BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND

Question

BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND

Shulman 20

Microsoft automatically renewed my subscription to Microsoft 365 Family - now I can't turn on my laptop, all I get is a message: BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND. And I can't believe it's not possible to speak to someone at Microsoft?? Seriously? Thank you.

Moved from: Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Other

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Answer accepted by question author

Ian-Ng 14,150 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi @Shulman,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Thank you for reaching out. I understand that you encountered a "BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND" error after your Microsoft 365 Family subscription was renewed.

To clarify the situation, the Microsoft 365 renewal and this boot error are almost certainly a coincidence. A subscription renewal is a billing event handled on Microsoft’s cloud servers and doesn't have the technical capability to alter your computer’s hardware settings or delete your operating system. This error typically points to a hardware communication issue, a BIOS setting change, or a failed Windows update that may have occurred during a background restart.

To help get your laptop back up and running, kindly follow the troubleshooting steps below:

Perform a hard reset by unplug your charger and any USB devices. Press and hold the Power Button for 15–30 seconds. This drains residual power from the motherboard and can often resolve minor hardware hangs.
Restore BIOS defaults:
- Turn the laptop on and immediately tap the BIOS key (usually F10, F2, or ESC, depending on your brand) until the settings menu appears.
- Look for an option to "Load Setup Defaults" (often the F9 key).
- Select "Save and Exit" (F10).
Check drive detection: while in the BIOS, look under "System Information" or "Storage." If the Hard Drive or SSD is listed as "None" or "Not Detected" there may be a physical connection issue, or the drive may have failed.

If the problem persists after trying these troubleshooting steps, you also can contact Microsoft directly for assistance with your subscription or Windows installation. As a Microsoft 365 Personal/Family user, you have access to official support via the Microsoft Support Portal. To speak with a live person, type "Talk to an agent" in the search box, then click the "Contact Support" button at the bottom of the page to see chat or callback options.

I hope this helps clarify the situation and assists you in getting your device restored.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you.

Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-06T15:33:43.1366667+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

I hope you’re doing well. Just following up to see if the troubleshooting steps helped. If you’re still facing issues or need more guidance, feel free to reach out. Thanks for your cooperation, and I look forward to your update.
Shulman 20 Reputation points

2026-01-08T00:11:07.0466667+00:00

NO! None of this worked! All I get is a message that says: "NO HARD DRIVE INSTALLED". I cannot get it to work!
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-08T22:32:20.0233333+00:00
Hi @Shulman,

I am truly sorry to hear that the "No hard drive installed" message persists.

As you shared, your laptop’s motherboard is currently unable to communicate with the internal storage drive (the SSD or Hard Drive). When the BIOS/UEFI diagnostic reports that no drive is installed, it confirms that the system cannot find the physical hardware where Windows and your files are stored. This explains why the "Boot Device Not Found" notification appears.

To further investigate, please try these further troubleshooting steps:

Run manufacturer-Specific diagnostics: most laptops have a built-in hardware tester that is more detailed than the standard BIOS screen. Kindly find regarding your brand laptop.

Check "Storage Controller" in BIOS: ensure that the "SATA Mode" or "VMD Controller" (depending on your processor) hasn't been accidentally disabled or changed, as this can make a healthy drive invisible to the system.

If your laptop allows easy access to the bottom panel, sometimes simply unplugging and firmly re-seating the drive can resolve a connection incident caused by a physical jar or vibration.

Please let me know the results of the manufacturer diagnostics. If the drive continues to show as "Not Installed" even after these steps, it may indicate a physical hardware component requires professional service.

I'm looking forward to your response.
Shulman 20 Reputation points

2026-01-12T00:39:37.49+00:00

Can you tell me exactly how to do this? All three options? Right now I cannot get my laptop to turn on, and I have no idea what suddenly happened to it. I didn't drop it, I didn't do anything.
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-12T19:13:18.1566667+00:00
Hi @Shulman,

I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with these technical difficulties. Regarding your concerns, you should try these steps in order. To be more specific, please perform the following three targeted checks to see if the system detects your storage drive.

1. Perform a hard reset

This clears any static charge that may be preventing the hardware from initializing.

Unplug the charger and all USB devices.

Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds.

Plug the charger back in (ideally into a different wall outlet) and attempt to power on.

2. Run Built-in hardware diagnostics

Restart the laptop and immediately tap the key corresponding to your brand repeatedly:

HP: Esc → F2 (Diagnostics)

Dell: F12 → Diagnostics

Lenovo: F10 or F12 → Diagnostics

Acer/ASUS: F2 or F12

Run the Storage/SSD/HDD test. Please note any error codes or messages such as "No drive detected" or "Not installed."

