Troubleshooting New HDD Installation: How I Resolved the “No Bootable Devices” Issue

Recently, I decided to upgrade my laptop by installing a new hard disk drive (HDD). However, to my dismay, I was greeted with a screen that stated, “No bootable devices found.” This left me feeling frustrated and uncertain about how to get my system up and running with Windows.

If you’ve ever encountered this problem, you can understand the challenge of resolving it. After some research and consultation with the online community, I managed to find a solution that worked for me. Here’s a detailed account of the steps I took to successfully install Windows on my new HDD.

Step 1: Accessing BIOS/UEFI Settings

The first step was to access the BIOS or UEFI settings of my laptop. From here, I navigated to the “Boot Options” section. It was crucial for me to ensure that the correct settings were configured for the new HDD.

Step 2: Disabling Secure Boot

One of the key adjustments I made was to disable the Secure Boot feature. This option is designed to prevent unauthorized software from loading during the bootup process, but it can sometimes interfere with the installation of a new operating system on a fresh drive.

Step 3: Enabling Legacy Boot

Next, I enabled the Legacy Boot option within the Advanced System Settings. This mode provided better compatibility for my system, especially when working with older drives or operating systems.

Step 4: Deleting Existing Partitions

After making these changes, I proceeded to the Windows setup screen. There, I encountered several partitions from previous installations (which were not necessary for my new setup). I took the necessary step of deleting these partitions, creating unallocated space for Windows to be installed.

Step 5: Installing Windows

With a clear partition ready, I was finally able to select my new HDD for the installation of Windows. The process went smoothly, and before long, I was greeted with the familiar Windows setup interface.

Conclusion

I’m grateful for the support I received from the online community, which guided me through the troubleshooting process. If you find yourself facing a “No bootable devices” issue after installing a new HDD, consider following these steps. It’s important to ensure your BIOS settings align with your installation needs, and sometimes a little modification can lead to a hassle-free experience.

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions – I couldn’t have