How to Check Boot Device in BIOS
Complexity: Intermediate | Time: 5 min
If your PC is not booting correctly, showing a “No Boot Device” error, or loading the wrong drive, the issue may be related to your BIOS boot settings.
The BIOS controls which drive your system uses to start Windows. This guide will help you check and correct the boot device to ensure your system loads properly.
Why Should I Check Boot Device in BIOS?
You may need to check your boot settings if you experience:
• “No Boot Device Found” or similar errors
• PC booting into BIOS instead of Windows
• System trying to boot from the wrong drive
• Black screen after powering on
• Issues after installing or moving storage drives
These issues are often caused by incorrect boot order or missing boot devices.
Important Notes
• Do not change unrelated BIOS settings
• BIOS layout may vary depending on motherboard brand
• Newer systems may use UEFI instead of legacy boot mode
• If Windows was installed in UEFI mode, ensure UEFI boot is enabled
Steps to Check Boot Device in BIOS
Turn Off Your PC
• Completely shut down your system
Power On and Enter BIOS
• Turn the PC back on and repeatedly press the BIOS key (commonly DEL, F2, or F12) during startup
Navigate to the Boot Section
• Look for tabs such as Boot, Boot Options, or Boot Priority
• Ensure your main system drive (usually your SSD with Windows installed) is listed as the first boot device
Select the Correct Boot Device.
• If needed, change the boot priority so your primary drive is at the top
• Check that your SSD or HDD appears in the list of available devices.
• Press F10 (or follow on-screen instructions) to save changes and restart
If Your Drive Is Not Showing
If your boot drive does not appear:
• Check internal cable connections (power and data)
• Ensure the drive is properly installed
• Try a different port or cable if possible
• Enter BIOS storage section to confirm detection
What's Next?
After double checking the boot drive, you should hopefully be able to get into Windows without any issues.
If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to reach out for additional support - we're always happy to help!
