The Problem

INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE (stop code 0x0000007B) means Windows can't reach the drive it needs to boot. It typically hits after a Windows update, a BIOS/firmware change, a storage-controller swap, or a cloned drive. Your data is usually fine—the OS just lost the path to it.

Stuck in a repair loop instead of a clean BSOD? See fix the Automatic Repair loop. For BSOD basics: fix the Blue Screen of Death.

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

Check the BIOS Storage Mode

If you (or an update) changed the SATA mode, Windows can't find its boot drive.

Enter BIOS/UEFI (tap Del, F2, or F10 at power-on).
Find SATA Mode / Storage Configuration. It should be AHCI (not RAID/IDE) unless you intentionally use RAID.
Save and exit. If it was wrong, this alone often fixes it.

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Open the Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Force-shutdown at the logo three times; on the third boot Windows opens Automatic Repair → Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options.

Step 2: Uninstall the Latest Update

This is the number-one fix when the BSOD started right after Patch Tuesday.

In Advanced options, choose Uninstall Updates.
Select Uninstall latest quality update (try the feature update option only if that fails).
Reboot.

Step 3: Run Startup Repair

Back in Advanced options → Startup Repair. Let it scan and fix the boot configuration automatically.

Step 4: Repair Boot Files from Command Prompt

In Advanced options → Command Prompt:

chkdsk C: /f /r
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Reboot after they finish. (Your drive letter in WinRE may differ—run diskpart then list volume to confirm which letter holds Windows.)

Step 5: Roll Back a Storage Driver

If you recently updated a storage/RAID driver, boot Safe Mode and roll it back in Device Manager → IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers → Properties → Driver → Roll Back Driver.

What Not to Do

Don't reformat or "initialize" the disk from another PC to make it readable—that destroys your data. The drive is reachable; only the boot path is broken.

Still Won't Boot?

If the drive doesn't appear in BIOS at all, reseat the cable/M.2 stick and test the drive's health: check SSD/hard drive health.
Worst case, recover files first, then reinstall—see reinstall Windows without losing data.

Drive readable but Windows won't load? Data Recovery Pro can pull your files off the partition before you attempt a reinstall.

How to Fix INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE in Windows 11