Getting error - Boot Device Not Found - Hard Disk (3F0)

[VenkatBV]

I’m encountering the following error when attempting to start my HP Envy x360 laptop. The device was functioning properly until about a week ago. I’ve tried various troubleshooting steps recommended on the HP support pages, including:

1. Running hardware diagnostics for the hard drive and memory using F2 – both tests passed

2. Resetting the BIOS to default settings using F10

3. Attempting to reinstall Windows through the Windows Recovery Environment using F11

I also followed several BIOS-related troubleshooting steps from YouTube tutorials, but none have resolved the issue. The laptop continues to display the same error:

---

Boot Device Not Found
Please install an operating system on your hard disk.
Hard Disk (3F0)

F2 System Diagnostics
For more information, please visit: information, please visit: https://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/startup

[Max3Aj]

@VenkatBV, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

I understand how frustrating it can be to encounter the Boot Device Not Found (3F0) error, especially after trying several troubleshooting steps. You've already done a great job with initial diagnostics. Let's go a bit deeper to isolate and resolve the issue.

The 3F0 error typically indicates that the system is unable to detect a bootable hard drive or the boot sector is corrupted. Since your hardware diagnostics passed, the drive is likely physically intact, but the system may not be recognizing it as a bootable device.

Recommended Steps to Resolve

Check BIOS for Drive Detection

Let’s confirm if the BIOS is detecting the hard drive:

• Power off the laptop.
• Press Esc repeatedly, then F10 to enter BIOS.
• Navigate to System Information or Storage.
• Check if the hard drive is listed.

If the drive is not listed, it may be a loose connection or hardware failure. In that case, reseating or replacing the drive may be necessary.

Use HP Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI) – Full Test

Even though quick tests passed, try a full hard drive test:

• Turn off the laptop.
• Press Esc, then F2 to enter HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
• Select Component Tests > Hard Drive > Extensive Test.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

If the drive is detected but not booting, the boot sector may be corrupted. You can try rebuilding it:

1. Create a Windows 11 installation USB using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
2. Boot from the USB (press Esc > F9 > select USB).
3. Choose Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
4. Run the following commands one by one:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Restart the laptop.

Reset BIOS and Disable Secure Boot (if needed)

Sometimes Secure Boot interferes with booting:

• Enter BIOS (Esc > F10).
• Go to Security > Secure Boot Configuration.
• Disable Secure Boot.
• Save and exit.

Consider Reinstalling Windows

If none of the above works and the drive is detected, a clean reinstall of Windows may be necessary:

• Boot from the Windows 11 USB.
• Choose Install Now > Custom Install.
• Delete all partitions on the internal drive and install Windows on Unallocated Space.

This will erase all data on the drive. If you need to recover data, consider removing the drive and connecting it to another PC via SATA-to-USB adapter.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support