Fixed: Boot Drive Not Showing in BIOS | Best Tips for 2024?

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the small firmware responsible for initializing your computer's operating system during startup. Through the BIOS, you can set your boot priority according to your preference. Occasionally, if your Windows boot drive isn't showing in BIOS, it may prevent your Windows system from starting up.

Why does this happen, and how can it be resolved efficiently? This article, Tools offers a comprehensive solution guide, exploring various methods to address the issue.

How do I fix the issue of no boot drive showing up in BIOS?

To fix the problem where your boot drive isn't showing up in BIOS, restart your computer and see if that resolves it. If the issue goes away, you're all set. If not, try the steps below.

1. Method 1: Check the Physical Connections
2. Method 2: Repair the MBR
3. Method 3: Enable USB in BIOS
4. Method 4: Reset BIOS to Default Settings
5. Method 5: Check for Disk Errors
6. Method 6: Replace the Hard Drive
7. Method 7: Perform a Hard Reset on Your Computer

How to Fix BIOS Recognizes SSD But Won't Boot Issue

Learn the troubleshooting methods when BIOS recognizes SSD but won't boot, and discover effective solutions to resolve this issue and make your system run smoothly.

Method 1: Check the Physical Connection

Loose physical connections and damaged USB ports can lead to the "hard drive not showing in BIOS" issue. When encountering this problem, you should inspect the USB cable and port. Try using a different USB port or replace the cable to ensure a proper connection for the boot drive.

Method 2: Repair the MBR

A damaged or incorrectly configured Master Boot Record (MBR) could be the reason. Partition Master Professional offers a dedicated feature to rebuild MBR, fixing this crucial element and resolving your issue with the visibility of your boot drive. This method is very effective in repairing issues related to the MBR.

Please follow the steps below to rebuild the MBR:

Step 1: Create a bootable WinPE disk

2. Launch Partition Master, and click "Create Bootable Media" on the toolbar. Then click "Next" to proceed. 3. Click "Finish" to complete the operation.

Step 2. Boot into the Partition Wizard bootable USB

Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your computer. Restart your computer and press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS screen. Set it to boot from “Removable Device” or “CD-ROM Drive.” The Partition Master tool will then launch automatically.

Step 3: Repair the MBR

Click on “Toolbox” and select “Rebuild MBR”.

Select the disk and MBR type, then click “Rebuild”.

Then you'll see “MBR on Disk X has been successfully rebuilt.”

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a highly compatible tool that can fix any MBR errors that need repairing, such as MBR Error 1, and more.

• The system cannot find any bootable devices
• The computer has rebooted from a bugcheck
• Default boot device missing or boot failed

If you've encountered such errors, you might also want to look to that product for help.

Method 3: Enable USB in BIOS

Sometimes, the motherboard might disable unused USB ports in the BIOS, resulting in the "Windows installation media not detected in BIOS" error. Follow these steps to enable USB in the BIOS: 1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS: - Press the Delete, F2, F10, or F12 key (depending on your computer brand) while it's booting up to access the BIOS settings. 2. Locate USB settings: - In the BIOS menu, find sections related to "USB Configuration," "Device Configuration," or "Advanced Options." 3. Enable USB support: - Under the relevant menu, look for options like "USB Controller," "USB Devices," or "USB Legacy Support." - Ensure these options are enabled or set to "Enabled." 4. Check USB port settings: - If there are specific USB port options such as "USB 2.0" or "USB 3.0," make sure they are all enabled. 5. Save and exit: - Press F10 (or the key indicated on the screen) to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup. - Your computer will automatically restart. 6. Verify if the issue is resolved: - Reinsert the Windows installation media into the USB port, then re-enter the BIOS to see if the drive is detected. If the above steps don't work, the issue could be with the USB drive itself or the USB cable. Try testing the drive on another computer or replace the USB cable. If the problem persists, you may need to contact the hardware manufacturer for further technical support.

Step 1: Turn on your computer and immediately press the appropriate hotkey to enter the setup utility.

Note: The key can vary depending on the computer model, but it is usually F1, F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc. Look for a message on the screen to find out the exact key to enter your computer's BIOS.

Step 2: In the BIOS, navigate to the "Advanced Settings" menu.

Step 3: Move to Onboard Devices/Integrated Peripherals, and press Enter to proceed.

Step 4. Select “USB Controller”, and use the corresponding button to set it to “Enabled”.

5. Press F10 to save the changes and reboot the system to see if the issue is resolved.

Read More: Format Hard Drive from BIOS in Windows 10

Method 4: Reset your BIOS to default settings

You can try resolving this issue by resetting the BIOS to its default settings. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Enter your computer's BIOS setup.

