Symptom

The device does not boot and displays an error, Default Boot Device Missing or boot failed. Insert recovery media and hit any key.

This error may occur when:

• The boot sequence or order is incorrect.
• BIOS settings are incorrect.
• The hard drive may have failed.

Applicable Brands

• ideapad
• ideacentre
• ThinkPad
• ThinkCentre

Operating Systems

• Windows 10
• Windows 11

Solution

1. Check the boot sequence. If the hard disk is second, try setting the disk to be first. The boot sequence may be located under the Boot or Startup tab (or other location depending on the machine). See How to change the boot order in BIOS. The following example is for a ThinkPad T480s:
   
   How to enter the BIOS:
   [Video] How to enter the BIOS Setup Utility in Windows
   Recommended way to enter BIOS for Think Series
   Recommended way to enter BIOS for IdeaPad, Lenovo Laptops
   Recommended way to enter BIOS for Lenovo Desktops and All-in-Ones
2. If the boot sequence does not show up, select legacy BIOS mode and try to install Windows. Then select UEFI BIOS mode, and check the boot sequence.
3. Reset the BIOS (press F9 to load defaults, press F10 to save and exit).
4. If the hard disk is not recognized, try cleaning the disk. Note: Some hard drives are not removable. Consult the user manual or contact support.
5. If this still does not work, contact Lenovo support for assistance at Contact Us.

Note: If you need to disable secure boot to boot from a USB device, see this link: Disabling Secure Boot.

Legacy Machines:

1. Power on the laptop.
2. Enter the BIOS setup.
   How To Access BIOS:
   Think products - How to access the BIOS – ThinkPad
   ideapad products - How to Enter BIOS Setup from Windows System - Idea Notebooks/Desktops
3. Go to the Boot tab.
   Note : The boot option may be located in a different location depending on the machine. Navigate around the BIOS until the option is found.
4. Highlight Boot Mode, press Enter, and swap from UEFI to Legacy Support. Under that Swap UEFI to legacy first.
5. Go to the Exit tab and highlight Exit to save changes. Press Enter.
6. Restart the machine.

BIOS Simulator:

The BIOS simulator may help with issues finding the Boot or Startup tab. See Lenovo BIOS Simulator Center: An interactive BIOS Setup utility.

Try Diagnostics:

Popular Topics: System Tools, Diagnostic Tools

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