5 Ways to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device on Windows Server 2019

What Does It Mean When Your Computer Says Inaccessible Boot Device?

"Inaccessible Boot Device" is a frequently encountered error or stop code that emerges as a pointer when encountering a Blue Screen issue on Windows Server 2019, as well as on Windows Server 2022/2016/2012. This error typically signifies that the Windows Server 2019 OS has encountered a setback in accessing the system partition during the startup sequence.

When the stop code Inaccessible Boot Device on Windows Server 2019 pops up, it means the system takes a preventive measure to safeguard itself from plausible data corruption or loss by initiating an automatic shutdown and presenting a blue screen or stop error message.

In the following, we will show the main causes of Windows Server Inaccessible Boot Device error, how to fix it, and a server backup solution that can help you backup data for disaster recovery.

Possible Causes of Server 2019 Inaccessible Boot Device Error

The Inaccessible Boot Device stop error can be attributed to any of the following contributing factors:

• Corrupted files within the boot partition
• Incidences of file system corruption
• Presence of bad sectors on the primary hard drive
• Modifications made to the storage controller mode or settings in the BIOS
• Presence of defective motherboard, storage controller, or hardware
• Conflicts arising from newly-installed hardware interacting with existing devices
• Instances where newly-installed software is either improperly written or conflicting with other programs
• Corrupted Master Boot Record or instances of missing Boot Configuration Data

How to Fix Inaccessible Boot Device on Windows Server 2019 in 5 Methods

Below are several inaccessible boot device fix methods that you can attempt to resolve this error in Server 2019 or other Server OS instances.

Solution 1. Make Sure Boot Disk is Connected and Accessible

Before proceeding with any complex troubleshooting steps, it is important to check whether the boot drive is detected by your Server. This action should be your first course if Windows Server 2019 Inaccessible Boot Device error occurs.

Step 1. Shut down your Server on the startup screen, and repeat this process three times until the Preparing Automatic Repair window appears.

Step 2. Navigate to Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Command Prompt sequentially.

Step 3. In the Command Prompt interface, type diskpart and hit Enter.

Step 4. Then, input list disk and press Enter to validate the accurate listing of the system disk.

Step 5. Continue by entering list vol again and pressing Enter to confirm the accurate listing of the boot device.

If the disk containing the operating system fails to appear in the output, the next course of action involves engaging the OEM or virtualization manufacturer for further assistance.

Solution 2. Revert Recent Server Updates

If the inaccessible device error emerges in Server after a Windows update installation, you can roll back recent updates to fix Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows Server 2016/2019/2022.

Step 1. Reach the recovery mode, and select Troubleshoot from the available recovery mode options.

Step 2. Opt for Command Prompt within the advanced options. Proceed by choosing the Admin account to load the Command Prompt, then provide the password to proceed.

Step 3. Sequentially, input the following three commands and press Enter after each to execute:

• reg load HKLM\temp c:\windows\system32\config\software
• Regdelete "HKLM\temp\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing\SessionsPending"/v Exclusive
• reg unload HKLM\temp

Step 4. Type dism /image:C:\ /get-packages once more and press Enter to display the list of installed updates.

Step 5. Input MKDIR C:\temp\packages and press Enter to generate a temporary archive.

Step 6. Concludingly, enter dism /image:c:\ /remove-package /packagename:[package name] /scratchdir:c:\temp\packages and press Enter. This action facilitates the removal of updates that could be linked to the "Inaccessible Boot Device" error.

★Tip:

Substitute [package name] with the relevant package name based on your situation.

Step 7. Type exit and press Enter to exit the Command Prompt.

Solution 3. Boot into Last Know Good Configuration

Last Known Good Configuration, known as LKGC, is a recovery option integrated into all versions of Windows by Microsoft. This functionality enables you to restore Windows PC or Server to a previously functional state, particularly if you encounter difficulties in starting it normally due to issues arising from failed updates, driver installations, or software setups. Here is how to utilize the Last Known Good Configuration (LKGC) recovery option when Windows Server 2019 won’t boot:

Step 1. Follow the instructions outlined in Solution 1 above to access the Advanced Options menu. From there, select Startup Settings.

