Inaccessible boot device

[altun77]

For months, when I booted my HP Pavilion 15 running Windows 11, the Restart Options screen used to appear, allowing me to access options like Troubleshoot. Now, however, when I start the computer, it displays an “Inaccessible Boot Device” message and keeps restarting continuously. I’ve tried every method. The only solution I found online was to enter the BIOS, go to the Advanced tab, and change the SATA setting to AHCI mode. However, when I access the BIOS on my HP Pavilion 15, the Advanced option does not appear. I need a definitive solution—please help, my computer is in bad shape. It only shows the “Inaccessible Boot Device” blue screen and continuously restarts. There’s nothing else I can do.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

@altun77,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

The “Inaccessible Boot Device” error usually means Windows is unable to access the storage drive due to a corrupted boot sector, missing drivers, or changes in the disk controller settings. Since your HP Pavilion 15 BIOS does not have an Advanced tab with SATA mode settings, here are a few alternative solutions.

Try Safe Mode

If your PC restarts continuously, you may need to force Windows into recovery mode:

1. Turn off your laptop completely.
2. Turn it on and as soon as you see the HP logo, hold down the power button to force a shutdown.
3. Repeat this 3–4 times until the system enters the Recovery Environment.
4. Once in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
   • Go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • Select Enable Safe Mode (or Safe Mode with Networking).

If Safe Mode works, try running System Restore or uninstalling recent updates from:

• Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates.

Use Command Prompt to Repair Boot

If Safe Mode doesn’t work:

1. Boot into WinRE as described above.
2. Navigate to Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
3. Run these commands one by one:
   bootrec /fixmbr
   bootrec /fixboot
   bootrec /scanos
   bootrec /rebuildbcd
4. Restart your PC and see if it boots normally.

Check and Repair Disk Errors

If bootrec commands don’t fix it, try scanning and repairing the disk:

1. Boot into Command Prompt (via WinRE).
2. Type: chkdsk /f /r C:
   (Replace C: with your actual system drive letter if needed.)
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Some updates cause boot issues. If you can access Advanced Options, try:

• Uninstall Quality Updates: This removes recent patches.
• Uninstall Feature Updates: This removes major Windows upgrades.

Check Storage Controller Drivers

If the problem started after a Windows Update, the storage drivers may be corrupted.

1. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (if possible).
2. Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
3. Expand IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers or Storage controllers.
4. Right-click each entry and select Uninstall.
5. Restart your PC—Windows should reinstall default drivers.

Last Resort – Reinstall Windows

If nothing works, you may need to reinstall Windows:

1. Create a bootable USB using another PC and the Windows Media Creation Tool.
2. Boot your HP Pavilion 15 from the USB (press F9 at startup to select boot device).
3. Choose Repair Your Computer first—if that fails, proceed with a clean install.

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. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

[altun77]

I tried this method (3-4 times shut down),but safe trmode doesn’t opens,in my computer windows doesn’t works i think,my computer keep restarting and saying Inaccessible boot device.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @altun77,

Since your HP Pavilion 15 is stuck in a boot loop with the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error and Safe Mode isn't opening, try these alternative solutions:

Force Boot into Recovery Mode

Since your PC isn’t entering recovery mode with the usual forced shutdown method, try booting from a Windows 11 Recovery USB:

Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB (using another PC)

Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

Create a bootable USB drive.

Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the USB into your HP Pavilion 15.

Turn on the laptop and press F9 repeatedly to open the Boot Menu.

Select your USB Drive and press Enter.

Access Advanced Startup Options

When the Windows Setup screen appears, click Repair your computer (bottom left).

Go to Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Run Boot Repair Commands

If you successfully access Command Prompt through recovery mode, try these:

Type each command and press Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Restart your PC and check if it boots properly.

Check and Repair Disk Errors

If the above doesn't work, try scanning and repairing disk errors:

In Command Prompt, type: chkdsk /f /r C:

(Replace C: with your actual Windows drive letter if needed.)

Let the scan complete and restart.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

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Best regards,