How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error In Windows 10

Boot Device error is a typical Blue Screen of Death error experienced by Windows 10 users. The error bears the code 0X0000007b and often shows up during Windows startup.

You are likely to experience this error after a Windows 10 upgrade, Windows 10th anniversary update, or Windows 10 reset. The error message normally stops computers from booting correctly.

You will see a message letting you know that your PC has developed a problem, and it is necessary to reboot to address the alleged error. It will also let you know that Windows is gathering error data and will restart at a certain percentage.

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What is Inaccessible Boot Device Error (error code 0x0000007b)?

It is usual for Windows to update itself automatically. However, this automatic update is responsible for introducing a huge problem.

You might see the error code 0x0000007b on your screen when Windows is trying to reboot after an update. The error message implies that Windows cannot access the system partition during the startup process.

What are the causes of Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10? 

We have already established that the inaccessible Boot Device error is caused by the failure of the Operating System to access system partition.

Windows may fail to access the system partition due to:

• Drivers that are corrupted, outdated, or erroneously configured.
• Hardware conflicts caused by system updates or changes.
• Damages on the hard disk.
• Computer virus.

These problems mentioned above can also lead to other system faults, including the MSVCP110.dll missing error, VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR, INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR, among others.

To prevent a more severe system malfunction, it is advisable to fix the inaccessible boot device issue.

How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error In Windows 10

There are several methods you can use to troubleshoot and fix the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. However, you don’t have to use all the methods outlined in this guide.

You can give a few of them a try and make do with the one that works in your system. In this article, you will find a number of methods you can use to fix the error code 0x0000007b.

1. Uninstall The Recently Installed Packages

The inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10 can be as a result of newly installed packages. Windows update will download and install packages automatically if you have set it up to do so.

If you think the recent updates are the ones causing the problem, you can remove them one by one. In the process, you may eventually delete the package that is causing the issue.

However, it is not possible to boot Windows 10 normally when this error occurs. So, you are advised to uninstall the packages by going to Repair and using the DSM command.

It is important to note that this process will restart your computer. You should, therefore, ensure that all your work is saved before you proceed.

Follow these steps to uninstall recently installed packages:

• First, ensure your computer is completely off.
• Press your computer’s power button to turn it on. Then, press and hold down the power button for five seconds to automatically shut your PC down.
• Repeat the process more than twice until the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen appears.
• The process in the previous step aims to trigger the Preparing Automatic Repair screen. The screen normally pops up if Windows cannot boot correctly and usually tries to repair the issues itself.
• Wait until the Windows diagnosis is complete.
• Then, click Advanced Options to open the Windows Recovery Environment window.
• On the Windows Recovery screen, click Troubleshoot.
• On the troubleshoot screen, select Advanced Options.
• Choose the Command Prompt. Your computer will restart and boot into the Command Prompt. The Command Prompt window will pop up on your screen.
• Type dir c: and press Enter. (This works on a machine running on Windows OS).
• Then type c:\/Get-Packages to Run Dism.
• This command will display a list of packages installed on the system. You can use the date to determine the most recent package to be installed. Note the package identity.
• Enter dism.exe/image:c:\/remove-package/[package name] to uninstall a package. (“Package identity is the name of the package you noted in the previous step”).
• Once you have uninstalled the package, reboot your computer for the changes to be effective.
• Lastly, check whether the error has been resolved.

If the error continues after the above process, you are advised to remove another recently updated package. Otherwise, you can use a different solution to fix the problem.

2. Update Your Drivers

For your Windows to use your hardware correctly, it will require drivers. But, outdated drivers are not compatible with windows 10.

Incompatible drivers will create all manner of hitches like the boot device error. To fix such errors, it would be best if you update your drivers.

Since every machine has different drivers, visit your hardware manufacturer’s official website to find the latest drivers. On many occasions, controller drivers like IDE ATA/SATA cause this device boot problem.

To fix this error once and for all, download and install the latest version of your drivers. You can also use third-party tools to update your drivers automatically.

These third-party tools will automatically recognize your system and find the right drivers for it. With these tools, you can scan your computer and fix all the driver problems detected.

It is also important to note that if you download and install the wrong driver versions, it can damage your system. When using third-party tools, you should select a professional driver troubleshooter for the safety of your machine.

3. Toggle AHCI Mode Value in BIOS to Enabled

Switching the AHCI value in BIOS to “Enabled” could possibly fix the boot device problem. BIOS menu varies significantly between manufacturers.

Therefore, you should check your motherboard manual for guidelines. This troubleshooting method lacks a one-size-fits-all approach to outline it.

Generally speaking, the process entails:

• Entering BIOS during boot by pressing either the Delete key or Function keys
• Choose Advanced Options and locate Set AHCI Mode
• Switch the AHCI value to Enabled

4. Remove “Update Pending” Packages

Pending updates can be a cause of problems in the Windows 10 Operating System. Packages that are pending for long periods and not installing can lead to the technical blue screen problem.

