Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows 11BSOD Error Fixed

Inaccessible Boot Device error can appear after Windows 11 upgrade

Windows 11 » Repair

Reading time icon 3 min. read

Calendar icon Updated on

by Matthew Adams 

updated on

Share this article

This article is translated in

Country Flag Country Flag Country Flag Country Flag
Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • The Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11 error will appear due to your BIOS settings.
  • In some rare instances, missing drivers can cause this problem as well.
config initialization error fix

The Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11 error is another BSOD (stop code) issue that can arise from various causes. This particular error has a 0x0000007b stop code, often arising during the system startup.

Inaccessible Boot Device is a BSOD error, and it appears because Windows can’t find your boot drive. A bad update or improper BIOS configuration on Windows causes the issue.

How do I fix inaccessible boot device on Windows 11?

Before we start, there are a few preliminary checks you can try:

  • Connect the device with an Ethernet connection when installing Windows or new updates so it can download the necessary drivers.
  • Ensure you have the right drive set as a boot device in BIOS.

1. Change RST to AHCI in BIOS

  1. Restart PC several times to and choose Troubleshoot.
  2. Next, choose Advanced options and select Command Prompt.
  3. Run the following command: bcdedit /set {current} safeboot minimal
  4. Restart your PC and keep pressing F2 or Del to enter BIOS.
  5. Go to storage settings.
  6. Make sure to switch from RST to AHCI.
  7. Repeat steps 1 and 2 but this time run: bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot

2. Disable VMD in BIOS

  1. Restart your PC and enter BIOS.
  2. Next, navigate to Advanced and choose Storage Configuration.
  3. Select VMD Configuration and set Enable VMD Controller to Disabled.

3. Disable Virtualisation Direct I/O

  1. Enter BIOS.
  2. Next, navigate to Advanced and choose System Agent Configuration.
  3. Locate Virtualisation Direct I/O or VT-d and disable it.
  4. A few users reported that you need to disable Kernel DMA protection before you can complete the previous step.
  5. Save changes.

Keep in mind that disabling this method only works before you install an update that caused this error.

4. Remove the problematic update

  1. Restart your PC several times during the boot.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot and then Advanced options.
  3. Select Uninstall updates.
  4. Next choose Uninstall latest quality update.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
  6. If the problem is still there, repeat the steps, but uninstall the latest feature update this time.

An Inaccessible Boot Device loop on Windows 11 can appear if the default boot device is missing or if BIOS settings don’t fully support the boot device.

For more information, check our guide on the Inaccessible Boot Device BSOD on Windows 10.

If you have any questions regarding the Inaccessible Boot Device Windows 11 error, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments section below; we’ll be sure to look.

More about the topics: BSoD error codes, Windows 11

Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.