The "Boot Device Not Found" error on an HP Envy Core i7 with Windows 10 and Ubuntu 24 typically stems from BIOS configuration mismatches or a corrupted EFI boot partition. You can resolve this by verifying the boot order in the BIOS, ensuring UEFI mode is active, and using the Windows Startup Repair tool to rebuild the missing boot files.
Understanding the Root Cause
When your HP Envy displays a "Boot Device Not Found" message, it means the firmware cannot locate the necessary bootloader files to start either Windows 10 or Ubuntu 24. In a dual-boot setup, this is often due to the GRUB bootloader being overwritten or the EFI System Partition (ESP) becoming inaccessible. The issue may also arise if the SATA operation mode changes from AHCI to RAID or IDE, causing the operating systems to lose contact with the storage drive. Additionally, a damaged Master Boot Record (MBR) or corrupted file system on the primary drive can prevent the system from initializing the boot sequence. It is crucial to distinguish between a hardware failure and a software configuration error before proceeding with repairs.
Verifying BIOS Settings
The first step in troubleshooting is to access the BIOS setup utility. Restart your HP Envy and repeatedly press the
F10 key during the POST screen to enter the BIOS. Navigate to the
System Configuration tab and select
SATA Operation. Ensure that the setting is configured to
AHCI rather than Intel RST or RAID. If you recently updated your BIOS or reset settings, this value might have reverted to a default that conflicts with your Linux installation. Next, go to the
Boot Options menu. Verify that
UEFI Boot is enabled and
Legacy Support is disabled unless you specifically installed Ubuntu in Legacy mode. Check the
Boot Order to ensure that the hard drive or NVMe controller is listed as the primary boot device. Save your changes and exit by pressing
F10 again. If the system still fails to boot, proceed to the next diagnostic step.
Running Windows Startup Repair
If BIOS settings are correct but the error persists, the Windows boot manager may be corrupted. You will need a Windows 10 installation media or recovery drive. Insert the USB drive and boot from it by pressing
F9 at startup to open the boot menu. Select your USB drive and choose
Repair your computer instead of installing Windows. Navigate to
Troubleshoot >
Advanced options >
Startup Repair. This tool automatically scans for missing or damaged system files and attempts to fix them. Allow the process to complete; it may restart your computer multiple times. If Startup Repair succeeds, you should be able to boot into Windows. However, note that this repair might overwrite the GRUB bootloader, potentially hiding your Ubuntu installation. You may need to restore GRUB separately after fixing Windows.
Restoring the GRUB Bootloader
Since you are dual-booting with Ubuntu 24, losing access to the Linux environment is a common side effect of Windows repairs. To fix this, you need to use a Ubuntu Live USB. Boot from the Live USB and open a terminal. First, identify your root partition using
lsblk or
fdisk -l. Assume your root partition is
sda2 and your EFI partition is
sda1. Mount the partitions:
sudo mount /dev/sda2 /mnt
sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/boot/efi
sudo mount --bind /dev /mnt/dev
sudo mount --bind /proc /mnt/proc
sudo mount --bind /sys /mnt/sys
chroot /mnt
grub-install /dev/sda
update-grub
exit
sudo umount /mnt/boot/efi
sudo umount /mnt
This process reinstalls the GRUB loader onto the EFI partition and updates the configuration file to detect both operating systems. After rebooting, the GRUB menu should appear, allowing you to select between Windows 10 and Ubuntu 24. For more detailed guidance on recovering GRUB in an EFI environment, refer to our guide on
Recovering GRUB (EFI) for Dual Boot Windows 10.
Checking Disk Health and Errors
If software repairs fail, the hard disk itself may be failing. Run the built-in Windows CHKDSK utility from an elevated command prompt on the recovery drive. Use the command
chkdsk C: /f /r to scan and repair file system errors. Additionally, check the SMART status of your drive using tools like CrystalDiskInfo or the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics utility accessible via
F2 at startup. If the drive shows critical errors or bad sectors, back up your data immediately and replace the drive. A healthy disk ensures that your dual-boot configuration remains stable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I disable UEFI Boot?
Disabling UEFI Boot and enabling Legacy Support will prevent your current Windows 10 and Ubuntu 24 installations from booting, as they were likely installed in UEFI mode. You would need to reinstall both operating systems in Legacy mode or re-enable UEFI to recover them. Always keep UEFI enabled for modern dual-boot setups.
Can I fix this error without losing my data?
Yes, most fixes such as checking BIOS settings, running Startup Repair, and restoring GRUB do not delete your personal files. However, always back up important data before modifying boot partitions or running disk checks to avoid accidental data loss during unexpected failures.
Why does Windows Startup Repair hide Ubuntu?
Windows Startup Repair often overwrites the EFI boot entries with its own default values, removing the reference to the Ubuntu GRUB bootloader. This leaves the system unable to find the Linux kernel. Restoring GRUB manually using a Live USB resolves this by recreating the necessary boot entries for both operating systems.
Is it safe to change SATA Operation to AHCI?
Changing SATA Operation to AHCI is generally safe and recommended for dual-boot systems because it provides better performance and compatibility with Linux drivers. However, if you switch from RAID to AHCI while Windows is installed, it may cause a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Ensure you are already in AHCI mode before attempting any OS installations or repairs.
What should I do if the hard drive is not detected in BIOS?
If the hard drive is not detected in BIOS, it indicates a hardware connection issue or a failed drive. Reseat the SATA or NVMe connections carefully. If the drive still does not appear, it is likely physically damaged and requires replacement. Consult
Recovering GRUB (EFI) for Dual Boot Windows 10 only after confirming the drive is functional and detected by the system.