For Windows to run correctly, it is advisable to remove them. Here is the procedure to remove “update pending” packages in Windows 10:

• Open Command Prompt in the advanced startup options.
• Open the Settings window by clicking on the gear icon on the startup menu.
• From the Settings window, locate Recovery and click on it.
• On the Recovery screen, navigate to Advanced Startup and click on the Restart Now button.
• Then your computer will restart, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options>Command Prompt.
• On the Command Prompt, run the following commands. The commands will delete the SessionPending registry key. Press the Enter key after each line.

reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software

reg delete “HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionPending”/v Exclusive

reg unload HKLM\temp

• Then, you should move any pending updates into a temporary file. 
• Type: /get-packages to get the list of packages. From the list, note the ones that have the “Install Pending” tag.
• Create a temporary file. Type MKDIR C:\temp\packages and press Enter.
• Finally, you should move the pending packages into the temporary file. 
• Type the following: /remove-package/packagename:[package name]/scratchdir:c:\temp\packages and press Enter.

5. Run The BSOD Troubleshooter

If all the methods above did not resolve the problem, you could try the Windows inbuilt troubleshooting tool. This tool can help you deal with all kinds of issues, including the inaccessible Boot Device Error.

Follow these steps to run the BSOD Troubleshooter:

• Open the Settings app by clicking on the gear icon on the startup menu.
• Navigate to the Update & Security section.
• On the right pane, select BSOD then click Run the troubleshooter.
• Then, follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooter.

Once the troubleshooter has run to completion, check whether the problem is still there.

6. Run The SFC Scan

The SFC scan can also come in handy in dealing with the inaccessible boot device error. The tool normally scans your computer system for any flaws and resolves them where possible.

Follow the steps below to run the SFC scan on Windows 10:

• Right-click the Start Menu button and open Command Prompt (Admin).
• On the Command Prompt window, enter the following: sfc/scannow.
• The process may last for a while; please wait patiently.
• The solution will be applied automatically if it is found.
• For any changes made to take effect, restart your computer.

The problem should be fixed. If not, you might try the other options suggested below.

7. Run DISM

DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. This is a tool that re-deploys the system image all over again, resolving potential flaws in the process.

There is a possibility that running DISM may resolve the inaccessible boot device issue.

Follow this procedure to run DISM the standard way:

• Right-click the Start button and open Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type the following command on the Command Prompt window 

DISM/Online/Clean-Image/RestoreHealth and press Enter.

• Be patient until the scan is complete.
• Restart your PC and try updating once more. 

Follow these steps to run DISM with the Windows installation media:

• Insert your Windows installation media.
• Right-click the start menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
• In the command line window, type these commands and press the Enter key after each line;

dism/online/cleanup-image/scanhealth

dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth

• Next, type the following commands and press Enter.

DSIM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth/source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1/LimitAccess

• Ensure you change an X value with the letter of the mounted drive containing the Windows 10 installation.
• Once the process is complete, reboot your computer.

You can create a bootable USB drive if you don’t have a Windows 10 bootable media. However, if this scan does not resolve the issue, try the next option on this guide.

8. Check Your Hard Disk  

If the problem persists, check out your hard drive by following these steps:

• Restart your computer while holding the Shift key to enter the Advanced Startup.
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
• From the list options, choose Command Prompt.
• The command line window opens, on the window type the following commands pressing Enter after every line.

bootrec.exe/rebuildbcd

bootrec.exe/fixbr

bootrec.exe/fixboot

• It is also advisable to run additional chkdsk commands. To run the commands, you should know the drive letters for all your hard drive partitions.
• In Command Prompt, enter the following using letters that match your hard drive partitions.
• chkdsk/r c:
• Restart your computer and confirm whether the issue is resolved. 

9. Other Troubleshooting Options

If you still have the inaccessible boot device error, you might think it is time to reach out to a professional for assistance. But there are still a few options you can try.

• Check for loose cables – loose cables could cause the inaccessible boot device error. Therefore, switch off your computer, unplug it, open the case, and ensure that everything is connected well.
• Check for faulty hardware – hardware malfunction can lead to the BSOD error. The RAM has been found to be the main culprit. Check whether the RAM is working correctly. If it is, check other significant components.

There are several ways you can use to resolve the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. Choose a method that you can execute without worsening the situation. There are some methods you should not consider doing if you feel you don’t have enought expertise to execute. When dealing with BIOS, you need to be careful, and be prudent and use the procedures that you are certain that you can complete.

When dealing with the hardware, go through the manufacturer’s user manual on the device. This will help you in opening up the PC to avoid causing physical damage.

Otherwise, to be on the safe side, if you are not feeling confident in carrying out a procedure, seek the help of a professional or a more knowledgeable friend.