When a Windows computer runs into Unmountable Boot Volume error, it gets stuck on a Blue Screen with an error message reading “Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart”.
After this, you will find the computer restarting multiple times, as Windows tries to fix the problem. When the problem is fixed, the error goes away and you will see the computer restarting normally.
If Windows is unable to fix the problem, you will find the computer being stuck on a restart loop and unable to by-pass the Blue Screen.
Fix Unmountable Boot Volume Error in Windows 11/10
The Unmountable Boot Volume error is basically trying to tell you that the computer was unable to load the operating system due to an error in the Boot Volume, where the operating system is located.
There could be various reasons for this problem, ranging from corrupted System files and error in BIOS settings to the Hard Drive being damaged, especially in the case of older computers.
Luckily, in most cases Unmountable Boot Volume Error does not always indicate a problem with the hard drive and it can be fixed by using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Restart Computer and Wait for 4 Hours!
Believe it or not, we personally witnessed a 7-year-old computer recovering from Unmountable Boot Volume Error, when it was restarted and allowed to stay on Black Screen for about 4 hours.
You can try these steps if you have the patience to wait for 3 to 4 hours or move to other methods to fix this problem.
1. Use the Power button to shut down computer and allow it to cool down (15 to 30 minutes).
2. Press the Power button to restart the computer and wait as the computer tries to fix the problem and ends up with a black screen.
3. Leave the computer on Black screen for about 3 to 4 hours.
In our case, the computer surprised us by coming out of the Black Screen, which provided us with the opportunity to free up storage space and uninstall unused Apps and programs.
2. Use Startup Repair
Perhaps the easiest way to fix Unmountable Boot Volume Error is to restart the computer using a Bootable USB Drive and use Startup Repair, which becomes available upon restart.
Note: If you do not have a Bootable USB Drive, you can create it right now by going to another computer and using steps as provided in this guide: How to Create Bootable USB Drive (Windows 11/10).
1. Power OFF the computer by using the Power button.
2. Plug Bootable USB Drive into the computer > Press the Power button to restart the computer.
3. Once the computer restarts, select Language, Currency, Keyboard and click on the Next button.
4. On the next screen, click on Repair your computer option located at lower-left corner.
5. On the next screen, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
6. From the next screen, click on Next and select the operating system (Windows 11/10) that is currently installed on your computer.
7. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the Startup Repair process.
Note: It can take a long time for the repair process to be completed. Make sure that you allow the Startup Repair tool to takes its own time and do not try to end or abort the process.
3. Use Chkdsk
Unmountable Boot Volume Error can be caused due to hard disk errors. Hence, follow the steps below to check and repair the Hard Disk of your computer.
1. Shut Down the computer by using the Power button.
2. Plug Bootable USB Drive to the computer > Press the Power button to restart the computer.
3. After the computer restarts, click on Next and select Repair your computer option.
4. From the next screen, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command prompt.
5. On the Command Prompt screen, type chkdsk /r c: and press the Enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
6. Chkdsk may ask you to run next time the system restarts. If it does, type Y and restart the computer.
Patiently wait for Chkdsk Command to find and fix Hard Disk Errors on your computer. Once, the Chkdsk command is complete, restart the computer and you may find it working properly.
4. Repair Master Boot Record
The Master Boot Record (MBR) helps the computer to locate Windows operating system files and properly load the operating system.
1. Power OFF the computer by using the Power button.
2. Insert Bootable USB Drive into USB Port of the computer and use the Power button to Restart the computer.
3. After the computer restarts, click on Next > select Repair your computer option and navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command prompt.
4. On the Command prompt screen, type bootrec /fixmbr and press the Enter key.
5. Wait for fixmbr command to complete.
6. Next, run bootrec /fixboot and bootrec /rebuildbcd commands to fix this issue.
After running above commands, type Exit and press the enter key to close the command prompt screen and restart your computer.
5. Use SFC Scan
SFC or System File Checker is another built-in Windows utility that you should try to fix this problem.
1. Start the computer using Bootable USB drive.
2. After the computer restarts, click on Next > go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command prompt.
3. On the Command Prompt screen, type sfc /scannow and press the enter key on the keyboard of your computer.
4. Patiently wait for the computer to find and fix system file problems.
6. Reinstall Windows
If none of the above methods worked, you can try to Reinstall Windows operating system on your computer. The disadvantage of this method is that you will end up losing all the data and files on your computer.
1. Use the Bootable USB drive to boot your computer.
2. Once the computer starts, click on Next and select Install Now option.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to Reinstall Windows on your computer.