Encountering the “Operating system not found” error message on boot can be alarming, but it is a common issue that can often be resolved with a few troubleshooting steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you identify and fix the problem.

Step 1: Check BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Restart Your Computer: Turn off your computer and then turn it back on.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI: During the boot process, press the designated key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. This key varies by manufacturer but is often Del, F2, F10, Esc, or F12. The correct key should be displayed briefly on the screen during startup.
- Check Boot Order: Navigate to the Boot tab or section using the arrow keys. Ensure that the primary hard drive or SSD (where the operating system is installed) is set as the first boot device. If it is not, change the boot order accordingly.
- Save Changes and Exit: Save the changes you made and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart.
Step 2: Check Physical Connections
- Turn Off and Unplug: Turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
- Open the Case: If you have a desktop, open the case to access the internal components. If you have a laptop, remove the bottom cover to access the hard drive.
- Check Drive Connections: Ensure that all cables connected to the hard drive or SSD are securely plugged in. This includes both the power cable and the data cable.
- Reseat the Drive: If you suspect a loose connection, carefully unplug and then replug the drive’s cables.
Step 3: Run a Disk Check
- Use a Bootable USB or DVD: If you have a Windows installation USB or DVD, insert it and boot from it. You may need to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the USB or DVD first.
- Access Recovery Options: When the Windows setup screen appears, select your language preferences and click “Next”. Then click “Repair your computer”.
- Open Command Prompt: In the recovery options, select “Troubleshoot”, then “Advanced options”, and then “Command Prompt”.
- Run CHKDSK: In the Command Prompt, type
chkdsk /f /r
followed by the letter of the drive where Windows is installed (e.g.,C:
) and press Enter. This will check the drive for errors and attempt to fix them.
Step 4: Repair the Master Boot Record (MBR)
- Open Command Prompt: As in the previous step, use a bootable USB or DVD to access the recovery options and open the Command Prompt.
- Run Bootrec Commands:
- Type
bootrec /fixmbr
and press Enter. - Type
bootrec /fixboot
and press Enter. - Type
bootrec /scanos
and press Enter. - Type
bootrec /rebuildbcd
and press Enter.
- Type
Step 5: Check for Partition Issues
- Open Command Prompt: Use the same method to access the Command Prompt from the recovery options.
- Use Diskpart:
- Type
diskpart
and press Enter. - Type
list disk
and press Enter to list all disks. - Type
select disk 0
(assuming disk 0 is your main drive) and press Enter. - Type
list partition
and press Enter to list all partitions on the selected disk. - Ensure that the partition where the operating system is installed is marked as active. Type
select partition X
(replace X with the partition number) and then typeactive
.
- Type
Step 6: Reinstall the Operating System
- Backup Data: If possible, back up any important data before proceeding with a reinstallation.
- Reinstall Windows: If all else fails, you may need to reinstall the operating system. Use a bootable USB or DVD with the Windows installation files and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows
Additional Tips
- Check for Faulty Hardware: If none of the above steps work, there might be an issue with your hard drive or SSD. Consider replacing it or consulting a professional technician.
- Update BIOS/UEFI: Ensure your BIOS/UEFI firmware is up to date, as outdated firmware can sometimes cause boot issues.
“By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and potentially resolve the “Operating system not found” error. If the problem persists, professional assistance may be necessary to diagnose and fix hardware issues”