Step 2: Look for an option labeled “Load Setup Defaults,” “Load Default Settings,” “Load Optimal Defaults,” “Load BIOS Defaults,” or something similar. Select this option and press the Enter key to bring up the Confirmation window.

Step 3: In the Installation Confirmation window, click Yes to proceed.

Step 4. Your computer should then restart, and you can check to see if it boots normally.

Method 5: Check for disk errors

This approach allows us to address the issue with an excellent solution. There is a tool called Partition Master, which, among its features, includes the ability to check and fix file system errors. This function can identify and rectify file system issues that might be causing the "Boot drive not showing in BIOS" problem. Let's explore how this method can assist in resolving the issue and restoring normal system functionality.

Please follow the steps below:

Step 1: Right-click on the problematic target partition.

Step 2: Choose Tools > Check File System.

Step 3: Check whether you want to hide the partition.

Step 4. In the “Check File System” window, select the option to “Try to repair errors if found.”

Click “Start” to begin checking for errors on your partition.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is an excellent hard disk repair tool that can also quickly and easily fix Windows 10 via a USB device. Click the button for more information:

Method 6: Replace the hard drive

If you've tried all of the above, and the "No Boot Device Available" issue remains a mystery, it could indicate a more profound problem with your boot drive, even physical damage. To fix this, replace the faulty boot drive with a new SSD or HDD to restore your system to working order.

How to Replace Hard Drive in Dell Laptop [Step-by-Step Guide]

This article specifically provides you with a step-by-step guide on how to replace the hard drive in your Dell laptop, as well as the best cloning solution to migrate your data.

Method 7: Reset Your Computer

You can also resolve the issue of the boot drive not showing in BIOS by performing a hard reset on your computer. However, please note that this action will erase all data and settings. To prevent data loss, it's advisable to back up all your data using the Todo PCTrans tool. This utility allows you to easily backup your data.

A hard reset might re-establish the connection between your hard drive and the BIOS. Try the following steps:

Step one: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power outlet.

Step 2: Hold down the Power button for about 20 seconds to discharge any remaining power in the system.

Step 3: Plug the power back in, and turn the computer on.

Step 4: When it starts up, choose the Normal Startup - Load All Devices and Drivers option.

Why doesn't the BIOS show any boot drives?

Due to various factors or reasons, your drive might not show up in BIOS. It's essential to understand the underlying cause so you can proactively manage and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. Here are some fundamental reasons behind this error:

• Incorrect cable or port connection: Loose cables or faulty USB ports can make the boot drive invisible.
• Improper BIOS settings: Incorrectly configured BIOS settings can prevent the boot drive from being detected.
• Corrupted MBR (Master Boot Record): If the MBR is damaged, your boot drive might become inaccessible.
• Bad sectors on the hard drive: Bad sectors on a hard drive can prevent the boot drive from being visible. It's crucial to detect and repair these sectors.
• USB not enabled in BIOS: Some systems automatically disable unused USB ports. Enabling USB ports in the BIOS can resolve this issue.

We hope that your issue has been resolved by now. Please share this guide with others so they can also light the way to solving this problem.

Conclusions

The elusive problem of a "Drive Not Detected in BIOS" can be quite frustrating, often requiring considerable time to pinpoint the cause and find a solution. Fear not, for this article will delve into possible reasons and offer appropriate remedies to help you overcome this challenge.

For efficient solutions, the advanced features of Partition Master come to the rescue immediately. It offers functions like MBR repair and file system error checking to restore normal system operations. Hence, download and install Partition Master to enjoy its versatile functionalities!

Frequently Asked Questions about a Boot Drive Not Showing Up in BIOS

If you still need more clarification regarding the 'No Bootable Device Found' error in BIOS, read the FAQs below that might be of help to you.

**1. How to fix the issue of BIOS not detecting the hard drive?**

If your BIOS is not detecting your hard drive, follow these steps to fix the issue:

1. Ensure the drive is connected properly.
2. Check the SATA/IDE data cable and power connections.
3. Restart your system and enter the BIOS settings.
4. Look for the drive in the BIOS. If it's not found, refer to the solutions mentioned earlier for "Hard drive not showing up in BIOS."

2. Why doesn't my SSD show up in BIOS?

If your SSD is not showing up in the BIOS, there could be several reasons, such as incorrect connections, compatibility issues, an outdated BIOS version, or problems with the SSD's firmware.

How do I enable my hard drive in the BIOS?

To enable your hard drive in BIOS, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer and enter the **BIOS** settings. 2. Navigate to the **"Advanced"** tab. 3. Go to **Onboard Devices/Integrated Peripherals**. 4. Select **"USB Controller"** and use the appropriate keys to set it to **"Enabled"**. Press **F10** to save the changes and restart the system.