3. Verify BIOS/UEFI configuration

Enter the BIOS (usually F2, F10, or Del) and look for Storage/Advanced Configuration:

Ensure SATA Mode is set to AHCI.

If you see Intel VMD or RST settings, try toggling them, then press F10 to save and reboot.

Note: Avoid changing the "Boot Mode" (UEFI vs. Legacy) for now, as this can prevent Windows from loading if it doesn't match the original installation.

If you are comfortable opening the bottom cover, you may try reseating the M.2 SSD to ensure it hasn't shifted.

Please reply with your laptop’s brand and model, along with the results of the diagnostic tests. I will then be able to provide more specific guidance for your device.

Looking forward to your reply.
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-13T18:51:35.09+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

I hope you're doing well. Have you had a chance to look over my previous reply? I look forward to hearing from you.
Shulman 20 Reputation points

2026-01-13T23:39:58.18+00:00

No no no! None of this works - the only message I get is: "install a hard drive" ... it's an HP Pavillion Laptop 15z-eh300. Product # 794P2AV / Processor AMD Ryzen 7 773OU / BIOS Revision F.05 ... everything was fine, and now I can't get it to work at all. I cannot get to my desktop.
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-14T18:57:04.0633333+00:00
Hi @Shulman,

Thank you for providing those details. I am sorry to hear the previous suggestions didn't resolve the issue. To determine if this is a hardware failure and prepare for a potential warranty claim, please follow these steps:

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)

Power off your laptop completely.

Press the Power button and immediately tap the F2 key repeatedly until the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics menu appears.

Select Component Tests.

Select Storage (or Hard Drive) and choose Quick Test.

Select Run Once.

Interpret the Results

If the test fails: The system will provide a Failure ID (a 24-digit code). Please write this down exactly as shown, as HP requires it for warranty service.

If the test says "No Drive Installed": This confirms that either the SSD or its connection to the motherboard has failed.

Since your laptop features an AMD Ryzen 7 7000-series processor, it is a modern model and likely remains under the HP Manufacturer Warranty.

If the diagnostic fails or the drive cannot be found, I recommend the following:

Contact HP Support: Provide them with your Product Number and the Failure ID (if have) from the test.

Request Service: Because this indicates a hardware defect, HP will typically replace the faulty drive under your warranty terms.

I understand how frustrating it is to have your work interrupted by technical issues. To get back up and running as quickly as possible, please reach out to HP Support or your original retailer to initiate the hardware repair firstly.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout this process.

2 additional answers

Your answer

Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-06T15:33:43.1366667+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

I hope you’re doing well. Just following up to see if the troubleshooting steps helped. If you’re still facing issues or need more guidance, feel free to reach out. Thanks for your cooperation, and I look forward to your update.
Shulman 20 Reputation points

2026-01-08T00:11:07.0466667+00:00

NO! None of this worked! All I get is a message that says: "NO HARD DRIVE INSTALLED". I cannot get it to work!
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-08T22:32:20.0233333+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

I am truly sorry to hear that the "No hard drive installed" message persists.

As you shared, your laptop’s motherboard is currently unable to communicate with the internal storage drive (the SSD or Hard Drive). When the BIOS/UEFI diagnostic reports that no drive is installed, it confirms that the system cannot find the physical hardware where Windows and your files are stored. This explains why the "Boot Device Not Found" notification appears.

To further investigate, please try these further troubleshooting steps:

Run manufacturer-Specific diagnostics: most laptops have a built-in hardware tester that is more detailed than the standard BIOS screen. Kindly find regarding your brand laptop.

Check "Storage Controller" in BIOS: ensure that the "SATA Mode" or "VMD Controller" (depending on your processor) hasn't been accidentally disabled or changed, as this can make a healthy drive invisible to the system.

If your laptop allows easy access to the bottom panel, sometimes simply unplugging and firmly re-seating the drive can resolve a connection incident caused by a physical jar or vibration.

Please let me know the results of the manufacturer diagnostics. If the drive continues to show as "Not Installed" even after these steps, it may indicate a physical hardware component requires professional service.

I'm looking forward to your response.
Shulman 20 Reputation points

2026-01-12T00:39:37.49+00:00

Can you tell me exactly how to do this? All three options? Right now I cannot get my laptop to turn on, and I have no idea what suddenly happened to it. I didn't drop it, I didn't do anything.
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-12T19:13:18.1566667+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

I’m sorry to hear you’re dealing with these technical difficulties. Regarding your concerns, you should try these steps in order. To be more specific, please perform the following three targeted checks to see if the system detects your storage drive.

