If you are a Windows 10 user, you may face an error saying “Reboot and select proper Boot Device” while starting the device. This is one of the fatal errors that users encounter while using the system. This error mainly happens when the computer system’s BIOS is unable to find any bootable drive. 

Sometimes, it is seen that the error appears due to hardware-related issues. In that case, it is better to go to the professional servicemen instead of trying it on your own. But, if the issues are related to system software, you can try to fix it yourself. For that, you don’t need any technical skills. Just follow our fixing guidelines to resolve the error.

Issues Responsible For “Reboot And Select Proper Boot Device” Error

In the introduction part, we have mentioned that the error can appear due to system software as well as hardware issues.

Since the error name refers to a problem related to the BIOS, you can come across this message on any version of Windows OS. The reasons for this error are discussed below:

• Due to the device’s age, the cables can become faulty or the SATA slot can get damaged. As a result, the BIOS can’t detect your bootable disk.
• Your hard drive may get damaged due to any reason. This is why detection is not possible and reject connection established by the BIOS.
• Sometimes, the partition where the Windows boot file is installed, should not be kept as the very active partition. In that case, Windows can become unbootable.
• Damaged MBR(Master Boot Record).
• The boot sequence is set in the wrong order.
• Corrupted or missing boot files.
• The Operating System maybe crashed.

Solutions To Fix The “Reboot and select proper Boot Device” Issue

In the previous section, we have discussed the error may appear due to hardware issues as well. So, if you think that you can’t diagnose the hardware issue, it is recommended you to go to a professional. But before that, try these fixes to get rid of this error.

Fix #1: Check Whether the Power Cable is Connected Properly

In some cases, it is seen that the faulty or broken power cable is the cause of this error. Somehow, if the power cable is broken or incorrectly connected, the system can not detect the hard disk drive.

Hence, test the power cable by inserting it on another computer. If the error still shows up, it’s time to change the cable. Try again with a new power outlet and see if the problem gets resolved.

Fix #2: Verify if the Hard Disk is Properly Connected

Sometimes, it is observed that a loose connection in the hard disk is the reason why the system shows “Reboot and select proper device”. If your PC is under the warranty, it is recommended you to take the PC to the Service Center. Moreover, if you lack technical knowledge, don’t try to fix this issue yourself.

Find a good expert and let them check whether there is any loose connection in the hard disk. If the connection is established in the HDD or SDD properly, restart your computer and find whether the error is eliminated.

Fix #3: Set Correct Boot Order

“Reboot and select proper boot device Windows 10” can pop up on the system screen if the booting order is not set properly. An incorrect boot order can be responsible for the BIOS to not detect the correct booting source. Hence, you need to set the booting order in the proper sequence. So, how do you check the correct booting order and set them properly?

• If your computer is turned on, restart that once.
• Press the necessary key(s) to open the BIOS menu or BIOS setup.
• The keys are different according to the company manufacturer and company model. So, check the key(s) from the company site. Otherwise, the keys normally appear on the first screen when the system turns on during restart.
• Go to the tab that shows the Boot order priority part.
• If it is not in the right order, follow the correct instructions to set hard disk or SSD as the top of the priority list.
• Finally, press F10 to save the settings.
• Restart the device and see if the “Reboot and select proper Boot Device” problem is resolved.

Fix #4: Run Startup or Automatic Repair

Sometimes, it is also seen that a simple startup repair can resolve the problem easily. Follow the steps below to perform a startup repair on the system.

• Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation disk or external drive in the computer and restart the system.
• When the Windows prompt to boot from the source, press any key to start the operation.
• You have to choose the language preference and click on Next.
• Click on “Repair your computer”, which is placed at the bottom left corner of the screen.
• After that, another window of “Choose an option” will open.
• You need to click on “Troubleshoot” option. On the next screen, click on the “Advanced options”.
• In the next step, the “Advanced options” window will show up and you will get to see the “Automatic Repair” option below. Click on that and wait for some moment until the entire process is finished.
• Restart the system and you will likely not see this message again.

Fix #5: Enable UEFI Boot and Disable Legacy Boot

Some computers have the UEFI option instead of BIOS. In the UEFI option, you can see the Legacy mode option that could be active or enabled. This often could cause the error to appear on the computer screen. In that case, you can easily switch off the option from the Legacy Support in the UEFI settings.

To do so,  first, you need to restart the computer and press the necessary key(s) to go to the UEFI settings. The keys are different depending upon the company manufacturer and computer model.

Depending upon the computer model, go to the Legacy Support option by following the right instructions. You can check it by navigating the Security tab > Legacy. Turn off the “Legacy” and save the settings.

Now, close the UEFI menu and perform a restart on the device to apply the changes successfully.

Fix #6: Set Correct Partition Active

The preliminary reason behind the “Reboot and select proper Boot Device Windows 10” error can be the partitioning. If the primary partition is not set as the active partition, Windows 10 can display this error. So, follow the steps discussed below to apply this solution.

• After inserting the Windows installation disk, try to boot from the source.
• Go to the “System Recovery Options” and click on Command Prompt.
• Type each of the commands one by one and press “Enter” after each command:

DiskPart

list disk

select disk 0

list partition

select partition 1

active

exit

• Now, close the window and restart the computer. It will probably solve the problem with immediate effect.

If somehow, the error still appears, you can try changing the CMOS battery. Apart from that, there is another option where you can reinstall the Windows package after successfully backing up the system. These are all the major steps that you can implement to get rid of this error on Windows 10.