Step 2. Once you're in the Startup Settings screen, click the Restart button.

Step 3. Upon the system restart, the Advanced Boot Options screen will be displayed. Utilize your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate to Last Known Good Configuration (Advanced) and then press the Enter key.

Solution 4. Running SFC and Chkdsk

If the "Server 2019 Inaccessible Boot Device" error persists, consider examining the boot partition for potential bad sectors using Command Prompt. To achieve this, follow these steps:

Step 1. Access Command Prompt from recovery mode. Open Windows + S to open the search box, type cmd, and opt for Run as administrator.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, input chkdsk/f /r X: (replace X with the appropriate drive letter) and press Enter. Then, it will scan for drive errors and repair hard drives.

Step 3. Then, proceed to use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to detect and restore corruptions within Windows system files. Execute this by typing sfc /scannow in the Command Prompt.

Solution 5. Fix Boot Configuration Database with Bootrec Command

Absolutely, Boot Configuration Data (BCD) plays a pivotal role in ensuring successful server booting. If your Server 2019 encounters difficulties in booting normally, attempting repairs on these components can be a worthwhile approach.

Step 1. Access the Command Prompt window within the recovery mode.

Step 2. Input the following commands and press Enter after each one.

● Bootrec/fixmbr (This command addresses any corruption problems with the master boot record)

● Bootrec/fixboot (This command attempts to write a fresh boot sector on the hard disk if Windows detects damage)

● Bootrec/rebuildbcd (this command may be able to fix an error like Boot Manager is Missing, and can also restore boot entries for older versions of Windows if you have a dual boot configuration)

Bonus Tip: Always Backup Your Hard Drives for Disaster Recovery

When the error Inaccessible Boot Device on Windows Server 2019 occurs, swift resolution is vital to prevent disruptions in your work and daily activities. However, incorrect troubleshooting attempts could potentially cause disk damage and data loss. To prevent this risk, employing AOMEI Backupper Server for disk backup during daily usage is strongly recommended.

This software lets you create disk backup images on Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012/2008 to external hard drive, local drive, NAS device, network location, cloud, etc. Also, it provides System Backup to take a server backup easily, as well as File Backup to backup individual files and folders hassle-free.

👔 Its Schedule Backup allows you to backup data in daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, or USB plug in frequency.
👔 By default, it uses incremental backup to save only changed or newly added data in a scheduled task.

Step 1. Initiate AOMEI Backupper Standard, navigate to the Backup tab, and select Disk Backup. (PS: The free trial version only works for 30 days. It is recommended to upgrade server trial to its official version for continuous server backups.)

Step 2. In the Disk Backup window, click on the Add Disk button.

Step 3. Modify the destination path for the disk backup as needed.

Step 4. Tap Start Backup to commence the disk backup process.

★Tips:

To prevent backup disk full, you can utilize the Automatic Backup Cleanup function under Backup Scheme. This automates the deletion of older backup images.

In the event of data loss or disk damage, its Disk Restore function can quickly restore all the data on the previous disk.

🔥Hot: Windows Server 2025 released

Windows Server 2025 was released on November 1, 2024. Following are some of the newest developments in Windows Server 2025:

• Desktop Shell: Upon signing in for the first time, the desktop shell is designed to match the look and feel of Windows 11, providing a familiar and modern user interface.
• Bluetooth: Windows Server 2025 now supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to seamlessly pair and connect devices such as mice, keyboards, headsets, audio devices, and more.
• DTrace: Windows Server 2025 includes DTrace as a native tool, providing a powerful command-line utility for real-time system performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Email and accounts: You can now add Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft account and Work or school account in Windows Settings in Accounts > Email & accounts for Windows Server 2025. It's important to keep in mind that domain join is still required for most situations.

If you'd like to experience all these wonderful features, you may make a Windows Server 2025 Media Creation Tool to install Server 2025 on a compatible device.

Conclusion

This page introduces 5 proven methods on how to fix Inaccessible Boot Device in Windows Server 2019, as well as in Server 2022, 2016, and other OS. Besides, it offers an easy-to-use backup tool that can help you backup hard drive, system, files, etc. on the Server system. With this tool, you can get back lost data easily by restoring backup files when accidents happen.