One of the most common errors experienced by Windows 10 users is the Inaccessible Boot Device error. It is a typical “blue screen of death” (BSOD) error with the code 0x0000007b, which frequently shows up during Windows startup and happens after a Windows 10 upgrade, Windows 10 anniversary update or Windows 10 reset.
This error message often stops computers from booting correctly. It tells users that their PC has developed a problem and restarting is necessary to address the purported error. It also says Windows is collecting some error info and will restart at a given percentage.
What is Inaccessible Boot Device Error (error code 0x0000007b)
Windows typically updates itself automatically, which is especially exciting when a new update is rolled out. However, this auto update is liable to introduce a huge problem. Imagine eagerly waiting for Windows 10 to reboot itself after an update, only to see the error code 0x0000007b on your screen.
Then, after a few moments, your PC restarts all over again. Just picture that scene and imagine how it feels. Well, this error message implies that Windows couldn’t access the system partition while attempting to start up.
The problem (obviously) forced Windows to restart all over again. Several Windows 10 users have reported the prevalence of this error message in computers running an SSD. But what are the causes of the inaccessible boot device error? Read on to find out.
Causes of Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10:
The Inaccessible Boot Device error refers to a BSOD error message that occurs when the Windows 10 operating system fails to access the system partition while trying to start up. Windows 10 may not access the system partition due to the following issues:
- Corrupted, outdated or inaccurately configured drivers
- Hardware conflicts resulting from system updates or changes
- A damaged hard disc
- Malware
- Other causes
Besides causing the Inaccessible Boot Device Error, the problems highlighted above may result in other system malfunctions, including the MSVCP110.dll missing error, I VIDEO_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR, INTERNAL_POWER_ERROR, and much more. It’s important to fix the inaccessible boot device issue to prevent the possibility of a more severe system malfunction in the future.
How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10
There are several solutions on how to troubleshoot the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. However, it’s not necessary to use all of them. You only need to give a few solutions a try and make do with the one that works for you. With that said, here’s a recommended guide on how to fix the Inaccessible Boot Device Error in Windows 10:
Solution 1: Uninstall the Recently Installed Packages
Recently installed packages can result in the inaccessible boot device error in Windows 10. If you’ve set Windows Update to install packages automatically, it will install new packages without notifying you. If you believe the recently-installed packages cause this problem, you can remove them one after another.
Hopefully, uninstalling the updates one by one will ultimately delete the package causing the issue. Since it’s not possible to boot Windows 10 normally when this error occurs, you’re recommended to uninstall the packages by going to Repair and using the DSM command.
Note: This process restarts your computer. Make sure all work has been saved before you continue. Steps to follow:
- Ensure your machine is completely off
- Press your PC’s power button to turn it on, and then hold down the power button for 5 seconds until it automatically shuts down. Repeat this process more than two times until the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen appears.
- Note: This step aims at bringing up the Preparing Automatic Repair screen. If Windows cannot boot correctly, this screen pops up, and Windows tries to fix the issue by itself. You can skip this step if this screen appears the first time you power up your computer.
- Wait for the Windows diagnosis to complete
- Click Advanced Options to bring up the Windows Recovery Environment screen
- Click Troubleshoot on the Windows Recovery Environment screen
- Choose Advanced Options on the Troubleshoot screen
- Select the Command Prompt
Your PC should restart and boot itself into the Command Prompt. When the Command Prompt has appeared on your screen, follow the instructions below:
- Type dir c : ( That is if you have Windows installed in the drive C) and tap Enter
- Run Dism / Image: C:\/ Get-Packages
- A list of packages installed on the system appears. You can use the date field to determine the most recent package. Make sure to note the package identity
- To uninstall a package, enter dism.exe /image:c:\ /remove-package /[package name].
“Package identity” here is the package name that you jotted down in the preceding step.
- Reboot your computer after uninstalling the packages. Then, check to verify whether the error has been successfully resolved.
