“Try Disconnecting Any Drives That Don’t Contain an Operating System” Error in Windows 10

The error message “Try disconnecting any drives that don’t contain an operating system” in Windows 10 generally indicates an issue during the boot process where the system is unable to find a valid operating system on any connected drives. This can be due to various reasons, such as a corrupted system partition, missing or damaged Master Boot Record (MBR), incorrect boot settings, or even hardware issues. To address this error, follow these comprehensive steps sourced from several technical support guides:

1. Disconnect Unnecessary Drives: The first step is to disconnect any drives that do not contain the operating system. This helps the BIOS/UEFI focus on the primary boot drive without getting confused by other connected storage devices​​.
2. Set the Hard Disk as the First Boot Device: Access the BIOS setup utility (using keys like Del, F2, F12, or Esc during the boot process) and navigate to the Boot options. Here, change the first boot device to your internal HDD where the operating system is installed. This ensures that the system prioritizes booting from the correct drive​​.
3. Perform a Windows Startup Repair: If the problem persists, perform a Windows Startup Repair. This requires booting from Windows installation media (USB or DVD). Once booted, select ‘Repair your computer’ instead of ‘Install now’, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. This tool will diagnose and attempt to fix issues preventing Windows from starting normally​​​​.
4. Repair or Rebuild the Boot Files: If Startup Repair doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is to repair or rebuild the boot files. Boot from the installation media and use the Command Prompt to perform these tasks. Depending on whether your disk uses GPT (GUID Partition Table) or MBR (Master Boot Record), the steps will differ:
   • For MBR Disks: Use the diskpart utility to identify the correct volume and then set it as active. Use commands like list disk, select disk, list volume, select volume, and active. Finally, use the bcdboot command to repair the boot files​​.
   • For GPT Disks: Open the diskpart utility, list the disks, and identify the GPT disk. Select the system partition and assign a drive letter to it. Then use commands like cd /d [Drive Letter]:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\ and bcdboot to repair the boot files​​.
5. Check for Hardware Issues: If the error persists, there might be an issue with the hard drive itself or its connections. Ensure that the cables connecting the hard drive to the motherboard are secure and undamaged. If possible, test with a different hard drive​​.
6. Rebuild MBR or Reinstall Windows: In more severe cases, you might need to rebuild the MBR using tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard, or as a last resort, consider reinstalling Windows to start fresh​​​​.
7. Update Windows and Drivers: Keeping your system and drivers up-to-date can prevent similar issues in the future.

Following these steps should help resolve the “Try disconnecting any drives that don’t contain an operating system” error in Windows 10. Remember, the steps may vary slightly depending on your specific hardware and BIOS/UEFI version. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it might be best to consult with a professional technician or contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.

Eric Chan

Hi! I’m Eric and I work on the knowledge base at GadgetMates.com.  You can see some of my writings about technology, cellphone repair, and computer repair here.

When I’m not writing about tech I’m playing with my dog or hanging out with my girlfriend.

Shoot me a message at ericchan@gadgetmates.com if you want to see a topic discussed or have a correction on something I’ve written.