Getting an error message stating “selected boot device failed” can be frustrating and concerning. This error indicates that your computer is having trouble locating or accessing the boot device during the startup process. The boot device is the storage drive that contains the operating system files required to load Windows or other operating systems. Some common causes and solutions for the “selected boot device failed” error are outlined below.
Quick Overview
The “selected boot device failed” error occurs when the BIOS or UEFI firmware cannot find or access the configured boot drive during system startup. This prevents the operating system from loading properly. Potential causes include:
- Faulty or disconnected boot drive
- Corrupt boot configuration data
- Incompatible storage device drivers
- Damaged bootloader files or boot partition
- Incorrect boot order configuration
Solutions may include:
- Checking connections and ensuring the boot drive is detected
- Repairing the boot configuration
- Updating storage drivers
- Rebuilding the boot partition and reinstalling the bootloader
- Setting the correct boot order in BIOS/UEFI settings
What Does “Selected Boot Device Failed” Mean?
The “selected boot device failed” error message indicates that the system firmware or BIOS was unable to start booting from the configured bootable disk during the boot process. Each time you turn on your computer, the very first thing that runs is the firmware or BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The firmware checks the hardware, looks for any bootable devices, and then attempts to load the operating system bootloader files from the boot device.
The firmware will have a pre-configured order of which devices it should attempt to boot from first, such as the primary hard drive or a USB flash drive if one is connected. This order is called the “boot order” and can typically be changed in the BIOS or firmware settings. When the “selected boot device failed” message appears, it means the BIOS attempted to boot from the first device in the boot order, but it failed to load the operating system files from that device for some reason.
When Does This Error Occur?
The “selected boot device failed” error will occur during the initial boot process, after the firmware/BIOS has completed its POST (Power-On Self-Test) but before the operating system has begun to load. You will see the error message on the screen very early in the boot process, often immediately after the initial manufacturer splash screen.
Once the firmware POST has completed, the firmware reads the configured boot order and attempts to load the master boot record (MBR) or EFI bootloader files from the first device in that order, such as the primary hard drive. If the boot device is inaccessible, corrupted, or misconfigured in some way, you will see the “selected boot device failed” message instead of the operating system loading.
Common Causes
There are a few common issues that can lead to a “selected boot device failed” error message:
1. Faulty or Disconnected Boot Drive
If the boot drive itself has failed, become corrupted, or has a hardware issue, the BIOS may not be able to access it to read the necessary boot files. For example, if the boot drive is disconnected or cables are loose, the BIOS will not detect the drive properly. A damaged partition table, failed sector, or other physical problems with the drive can also cause this issue.
2. Corrupted Configuration or Bootloader
The boot configuration data or bootloader files themselves may have become corrupted or damaged. This can occur from sudden power loss, virus infection, driver conflicts, or other system issues affecting the boot partition. Critical boot files like the master boot record (MBR) or the EFI system partition (ESP) may be corrupted.
3. Incompatible Storage Controller or Drivers
If the BIOS has incorrect or outdated drivers for the boot device’s storage controller, it may fail to locate the drive or read from it properly. Using the wrong driver for a storage controller like SATA, NVMe, or RAID can lead to the boot device not being accessible.
4. Incorrect Boot Order
If the configured boot order does not have the correct boot drive listed first, the BIOS will attempt to boot from the wrong device. This will result in a “selected boot device failed” error until the proper boot order is set.
5. Damaged System Files or Boot Partition
Critical Windows system files like bootmgr or winload.exe can become corrupted or deleted, preventing the system from booting properly. If the entire boot partition is damaged or deleted, the operating system cannot be found.
6. UEFI/Legacy Mode Mismatch
If the boot device uses a different mode (UEFI vs. legacy BIOS) than what the firmware settings are configured for, the boot device will not be accessible. The firmware and the boot device must use the same interface.
7. Hard Drive Failure
A catastrophic hard drive failure, such as a head crash, seized motor, or failed controller, can result in the boot device not being detectable or accessible to the BIOS. Physical damage to the drive mechanics or electronics will lead to a “selected boot device failed” error.
How to Fix the “Selected Boot Device Failed” Error
If you encounter the “selected boot device failed” error, there are a number of troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem:
Check Cable Connections
Start by visually inspecting all the cables and connections between the boot drive and the motherboard. Loose cables or improperly seated connections can cause boot issues. Check SATA data and power cables for any boot drives and re-seat them firmly.
Confirm Boot Drive Is Detected In BIOS
Boot into the system BIOS setup utility and confirm the boot device is listed under the storage information. If the boot drive is not detected, the BIOS will not be able to boot from it. Try switching SATA ports or cables if the drive is not visible.
Change Boot Mode Between UEFI and Legacy
If using UEFI, switch to legacy BIOS mode or vice versa. There may be a mode mismatch between the firmware and the boot device’s partition type that is preventing booting.
Repair or Rebuild Master Boot Record (MBR)
Use the Automatic Repair option in your Windows installer media to access the Command Prompt and rebuild the MBR with the bootrec command. This may resolve corrupt bootloader issues.
Repair or Rebuild EFI System Partition
For systems using UEFI, you may need to rebuild the EFI system partition (ESP) using a partition manager like diskpart. A damaged or corrupted ESP can cause EFI boot problems.
Restart Using Last Known Good Configuration
Advanced startup options may allow you to boot using your system’s Last Known Good Configuration to rollback recent driver or system changes that may be preventing a successful boot.
