Operating System Not Found is an error message that occurs during system startup. This message appears in a black windows and prevents access to the desktop. The situation is therefore scary and quite complicated. However, like many other Windows errors, this error can be Fix ‘An Operating System wasn’t Found’ issue in Windows 11/10.
This problem can occur in any version of Windows. However, the majority of reports come from Windows 11 users. In many cases, this error is preceded by PC glitches, app crashes, freezes, and similar issues. Also, before the error occurs, the system may initiate a self-repair and offer the user the option to restart the PC or open advanced options; if the PC owner chooses to restart, the system will generate an “Operating System Not Found Not Found” error message and will get nowhere.
Causes ‘An Operating System wasn’t Found’ issue in Windows 11/10 in detail
- Boot files that are damaged or missing: The boot files tell your computer how to start up. If these files are broken or missing, your computer won’t be able to start up and will show the “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” error message.
- The boot order is the order in which your computer looks for devices that can start up. If the boot order is wrong, your computer might not be able to find the operating system and will show the “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” error message.
- Bad sectors on the hard drive: Bad sectors are damaged parts of the hard drive that the computer can’t read. If there are bad sectors on the hard drive that hold the operating system, your computer won’t be able to start up and will show the “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” error message.
- Infection with a virus or malware: A virus or malware infection can hurt the operating system and make it unable to start up. If you think your computer has a virus or malware on it, you should scan it with a virus or malware protection program.
- Hardware failure: A hardware failure, like a broken hard drive or memory, can also cause the “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” error message. If you think that a hardware problem is the cause of the problem, you should have a qualified technician check your computer.
Fix: ‘An Operating System wasn’t Found’ issue in Windows 11/10
Repair Windows Bootloader
- If you have a USB or DVD with Windows on it, start your computer from that.
- Choose your language and country, and then click “Next.”
- Click “Repair your computer” in the bottom left area.
- On the “Choose an option” screen, click “Troubleshoot.”
- Select “Advanced options” and then “Command Prompt.”
- Type the following words one by one into the Command Prompt and press Enter after each one:
Set Hard Disk As the first boot device
- During the boot process, use the Delete, F2, F12, or Esc key to get to the BIOS setup tool screen. Then, use the arrow key to move to the Boot options screen. Here, change the 1st boot device to your internal HDD.
- If you press F10 to save, Windows will restart.
- Now, check to see if Windows starts up as usual.
Repair Corrupted Boot Files
- Again, start up from the software disc and go to the advanced options,
- Click on the command prompt this time. To open the DISKPART tool, type command diskpart into the command prompt window and press the enter key.
- Now type list disk and hit the enter key to find out if your disk is set to GPT or MBR split.
Run Windows Startup Repair
- If the problem keeps happening, boot your computer from the Windows installation discs again.
- Choose “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options.”
- Choose “Startup Repair” this time and follow the steps on the screen.
FAQs
You might see the “Operating system wasn’t found” error warning for a few different reasons. One option is that the hard drive in your computer is broken or has broken down. If this is the case, the hard drive will need to be changed. There’s also a chance that the division table is broken.
On the screen for Advanced Boot Options, you can start Windows in ways that help you fix problems. You can get to the menu by turning on your computer and hitting the F8 key before Windows starts. Some choices, like “safe mode,” start Windows in a limited state where only the most important things run.
You will have to jump through several menus, but it is a relatively hassle-free method. Again, if you do not wish to read this tutorial, simply press and hold F2 while the PC is booting and you will be immediately taken to the BIOS settings.
