Fix “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” Error on Windows 11/10
Getting the “An operating system wasn’t found” message on your Windows 11 or 10 computer can be frustrating. This error usually pops up when there’s a problem with the boot process. But don’t worry, there are simple ways to fix this issue. Let’s walk through the solutions to get your computer back to normal.
Common Reasons for “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” Error
Before we jump into the fixes, let’s look at why this error happens:
- Corrupted system partition
- Missing or damaged Master Boot Record (MBR)
- No active partition or incorrect disk partition marked as active
- Corrupt boot configuration data (BCD)
- The hard drive with the operating system is not connected
How to Fix “An Operating System Wasn’t Found” Error
1. Perform a Windows Startup Repair
The first method to try is a Windows Startup Repair. This is a tool that can fix some common issues automatically.
- Create a bootable USB drive. (You can search for how to do this online)
- Boot your computer from the USB drive.
- When you see the “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” message, press a key.
- Choose your language preferences and click Next.
- Select Repair your computer instead of Install now.
- Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
2. Repair Boot Files
If Startup Repair doesn’t work, the problem might be with the boot files. Here’s how to fix it:
- Boot your PC from the Windows installation media.
- Choose your language, time, and keyboard method and click Next.
- Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
- Check your disk type (GPT or MBR) by typing
diskpart, thenlist disk. - Follow the steps based on whether your disk is GPT or MBR.
3. Rebuild MBR Using MiniTool Partition Wizard
If the boot files are not the issue, you might need to rebuild the Master Boot Record (MBR). Use the MiniTool Partition Wizard to do this:
- Install MiniTool Partition Wizard on another computer.
- Create a bootable media using the software.
- Boot your affected computer using this media.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to rebuild the MBR.
4. Reinstall Windows
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Windows might be the last resort. Before proceeding, back up all important files to avoid data loss.
- Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files.
- Insert the USB into the affected PC and boot from it.
- Follow the instructions to reinstall Windows.
Back Up Your System After Fixing the Issue
After fixing the issue, it’s a good idea to back up your system. This way, you can easily restore it if something goes wrong again. Use software like MiniTool ShadowMaker to back up your files, partitions, or entire system safely.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “An operating system wasn’t found” error and get your computer running again. Remember to back up your files regularly to avoid losing important data. If you need further help, reach out to a professional or use backup tools like MiniTool ShadowMaker.
