Proven Ways to Fix Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device Error

Technology Jan 22, 2025 5 Add to Reading List

Being an avid user of Computers, you might have encountered the error message on your screen Reboot and select proper boot device. Seeing this message might be pretty frustrating to you. The error denotes that your PC or laptop is unable to find a hard drive with Windows 10 on it. Just restarting your PC can’t resolve the issue, you need to take proper measures to fix the error.

Fret not, we are here with this post that will walk you through some proven and working ways to fix the “boot reboot and select proper boot device” error. Let’s get into it.

Main Causes of the Error

Incorrect BIOS/UEFI Settings
Disconnected or Loose Connection
Corrupted or Missing Bootloader
Faulty or Failing Hard Drive/SS:
Corrupted Operating System Installation
BIOS/UEFI Firmware Issues or Settings
Faulty or Missing Driver
Disk Format or Partition Table Damage
An outdated BIOS

Troubleshooting Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” Error

The reboot selects the proper boot device Windows 10 error might happen due to several reasons, such as incorrect boot order in BIOS/UEFI, a corrupted bootloader, or a failing hard drive. Here are the some proven ways to fix reboot select proper boot device Windows 10 error.

Check and Adjust the Boot Order in BIOS/UEFIT

The boot device might not be set correctly, so it’s important to verify the boot order & sequence in BIOS or UEFI is configured properly. Here is how to do

Restart your computer.
As it starts up, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings (commonly F2, F12, ESC, or DEL—check the screen or manual for your system).
Once in the BIOS/UEFI setup, go to the "Boot" tab or similar.
Ensure that the hard drive (or SSD) with the operating system is listed as the first boot device.
Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Your computer will reboot.

Check and Reconnect Physical Cable Connections:

Sometimes, loose or disconnected cables might hinder the system from detecting the boot device. Steps to do so

Power off your PC or Laptop
If you are using an external cable unplug it from the wall.
Open the case (for desktops) or check the connections (for laptops).
Make sure the hard drive or SSD is securely connected to both the power and data cables (SATA, NVMe, etc.).
If possible, try connecting the device to a different port or cable.

Repair Windows Boot Files:

If the bootloader is corrupted, you can repair it using a Windows recovery or installation media.

Steps:

Create a bootable USB with Windows installation media or use a Windows recovery disk.
Insert the USB or disk into the computer and reboot.
Boot from the USB or disk (you may need to press F12 or another key to select the boot device).
On the Windows Setup screen, select your language preferences and click Next.
Click on Repair your computer in the bottom left.
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt, type the following command

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

After each command, press Enter.
Restart your computer.

Must try these troubleshooting steps to get rid of “boot reboot and select proper boot device” error

If you also want to know how to fix getting windows ready stuck then read the blog.

Preventing Future Boot Errors

To minimize the risk of encountering this error again:

Make sure your data is safely backed up because hardware problems can destroy important files.

Regularly update both your system firmware and operating system.

Choose professional cables and drives to maintain system stability.

Forcing a system shutdown damages important system data.

Conclusion

The “Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device” error can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can easily resolve it. By understanding the possible causes and following the solutions outlined above, you can get your system back up and running in no time.