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How to Fix: Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device
Modify your BIOS settings to fix this issue
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Reboot and select properbootdevicemessage can be quite problematic since it will prevent you from starting Windows.
It occurs when you try to start your PC and prevents you from successfully booting. Receiving this error message means that your PC cannot boot using the hard drive it is meant to boot from and is asking you to select another device.
What causes thereboot and select proper boot deviceerror?
There are numerous causes for this issue, but the most likely ones are BIOS settings or hardware failures. Here are some possible culprits:
If you encounter the error message on your PC, don’t be alarmed. In this guide, we have a couple of solutions that will surely help you fix this issue and get your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC tobootagain properly.
How can I fix thereboot and select proper boot deviceerror?
1. Enable or disable Legacy Boot (only UEFI computers)
TheReboot and select properbootdevicemessage can appear on a new PC, and if that happens, be sure to check the UEFI settings before trying out other solutions.
2. Change the boot order in BIOS
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Restart the computer andenter BIOS. To do this, you need to press theBIOS shortcut keyfor your specific device. It could be: F2, F10, F12, Delete, Esc, etc.
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Choose theBootsection.
3. Verify the order of boot devices.
4.SetHard Disk Drive (HDD)as the primary boot source.
- PressF10toSave and Exit.
6. ClickYesto confirm changes.
If you ever encounter Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device and press a key, usually the problem is your boot order. You can easily change the boot order in the BIOS Setup Program.
3. Use Startup Repair and diskpart
This is the first part of the solution called Startup Repair, and at the end, you mustrestartthe computer if you are prompted to.
Once the process has finished, you will be notified if problems were detected and if Startup Repair has fixed them. The second part of this solution involves activating diskpart.
After setting your partition to active, the Reboot and select properbootdevice message with your SSD should be gone.
Note:You might have to select a different partition depending on the number of disks and partitions that you have on your PC.
4. Replace the CMOS battery
Your computer’s motherboard contains a small circular cell that is the CMOS battery. By removing the battery, you’ll reset your settings to the default and hopefully fix the Reboot and select the properbootdeviceerror.
5. Reinstall Windows
This is the ultimate solution available for you if the reboot and select properbootdeviceerrorwill not disappear after trying the previous ones.
We have an in-depth guide onhow to reinstall Windows 10, so be sure to check it out.
In most casesReboot and select proper boot devicemessage appears due to your BIOS settings, but hopefully, you managed to fix this issue using our solutions.
Did you find a solution for this issue on your own? Share it with us in the comments section below!
More about the topics:boot errors,windows 10 fix,Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.