1. Perform a hard reset

This clears any static charge that may be preventing the hardware from initializing.

Unplug the charger and all USB devices.

Press and hold the Power button for 30 seconds.

Plug the charger back in (ideally into a different wall outlet) and attempt to power on.

2. Run Built-in hardware diagnostics

Restart the laptop and immediately tap the key corresponding to your brand repeatedly:

HP: Esc → F2 (Diagnostics)

Dell: F12 → Diagnostics

Lenovo: F10 or F12 → Diagnostics

Acer/ASUS: F2 or F12

Run the Storage/SSD/HDD test. Please note any error codes or messages such as "No drive detected" or "Not installed."

3. Verify BIOS/UEFI configuration

Enter the BIOS (usually F2, F10, or Del) and look for Storage/Advanced Configuration:

Ensure SATA Mode is set to AHCI.

If you see Intel VMD or RST settings, try toggling them, then press F10 to save and reboot.

Note: Avoid changing the "Boot Mode" (UEFI vs. Legacy) for now, as this can prevent Windows from loading if it doesn't match the original installation.

If you are comfortable opening the bottom cover, you may try reseating the M.2 SSD to ensure it hasn't shifted.

Please reply with your laptop’s brand and model, along with the results of the diagnostic tests. I will then be able to provide more specific guidance for your device.

Looking forward to your reply.
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-13T18:51:35.09+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

I hope you're doing well. Have you had a chance to look over my previous reply? I look forward to hearing from you.
Shulman 20 Reputation points

2026-01-13T23:39:58.18+00:00

No no no! None of this works - the only message I get is: "install a hard drive" ... it's an HP Pavillion Laptop 15z-eh300. Product # 794P2AV / Processor AMD Ryzen 7 773OU / BIOS Revision F.05 ... everything was fine, and now I can't get it to work at all. I cannot get to my desktop.
Ian-Ng 14,150 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-01-14T18:57:04.0633333+00:00

Hi @Shulman,

Thank you for providing those details. I am sorry to hear the previous suggestions didn't resolve the issue. To determine if this is a hardware failure and prepare for a potential warranty claim, please follow these steps:

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics (UEFI)

Power off your laptop completely.

Press the Power button and immediately tap the F2 key repeatedly until the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics menu appears.

Select Component Tests.

Select Storage (or Hard Drive) and choose Quick Test.

Select Run Once.

Interpret the Results

If the test fails: The system will provide a Failure ID (a 24-digit code). Please write this down exactly as shown, as HP requires it for warranty service.

If the test says "No Drive Installed": This confirms that either the SSD or its connection to the motherboard has failed.

Since your laptop features an AMD Ryzen 7 7000-series processor, it is a modern model and likely remains under the HP Manufacturer Warranty.

If the diagnostic fails or the drive cannot be found, I recommend the following:

Contact HP Support: Provide them with your Product Number and the Failure ID (if have) from the test.

Request Service: Because this indicates a hardware defect, HP will typically replace the faulty drive under your warranty terms.

I understand how frustrating it is to have your work interrupted by technical issues. To get back up and running as quickly as possible, please reach out to HP Support or your original retailer to initiate the hardware repair firstly.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation throughout this process.

Answer 1

Shulman 20

No, it doesn't work. There's no option for "Load Setup Defaults"... The other test result shows "No hard drive installed". This is horrible

0 comments

Answer 2

The "BOOT DEVICE NOT FOUND" message typically indicates that your laptop is unable to find the operating system on the hard drive. This issue is not directly related to your Microsoft 365 subscription, but rather to the hardware or software configuration of your laptop. Here are some steps you can try to troubleshoot this issue:

Check BIOS/UEFI Settings: Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, or Delete during startup). Ensure that the hard drive is recognized and that the boot order is set correctly.
Reconnect Hard Drive: If you're comfortable doing so, you can open your laptop and check if the hard drive is properly connected. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause this error.
Run Startup Repair: If you have a recovery drive or installation media, you can boot from it and select the option to repair your computer. This may help fix issues with the boot configuration.
Check for Hardware Issues: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may indicate a hardware failure. In this case, contacting a technician or the manufacturer's support may be necessary.

If you continue to have issues, you can reach out to Microsoft support for assistance with your Microsoft 365 subscription and any related concerns.

References: