Inaccessible boot device errors in Windows 10 aren't hard to fix. However, you need to know exactly what you need to do before you can get stuck in and solve any errors you find.

So, what exactly causes a boot device error? How do you know if it's affecting you? And what can you do to fix it? Keep reading to find out more.

(Note: Some of these solutions will only work if you can still get occasional access to your PC without it crashing.)

What Is the Inaccessible Boot Device Error?

We've already explained how to fix one of the most common problems: the "critical process died" stop code. Now it's time to look at another issue frequently complained about: how to fix an inaccessible boot drive error.

We all know Windows loves to update itself. Often, it's exciting—especially when a major upgrade rolls around. But your excitement can quickly turn to despair.

The boot device error has a number of possible causes, including BIOS updates and overclocked CPUs. Some users suggest that the problem appears to be more prevalent in computers running an SSD.

Let's take a look at how you can fix the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. Unfortunately, you might need to try several different solutions.

1. Remove Recently-Installed Packages

Windows recovery settings

If you believe an update has caused your problem, you need to work through your recently installed packages and remove them one by one. Hopefully, you will eventually delete the update that's causing the issue.

Note: The following process will restart your machine. Make sure you save any work before continuing.

To begin, open the Settings app and navigate to Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now. After a few moments, a blue screen will pop up. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

Your computer will restart and boot into the Command Prompt app. Once the Command Prompt is on your screen, follow these instructions:

  1. Type dir c: (assuming Windows is installed in the C drive) and press Enter.
  2. Run Dism /Image:c:\ /Get-Packages.
  3. You will see all the packages installed on your system. Use the date field to identify the most recent and make a note of its complete name.
  4. To remove the package, type dism.exe /image:c:\ /remove-package /[package name]. Replace [package name] with the name you noted in the previous step.
  5. Reboot your machine.

If removing the most recent update did not fix your issue and you still see BSODs, repeat the above process with the next most recent update.

2. Remove "Update Pending" Packages

command-prompt-1

Sometimes, Windows updates get stuck in a strange limbo, forever pending and never installing. These pending updates can cause an inaccessible boot device error.

To remove them, you'll once again need to open Command Prompt in the advanced startup options by going to Update and Security > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

When the Command Prompt app is running, run the following three commands. They will delete the SessionsPending registry key. Press Enter after each line:

        reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\nystem32\config\noftware\nreg delete "HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending"/v Exclusive\nreg unload HKLM\temp
    

Next, you need to move any pending updates into their own temporary file. Type dism /image:C:\ /get-packages to get a list of updates. Make a note of any which has the "Install Pending" tag.

Now you need to create a temporary file. Type MKDIR C:\temp\packages and press Enter.

Lastly, move all the pending packages into the temporary file. Type dism /image:c:\ /remove-package /packagename:[package name] /scratchdir:c:\temp\packages and press Enter. Replace [package name] as appropriate.

3. Start Your Computer in Safe Mode

There’s a chance the inaccessible boot error is caused by a third-party app. To test it, you should boot your computer in Safe mode.

If Windows stops showing the error in boot mode, take a look at the list of your installed apps and remove the ones that may cause the issue.

4. Update Your Drivers

Update drivers

If neither of the two fixes we've already discussed manages to solve your problem, there are some other generic troubleshooting steps you can try before heading to your local PC repair shop.

Firstly, try and update your drivers. Faulty drivers can be responsible for any number of ailments on your machine. The problem is more likely to present itself if you are using old drivers. In the case of the inaccessible boot device error, the most common culprit is an IDE ATA/SATA controller driver.

There are two ways to check for updates. Firstly, you could check the manufacturer's website. Secondly, open Device Manager, expand the IDE ATA/SATA controller sub-menu, right-click on Standard SATA AHCI Controller, and select Update Driver.

5. Enable AHCI Mode in the BIOS

Some users have reported that enabling AHCI mode in your system BIOS instantly solves the inaccessible boot drive error.

The BIOS menu can vary considerably between manufacturers, so there's not a one-size-fits-all way of explaining the process.

However, in general terms, you'll need to enter the BIOS during boot (typically by pressing Escape, Delete, or one of the Function keys), head to the Advanced Options menu, find Set AHCI Mode, and change the value to Enabled.

6. Scan for Malware

The inaccessible boot error might be a sign that your system has been infected with malware. Fortunately, Windows has a built-in tool that you can use to check your system for malware. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Navigate to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click Scan now.
Scan Windows for malware

Once Windows completes the scan, it will inform you if it detected any threats. Also, it will provide on-screen instructions to help you remove any malware or virus from your Windows computer.

7. Check for a Corrupted Hard Drive

Corrupted files on your hard drive might be the cause of the error. Thankfully, if they are the root of the issue, it's straightforward to fix.

Firstly, you need to open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do so, press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click on the result and choose Run as administrator.

Within the Command Prompt app, type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter. Wait for the app to process your input, then type Y and press Enter. If you cannot boot Windows, you can also run this command from the recovery console by entering chkdsk /r C: instead.

8. Factory Reset Your Computer

If nothing worked until now, and you still can’t get rid of the inaccessible boot error, you can go nuclear and factory reset your computer. While resetting your computer, you can choose to keep your files. However, you should create a backup in case something goes wrong.

If you decide to try this solution, there are several methods you can try to factory reset your computer.

Other Troubleshooting Solutions

If you still have not managed to fix the inaccessible boot device error, you might feel like it's time to call in a professional.

However, depending on your technical capabilities, there are a couple more things you can try:

  • Open your machine's chassis and check for loose cables.
  • Physically inspect your RAM, motherboard, and hard drive for faults and damage.

Fix Windows 10 Boot Error

Every error regarding BIOS on your Windows computer might be a bit intimidating, especially if you can’t narrow down its cause. Nevertheless, going through the above steps patiently will help you sort it out.

While you might ignore it until you run into problems, you should pay more attention to your computer BIOS and keep it up to date.