inaccessible boot device loop, also not starting from USB, no prompt or whatever

Dini Bouwhuis 60 Reputation points
2026-09-28T15:20:14.0433333+00:00

After reinstallation Windows 11 the laptop runs in a loop with the above message. I cannot reached, a prompt or menu or the repair menu (after on/of 3 times) The loop cannot be stopped and it repeats time after time. F8 works but I cannot use any key to make a change in the boot menu, it shuts off .

I'm trying already a lot of hours to get it solved and I didn't find a solution for this unbreakable loop. I'm very nervous now as it is the laptop of a friend and not mine. Hope you can help, Dini

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
Answer accepted by question author
David-M 127.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-10-02T16:25:27.3266667+00:00

That's good news.

To answer your question first: Yes, you can safely remove the USB drive now. All the installation files have already been copied to the internal drive, so unplugging it will not interrupt the setup.

To get past the network screen right now without downloading drivers yet, you can bypass the internet requirement:

  1. On the network setup screen, press "Shift + F10" (or "Fn + Shift + F10") to open a black Command Prompt window; (I hope the shortcut works. If it doesn't, let me know)
  2. Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and press Enter;
  3. The laptop will automatically restart and return to the setup screen;
  4. This time, when you reach the network screen, you will see a new option: "I don't have internet". Click it, then choose "Continue with limited setup".

This allows you to create your local user account and reach the Windows Desktop immediately.

(Let me know if you spot any discrepancies. Microsoft recently updated the ISO, and I haven't had the chance to perform a clean install to see if anything has changed.)

Once you are on the Desktop:

You can plug your USB drive into another PC, download the Wi-Fi driver (The "Wireless LAN Driver(AX201)" or "Wireless LAN Driver(MT7920)" driver listed on Acer's page), copy it to the USB, plug it into the laptop, and run the setup file to get Wi-Fi working.

Please let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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Answer accepted by question author
David-M 127.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-28T15:58:04.5133333+00:00

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

  • How was Windows reinstalled? Did you use the built-in "Reset this PC" option inside Windows, or did you do a clean install from a USB flash drive?
  • If it was a clean install, how was the boot USB created? Did you use Microsoft's official Media Creation Tool or a third-party tool?
  • Is there data stored on the internal drive that needs to be preserved?
  • What is the exact manufacturer and model of the laptop?

Looking forward to your reply.

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Answer accepted by question author

AI answer

2026-09-28T15:20:33.6766667+00:00
  1. Restart the PC once more first. On Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, Quick Machine Recovery can automatically detect repeated boot failures and try a fix from Windows Update.
  2. If BitLocker is enabled, have the recovery key ready. Most WinRE recovery options require it.
  3. Use Windows installation media from another working PC. Since the built-in recovery loop is not opening, start the laptop from Windows installation media for the installed version of Windows, then select: Next > Repair your computer > Next > Command Prompt
  4. In WinRE, verify the disk is detected. At Command Prompt: 
       diskpart
   list disk
    • The internal OS disk should appear.
    • If the OS disk is not listed, the issue points to the laptop storage path or firmware side. The documented guidance is to engage the OEM or virtualization manufacturer.
  5. If the disk is listed, check volumes. In diskpart, run: 
       list vol
    This helps confirm the Windows and system partitions are present.
  6. Check the boot configuration. At Command Prompt, run: 
       bcdedit
    Verify in {bootmgr} and {default} that device, path, osdevice, and systemroot point to the correct partition and Windows folder.
  7. Back up BCD before changing it. If entries are wrong or missing: 
       bcdedit /export C:\temp\bcdbackup
    Then correct entries with: 
       bcdedit /set {default} device partition=C:
    Use the correct partition letter found in WinRE.
  8. If BCD is badly damaged, rebuild it. 
       bootrec /rebuildbcd
  9. If boot files are missing, recreate them. Example: 
       bcdboot D:\windows /s R: /f ALL
    Replace D: with the Windows partition and R: with the system partition identified in WinRE.
  10. If this started after setup or update activity, revert pending actions.
Dism /Image:C:\ /Get-packages
Dism /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RevertPendingActions

Replace C: with the actual OS partition letter in WinRE.

  1. If the laptop still cannot boot from USB reliably, check firmware-related causes. The documented causes for INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE include:
  • recent hardware changes
  • changed UEFI/BIOS storage controller settings, such as legacy/AHCI changes
  • outdated UEFI/BIOS or storage controller firmware
  • storage device compatibility problems
  1. If recovery still fails, use the USB again to access recovery or perform a clean install. If needed first, files can be copied from WinRE by opening notepad.exe, then using File > Open as a mini file browser.

Important: Registry editing and formatting steps exist for advanced 0x7B recovery, but they are high risk and can make the system unbootable if done incorrectly. Use BCD and DISM checks first.

References:

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  1. David-M 127.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-30T12:26:47.43+00:00

    Thanks for the update.

    Regarding the BIOS and the storage settings, you don't need to worry about that anymore. The photo of the error message shows "Drive 0", which confirms that the laptop's internal drive is already properly recognized by the system.

    Reaching this error screen is a good sign. The "MBR partition label" error means the internal drive currently has an older MBR partition layout, while Windows 11 requires GPT. You don't need to recreate the USB or buy a bigger one. This can be fixed directly on that setup screen.

    Here is how to resolve it with your current USB drive when you get back home:

    1 = Delete existing partitions (This is the easiest method):

    • On the screen asking where to install Windows, click on each partition listed for Drive 0 and click "Delete";
    • Keep deleting until only "Drive 0 Unallocated Space" remains;
    • Select "Drive 0 Unallocated Space" and click "Next". Windows will automatically convert the drive to GPT and start installing.

    2 = Alternative via Command Prompt (If the Delete option is greyed out):

    • On that same installer screen, press "Shift + F10" (or "Fn + Shift + F10") to open the Command Prompt window;
    • Type diskpart and press Enter;
    • Type list disk and press Enter;
    • Type select disk 0 and press Enter; (make sure Disk 0 is the internal drive)
    • Type clean and press Enter; (This clears the old MBR layout)
    • Type convert gpt and press Enter;
    • Type exit and press Enter, then close the Command Prompt window;
    • Click "Refresh" on the Windows setup screen, select the unallocated space, and click "Next".

    Please let me know how it goes.

    If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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  2. David-M 127.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-29T12:19:57.94+00:00

    Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline.

    Thanks for the photo.

    The good news is that "F12 Boot Menu" is already turned on.

    Here is what to do next based on your screen:

    1 = Disable Fast Boot. Keeping Fast Boot enabled can prevent the laptop from recognizing the USB drive properly sometimes.

    • On that same "Main" tab, click or toggle "Fast Boot" to off.

    2 = The screen appears to be a new graphical layout from Acer. The VMD/Storage option might be located within the Advanced menu, or the notebook simply does not allow VMD to be disabled via the BIOS.

    • Click on the "Advanced" tab on the left menu. Check if "VMD Controller" or "SATA Mode" is listed there. If not, try pressing Ctrl + S while inside the Advanced tab.

    After changing the suggested settings, don't forget to press F10 to save changes and exit. As it restarts, tap F12 repeatedly to open the boot menu and select your USB drive.

    Please let me know how it goes.

    If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

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