ensures BIOS points to the right drive.
• Reseating cables rules out loose connections.
• Diagnostics confirm drive health.
• Startup Repair or reinstall restores missing boot files.

Once the drive is properly detected and Windows boot files are repaired, your Pavilion should start normally again.

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Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye