Issue with my pc running with the wrong boot device

Understanding and Resolving Boot Device Errors on Your PC

Encountering boot-related issues can be a frustrating experience for any user. Recently, a user shared a problem where their PC repeatedly fails to boot correctly, leading to critical errors and unintended BIOS access. Recognizing the symptoms and troubleshooting effectively can help restore your system’s functionality with minimal downtime.

Symptoms and Scenario Overview

In this particular case, the user’s girlfriend reported that her PC experiences lag during gameplay, followed by a system error message stating: “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” Subsequently, the computer automatically enters the BIOS menu. Upon restarting, the system displays a message: “Restart and select proper boot device.” The user has attempted to adjust the boot priority, setting Windows as the primary boot device, but the issue persists intermittently.

Common Causes of Boot Device Errors

Several factors can contribute to such boot device issues:

Incorrect Boot Priority Settings
Faulty or Loose Connection of Storage Devices
Hardware Failures (Hard Drive/SSD Failures)
Corrupt System Files or OS Installation
BIOS/UEFI Firmware Problems

Troubleshooting Steps and Recommended Solutions

Verify Boot Priority Settings
Access BIOS/UEFI setup during startup (commonly by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
Ensure that the primary storage device containing the OS (SSD or HDD) is set as the first boot device.
Save and exit BIOS, then reboot to see if the problem persists.
Check Physical Connections
Power off the PC and unplug it.
Open the case and inspect the data and power cables connected to the storage device.
Make sure all connections are secure and free from damage.
Test the Storage Device
Use diagnostic tools provided by the drive manufacturer or third-party utilities to check the health of the drive.
Consider connecting the drive to a different port or system to verify its functionality.
Repair the Operating System
Boot from a Windows installation media (USB or DVD).
Select the “Repair your computer” option.
Use the Startup Repair tool to fix system issues that may be causing boot failures.
Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware
Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for firmware updates.
Follow the provided instructions carefully to update the BIOS, as outdated firmware can sometimes lead to hardware recognition issues.
Consider Hardware Replacement
If diagnostics reveal a failing drive or other hardware