If the error persists after uninstalling recent updates, you are recommended to remove another recently updated package, using the same process. Alternatively, you can use an entirely new solution to fix this blue screen hitch.
Solution 2: Update Your Drivers
Drivers are handy tools that allow Windows to use your hardware correctly. However, outdated drivers are not compatible with Windows 10 and thus create all sorts of hitches, including the inaccessible boot device error. You’re highly advised to update your drivers to fix these types of errors.
To update a faulty driver, visit your hardware manufacturer’s official website and find and download the latest drivers. Often, controller drivers like IDE ATA/SATA can cause this boot device problem. So, downloading and installing the latest version of your drivers can fix the error once and for all.
You can update your drivers automatically with Auslogics Driver Updater. It recognizes your system automatically and finds the right drivers for it. With this driver update software, you can easily have your computer scanned and all driver problems detected and fixed without employing a slow manual approach.
It is worth noting that downloading and installing wrong driver versions can damage your system. Using a professional driver troubleshooter, such as Auslogics Driver Updater, maintains your system’s safety and prevents it from permanent damage. It repairs all problematic drivers in one click.
Solution 3: Toggle AHCI Mode Value in BIOS to Enabled
Many users have reported the possibility of fixing this boot device problem by switching the AHCI mode to “Enabled” in the BIOS. The BIOS menu varies significantly between manufacturers, and you might want to check your motherboard manual for instructions. For that reason, this troubleshooting process lacks a one-size-fits-all approach of explaining it.
In general terms, however, the process involves entering the BIOS during boot by pressing either the Delete key, Escape key, or Function keys. You will then select Advanced Options and locate the Set AHCI Mode. Switch the AHCI Mode value to Enabled.
Solution 4: Get Rid of “Update Pending” Packages
The Windows 10 operating system can sometimes get entangled in limbo due to pending updates. Packages that are pending forever and not installing can lead to this technical blue screen problem. It’s important to remove them to allow Windows to run properly.
Follow the procedure below to remove “update pending” packages in Windows 10:
- Go to Update and Security in the menu
- Click on Recovery
- Proceed to Advanced Startup
- Choose Restart Now
- Select Troubleshoot
- Tap Advanced Options
- Select Command Prompt
Run the following commands as soon as the Command Prompt application has started running. These three commands will remove the Sessions Pending registry key. Make sure to press the “Enter” button after each line.
- reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software
- reg delete HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Current Version\Component Based Server
- reg unload HKLM\temp
After this process, any pending updates should be moved and stored in their respective temporary file. Getting a list of updates isn’t a hard task. All you should do is type dism/image: \ /get-packages and note any package with the “install Pending” tag.
- Create a temporary file by typing MKDIR C:\temp\packages. Press the “Enter” button when complete
- Keep in mind that all packages that are pending have to be moved or placed in their respective temporary file. Key in dism / image : C: \ remove package / package identity:/scratchdir:c:\temp|packages. Then, press Enter. Don’t forget to replace “package identity” with the appropriate package name.
Solution 5: Check and Have all Corrupted Hard Drive Files Fixed
If corrupted files are available on your computer’s hard drive, they are likely to introduce the inaccessible boot device error. Gladly, fixing corrupted files in a hard drive is a straightforward process that is easily understandable.
If you believe that corrupted files are causing this problem, you can fix that by using the Command Prompt. Note that you must be an administrator to perform this task. Press the “Windows” button and key in cmd. When the result has been displayed, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
Still on the same Command Prompt application, key in chkdsk / f / r and then choose Enter. Give the application a few moments to process your input and display the output. Then, type the letter Y and press the “Enter” button. If Windows is not bootable, you can use the recovery console to run this command by typing chkdsk/r C:
Conclusion:
The Inaccessible Boot Device error is troublesome, but many Windows 10 users report that solving this issue is not an uphill task. The above five methods have been proven to be useful when it comes to fixing the blue screen error in Windows 10. There is no doubt one of these solutions will work for you. Just give them a try and tell us your opinion in the comments section below. Good luck!