Update Storage Controller or Chipset Drivers
If the boot drive uses unsupported or outdated drivers, updating to the latest storage controller, chipset, or disk drivers from the manufacturer may resolve compatibility issues.
Set Proper Boot Order
Confirm the boot order in the BIOS/firmware matches the correct physical boot device priority. The top device in the boot order must be the intended boot drive.
Start Automatic Startup Repair
If the bootrec commands are unable to resolve the issues, running Startup Repair from the Windows recovery environment may be able to automatically diagnose and fix boot problems by restoring critical system files.
Reinstall or Replace Boot Drive
As a last resort, the boot drive may need to be replaced and the operating system freshly installed if drive errors or hardware failures are causing the failed boot. Backup any data first before replacing a failed drive.
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these more detailed troubleshooting steps to identify and correct the underlying problem causing the “selected boot device failed” error:
1. Examine Error Message Details
The error message itself or other screens may provide additional clues, such as naming the specific device it is failing to boot from. Look for identifying details around the drive type, connector, or ID.
2. Check Physical Connections
Power down the system fully and check that all data and power cables are firmly connected between the boot drive and the motherboard. Loose connections are a common cause of boot failures.
3. Confirm Drive Is Detected In BIOS
Enter the system BIOS setup utility and examine the storage information for the boot drive. If the system is not detecting the drive at all, it will not be able to boot from it until the drive is recognized again or the hardware issue is repaired.
4. Test Boot Drive In Another System
If available, move the boot drive to another system and see if it boots properly. This can isolate whether the issue is caused by a problem with the drive itself versus a problem with the original system.
5. Update BIOS/Firmware and Drivers
An outdated system BIOS or incompatible storage controller drivers can result in boot issues. Update to the latest BIOS, chipset, and storage drivers from the manufacturer.
6. Examine SMART Diagnostic Data
Check the SMART status of the boot drive using the disk manufacturer’s utilities. SMART data can reveal if the drive is failing and unusable.
7. Try Alternate Boot Devices or Partitions
Attempt to boot from a different port, drive, or partition to isolate the issue. If a different device boots properly, it indicates a problem with the original boot device rather than overall system boot functionality.
8. Repair Master Boot Record and Partition Tables
Boot to the Windows installer media or recovery drive. Use bootrec commands like /FixMbr, /FixBoot, and /ScanOs to repair the master boot record, boot sector, and file system bootcode.
9. Rebuild EFI System Partition
For UEFI systems, use a partition manager like diskpart to reformat and recreate the system’s EFI system partition (ESP) if it has become corrupted. Then reinstall the EFI bootloader files.
10. Start Automatic Repair and Diagnostics
The Startup Repair tool in the Windows recovery environment may be able to automatically diagnose and resolve boot configuration issues that are preventing startup.
11. Refresh, Reset, or Reinstall OS
As a last resort, refreshing, resetting, or performing a clean reinstall of the operating system can overwrite any damaged system files and return boot functionality. Backup data first.
12. Replace Failed Boot Drive
If drive diagnostics indicate the boot device has completely failed and cannot be repaired, replacement of the failed drive is necessary. After replacing the boot drive, reinstall the operating system.
Causes by Operating System
Certain boot device failure scenarios are more common depending on whether the system runs Windows, Linux, or macOS:
Windows Boot Device Failures
- Corrupted master boot record (MBR)
- Damaged boot configuration data (BCD)
- Deleted or corrupt EFI system partition (ESP)
- Corrupted winload.exe or bootmgr files
- Damaged boot partition
Linux Boot Device Failures
- Missing or damaged GRUB files
- Corrupted initrd or vmlinuz-linux files
- Issues with /etc/fstab boot configuration
- Hardware problems on disk with boot partition
macOS Boot Device Failures
- Problems with /var boot partition
- Corrupted bootloader configuration in NVRAM
- Damaged or missing boot.efi file
- Issues with system extensions during boot
Preventing Boot Device Errors
You can take proactive steps to prevent boot device errors from occurring and minimize startup issues:
- Keep your system, BIOS, and drivers updated
- Check cabling and connections regularly
- Monitor SMART data on boot drives for early failure warnings
- Maintain backups of critical system partitions and bootloader files
- Use a UPS to protect against sudden power interruptions
- Avoid overclocking or overheating components
- Restrict BIOS access to prevent unwanted changes
Recovering Data from a Failing Boot Device
If the boot drive is experiencing hardware issues or data corruption, you may need to recover data before replacing or erasing the drive:
- Boot the system from alternate media to backup files from the boot drive.
- Use recovery software to create a disk image if the drive is unstable or unbootable.
- Access the drive as a secondary non-boot device from another system.
- Remove the drive and connect it externally using USB to another computer.
- Consult a data recovery specialist for significant hardware failure or damage.
When to Seek Professional Repair
If you have attempted all of the applicable troubleshooting steps but the system still will not boot properly, it’s best to seek assistance from a qualified repair technician. Professional PC or Mac repair can diagnose hardware-level problems, drive failures, component incompatibilities, and other issues that may be too complex for DIY troubleshooting.
Conclusion
The “selected boot device failed” error indicates the BIOS or firmware could not locate or access the intended boot drive at system startup, preventing the operating system from loading. Causes range from disconnected drives to corrupt boot files. Check connections, repair boot partitions, update firmware and drivers, adjust boot order, and inspect the boot device health using utilities from the disk manufacturer. Seek professional repair if significant hardware damage is suspected.