How To Fix Operating System Not Found Windows 11

People are currently reading this guide.

Oh no, the dreaded "Operating System Not Found" error on your Windows 11 machine! That can be quite unsettling. But don't worry, we can definitely try a few things to get your system back up and running. Let's dive right in!

Step 1: Initial Checks - Let's See the Obvious First!

Before we delve into more technical solutions, let's rule out some of the simpler culprits.

  • Is everything plugged in correctly? This might sound basic, but ensure that all the power cables connected to your computer and monitor are secure. A loose connection can sometimes lead to unexpected errors.
  • Any external devices connected? Sometimes, a USB drive, external hard drive, or even a phone connected during startup can confuse the boot process. Try disconnecting all external peripherals except your keyboard and mouse and then restart your computer.

Have you tried these quick checks? Let me know what happened after you tried them!

Step 2: Accessing the Advanced Startup Options - Your Gateway to Recovery

If the simple checks didn't do the trick, we need to access the Advanced Startup Options. This menu provides a range of tools that can help diagnose and fix boot problems. Here's how you can usually get there:

  • Method 1: Restarting Multiple Times (If you can't access Windows normally)

    1. Press and hold the power button on your computer for about 5-10 seconds until it completely shuts down.
    2. Press the power button again to turn it on.
    3. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo or any sign of Windows starting, immediately press and hold the power button again to force a shutdown.
    4. Repeat this power-on-force-shutdown cycle two or three times.
    5. After the third forced shutdown, Windows should automatically boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.

  • Method 2: Through the Windows Interface (If you can still access Windows)

    1. Click on the Start Menu.
    2. Click on the Power icon.
    3. Hold down the Shift key and click on Restart. This will reboot your computer directly into the Advanced Startup Options.

Once you're in the Advanced Startup Options, you'll see a blue screen with several options. This is where the real troubleshooting begins!

Step 3: Exploring the Advanced Startup Options - Your Toolkit for Repair

Now that you're in the Advanced Startup Options, let's explore the tools available:

  • Startup Repair: This is often the first thing you should try.

    1. In the Advanced Startup Options menu, click on Troubleshoot.
    2. Then, click on Startup Repair.
    3. Windows will now attempt to automatically diagnose and fix any startup issues it detects. This process might take some time, so be patient.
    4. Once it's finished, it will either tell you that it has repaired the issue or that it couldn't. Even if it couldn't fix it, it might provide some logs or information that can be helpful.

  • System Restore: If you have previously created system restore points, this can revert your system files and settings back to a point in time when your computer was working correctly.

    1. In the Troubleshoot menu, click on System Restore.
    2. Follow the on-screen instructions. You'll be asked to choose a restore point. Select the most recent one before you started experiencing the "Operating System Not Found" error.
    3. Click Next and then Finish to start the restore process.

  • Command Prompt: For more advanced users, the Command Prompt can be a powerful tool for troubleshooting boot issues.

    1. In the Troubleshoot menu, click on Command Prompt.
    2. A black window will appear. Here are a few commands you can try:
      • bootrec /fixmbr: This command writes a new Master Boot Record to the system partition. This can help if the MBR is corrupted. Press Enter after typing the command.
      • bootrec /fixboot: This command writes a new boot sector onto the system partition. Try this if fixmbr doesn't work. Press Enter.
      • bootrec /scanos: This command scans all disks for Windows installations. Press Enter.
      • bootrec /rebuildbcd: This command rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data store. This can be helpful if the boot menu is missing or corrupted. Press Enter. You might be asked to add the found installations to the boot list. Type Y for yes and press Enter.
      • chkdsk /f /r C:: This command checks the C: drive (assuming it's your system drive) for file system errors and attempts to recover readable information. This process can take a significant amount of time. Press Enter.

  • Uninstall Updates: Sometimes, a recently installed Windows update can cause boot problems.

    1. In the Troubleshoot menu, click on Uninstall updates.
    2. You'll have the option to uninstall the latest quality update or the latest feature update. Try uninstalling the latest quality update first.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

  • UEFI Firmware Settings: You might need to check your BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the correct boot drive is selected. The way to access these settings varies depending on your computer manufacturer. Usually, you need to press a specific key (like Delete, F2, F12, Esc) during startup. Once you're in the UEFI settings, look for boot order or boot priority and make sure your primary hard drive or SSD where Windows 11 is installed is selected as the first boot device.

Step 4: Considering External Boot Media - A More Drastic Measure

If none of the above steps work, you might need to use a bootable USB drive or DVD containing the Windows 11 installation files.

  • Creating Bootable Media: If you don't already have one, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. You'll need a working computer and a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space.
  • Booting from the USB Drive: Once you have the bootable media, you need to configure your BIOS/UEFI to boot from the USB drive. Again, this is usually done by pressing a specific key during startup (like Delete, F2, F12, Esc) and then selecting the USB drive as the boot device.
  • Using the Installation Environment: When your computer boots from the USB drive, you'll see the Windows Setup screen. Instead of clicking "Install now," look for a "Repair your computer" link in the bottom left corner. Clicking this will take you back to the Advanced Startup Options, where you can try the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier. You can also try a clean install of Windows 11 as a last resort, but this will erase all your data on the system drive.

Step 5: Seeking Professional Help - When Things Get Too Complex

If you've tried all the steps above and you're still facing the "Operating System Not Found" error, it might indicate a more serious hardware issue, such as a failing hard drive or SSD. In this case, it's best to seek help from a professional computer technician. They have the expertise and tools to diagnose and fix hardware problems.

How to... Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to fixing the "Operating System Not Found" error:

  • How to enter BIOS/UEFI settings? The key to enter BIOS/UEFI varies by manufacturer. Common keys include Delete, F2, F12, Esc, F1, F10. Check your motherboard manual or look for a prompt during startup.
  • How to create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive? You can use the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, which can be downloaded from their website.
  • How to change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI? Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Order" section in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Drag or use the arrow keys to move your desired boot device (e.g., USB drive, hard drive) to the top of the list.
  • How to run Startup Repair in Windows 11? Access the Advanced Startup Options (as described in Step 2) and then go to Troubleshoot > Startup Repair.
  • How to open Command Prompt from Advanced Startup Options? Access the Advanced Startup Options and then go to Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
  • How to check the hard drive for errors using Command Prompt? Open Command Prompt from the Advanced Startup Options and run the command chkdsk /f /r C: (replace C: with your system drive letter if necessary).
  • How to perform a System Restore in Windows 11? Access the Advanced Startup Options and then go to Troubleshoot > System Restore. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • How to uninstall recent Windows 11 updates from Advanced Startup Options? Access the Advanced Startup Options and then go to Troubleshoot > Uninstall updates. Choose to uninstall the latest quality or feature update.
  • How to reinstall Windows 11? Boot from a Windows 11 installation media (USB or DVD) and follow the on-screen instructions. Remember that this will erase all data on your system drive.
  • How to know if my hard drive is failing? Signs of a failing hard drive can include slow performance, frequent crashes, unusual noises, and the "Operating System Not Found" error. Running diagnostic tools or seeking professional help can confirm this.

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you resolve the "Operating System Not Found" error on your Windows 11 system! Let me know if you have any questions or if you get stuck at any step. Good luck!

9115240811160224951
How To Fix Operating System Not Found Windows 11

You have our undying gratitude for your visit!