Windows 11 Inaccessible Boot Device: Causes, Fixes, and Data Recovery

What is the Windows 11 Inaccessible Boot Device Error

This error occurs when Windows 11 cannot access the drive that contains its system files during startup. Windows knows where it is installed, but it cannot communicate with the boot device due to driver issues, incorrect BIOS settings, corrupted system files, or disk errors.

Think of it as Windows standing in front of a locked door with the wrong key.

How the Error Appears in Windows 11

Most users encounter this error as a blue screen displaying the stop code INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE. After that, the system restarts automatically and often enters a continuous repair loop. In many cases, Windows never reaches the login screen.

Why Inaccessible Boot Device Happens in Windows 11

Understanding the cause helps you fix the issue faster instead of guessing.

Storage Driver Problems

Windows relies on storage drivers to read data from your hard drive or SSD. If these drivers are missing, corrupted, or incompatible after a Windows update, the system cannot access the boot partition.

Incorrect BIOS or UEFI Settings

Changing SATA mode, enabling RAID, or resetting BIOS settings can break the connection between Windows and the boot drive. Windows expects specific configurations that match how it was installed.

Failed or Interrupted Windows Updates

A forced shutdown or power loss during a Windows 11 update can corrupt boot files and drivers, causing startup failure.

Disk Errors and File System Corruption

Bad sectors, improper shutdowns, or aging drives can damage the file system, preventing Windows from loading critical components.

Hardware Changes or Drive Failure

Installing a new SSD, replacing a motherboard, or using a failing drive can also trigger this error.

Important Things to Do Before Fixing the Error

The first thing is to do the following approaches.

1. Disconnect External Devices

Unplug all external devices such as USB drives, external hard disks, printers, and docking stations. Restart the PC and check if Windows boots normally.

2. Back Up Important Data If Possible

If Windows will not boot at all, consider recovering files via a professional data recovery tool before applying advanced fixes. This is especially important if the system contains work documents or personal data.

How to Fix Windows 11 Inaccessible Boot Device

Now, let’s walk you through clear and step-by-step solutions to fix it safely.

Method 1: Boot Windows 11 into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with only essential drivers and services, making it easier to identify what is causing the boot failure.

Steps to Enter Safe Mode from Recovery

1. Turn on the PC and interrupt startup three times to force Windows Recovery Environment to appear.

2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. Click Restart.

3. Then press 4 to enter Safe Mode.

If Windows boots successfully, uninstall recently installed updates, update storage drivers, or remove recently added software that may have caused the issue.

Method 2: Run Windows 11 Startup Repair

Startup Repair scans your system for boot-related problems and fixes them automatically.

Step-by-Step Startup Repair Guide

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment.

2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

3. Select your Windows account.

4. Wait for the repair process to finish.

5. Restart your PC.

Method 3: Fix Inaccessible Boot Device by Updating or Rolling Back Drivers

Driver problems are one of the most common causes of this error.

How to Update Storage Drivers

1. Boot into Safe Mode.

2. Right-click the Start menu and open Device Manager.

3. Expand Storage controllers.

4. Right-click the storage driver.

5. Select Update driver.

6. Restart the system after updating.

How to Roll Back Problematic Drivers

If the error appeared after a driver update:

1. Open Device Manager.

2. Right-click the storage driver.

3. Select Properties.

4. Go to the Driver tab.

5. Click Roll Back Driver.

Method 4: Repair Disk Errors Using CHKDSK

Disk errors can prevent Windows from reading the boot partition.

Exact Steps to Run CHKDSK

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment.

2. Select Advanced options.

3. Open Command Prompt.

4. Type chkdsk C: /f /r.

5. Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete

This command fixes file system errors and attempts to recover readable data from bad sectors.

Method 5: Repair System Files with SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can completely block the startup process.

Step-by-Step Commands

1. Open Command Prompt from Advanced options.

2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for completion.

3. After that, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

4. Restart the system.

Method 6: Uninstall Recent Windows 11 Updates

If the error started after an update, removing it may instantly fix the issue.

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment

2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.

3. Remove the latest quality or feature update

Method 7: Change BIOS or UEFI Boot Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings often cause this error.

Correct SATA Mode Settings

1. Restart the PC and enter BIOS or UEFI.

2. Locate storage or SATA configuration.

3. Ensure the mode matches the original installation, usually AHCI.

4. Save changes and exit.

Method 8: Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Files

If all else fails, resetting Windows can restore functionality.

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment.

2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

3. Choose Keep my files.

4. Follow on-screen instructions

Recover Lost Data from Inaccessible Boot Device Using MyRecover

If Windows will not boot and you are worried about losing important data, file recovery should be done before resetting or reinstalling Windows. MyRecover supports recovery from unbootable Windows systems, corrupted system drives, and deleted partitions while keeping your original data intact.

How to Recover Data with MyRecover

1. Install MyRecover on a working computer.

2. Create bootable recovery media or connect the affected drive externally.

3. Launch MyRecover and select the inaccessible drive.

4. Perform a full scan.

5. Preview and recover files to an external storage device.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 inaccessible boot device error may look serious, but it is rarely permanent. With the right troubleshooting steps, most systems can be repaired without data loss. When data safety is a concern, using a recovery tool like MyRecover before making major system changes adds an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.