Problem with starting Windows 11 - issues loading the boot media/sequence
Problem with starting Windows 11 - issues loading the boot media/sequence
Hi everyone,
I've been facing a persistent problem with my PC for several days now. I constructed this system from scratch (except the GPU), and after installing Windows 11, I encountered difficulties during the boot process. It seems similar issues have been discussed here, but none of the suggested solutions resolved the problem, and I'm growing increasingly frustrated.
I’ll walk you through the steps I’ve taken so far:
- Installed Windows 11 using a USB boot device
- Set up the correct partitions on the M.2 drive and installed Windows onto the PC
- Followed instructions to remove the boot media, but ended up back in the BIOS with “No bootable device found” displayed
- Verified that the M.2 card is compatible with my motherboard
- Enabled CSM support, which caused the M.2 to appear in the boot sequence
- Attempted to boot with CSM Support enabled, but received the error “Please select proper boot device”
- Realized my partitions were in MBR format, so I looked for a video on YouTube explaining how to convert it to GPT
- Successfully converted and reinstalled Windows onto the M.2 drive
- Still experiencing the same issue: when CSM support is selected, the PC boots but fails when it’s not selected, showing the same “No bootable device found” message
I’ve spent about two days trying various fixes until late at night, and I’m running out of time. I even consulted a local PC specialist, who couldn’t get the system to boot.
I’m pretty sure the problem isn’t with the motherboard, but rather an installation or memory-related error. I’m completely stuck and would really appreciate any advice or tips from anyone with experience.
PC specifications:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Motherboard: Aorus B850e ICE
- RAM: 64GB Kingston Fury 6400MHz
- M.2: Seagate FireCuda 530R 1TB
- GPU: Zotac 3070
- Power Supply: Corsair RM750X Gold
Thanks all!
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
You didn’t specify the make and model of your PSU.
> Installed Windows 11 using a USB boot device
Where did you obtain the installer for your operating system?
> Set up the correct partitions on the M.2 and installed Windows on the PC
I see you have a 1TB drive; did you create partitions beyond what the OS typically generates? Talking about partitions, is the SSD listed in your specifications the sole drive connected to the system, apart from the bootable USB installer?
When told to remove the installation media (USB)media, and you reach BIOS, you need to turn on BOOT from disk settings.
During a fresh clean installation, you must erase all partitions and allow Windows to create them as needed. You can split or form new partitions once the installation is complete and functioning.
Certainly, here is the rewritten version:
I obtained the installer for the operating system from the Microsoft website using the provided download link. I accessed it through the section labeled 'Create Windows 11 installation media' at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software.../windows11.
The installation generates standard partitions, and upon initial setup for the M.2 drive, four partitions were listed. The first partition is EDB-USB with a 23.7GB primary size, which serves as the bootable USB installer. The second partition is 300.00 MB designated for the system, the third is 309.6 GB as the primary partition, and the fourth is 620.1 GB also intended as the primary partition.
I set up partitions 3 and 4 specifically to install Windows on the third location. The first two partitions were automatically generated by the system. The M.2 drive is the sole connected drive besides the bootable USB.
The problem I encountered is that after removing the boot media USB, viewing the M.2 requires enabling CSM support in the BIOS. If not enabled, it fails to appear in the boot sequence. When CSM is activated and I select the M.2 drive, the PC prompts me to choose a proper boot device and prevents further progress.
Before creating any partitions, all existing partitions were deleted. The remaining partitions before creation are: Disk 1 Partition 1 (ESD-USB, bootable USB), Disk 2 unallocated space.
The Windows installation partitions I set up are:
- Partition 1: 300.00 MB (System) – created by the installer
- Partition 2: 16.0 MB (MSR Reserved) – created by the installer
- Partition 3: 309.6 GB (Primary) – manually created for Windows installation
- Partition 4: 620.1 GB (Primary) – allocated extra memory space
I have attempted once more this evening for another hour, yet progress remains elusive. I used my old M.2 (Samsung 970 Evo 500GB) which had Windows installed on my prior build, so I understand this SSD won’t work. Still, it hasn’t changed much, and it remains unrecognisable in the boot sequence unless CSM support is enabled.
Based on what I’ve shared before, here’s what I know:
- No problems with the M.2 drive
- No issues with the GPU
- Brand new motherboard appears to function correctly
- The new CPU hasn’t been tested yet; I haven’t managed to boot past the BIOS
- New RAM is also untested but doesn’t cause any DRAM errors.
Adding this information should help if anyone has suggestions.
Do you believe it's worthwhile to attempt downloading the Windows 24H2 ISO and using Rufus to generate a bootable USB with GPT Partitions? I've used this approach on both old and new PCs, including SSDs and M.2 drives without any installation problems. It's just a suggestion. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you and best of luck!
It doesn't matter what type of disk it is.
You have two physical disks available; I recommend disconnecting or disabling one, leaving only the disk where Windows should be installed.
"The still unrecognisable boot sequence unless CSM support is enabled" indicates it isn't set up as a GPT.