Imagine finishing work or gaming and then turning off your PC. You go to sleep and wake up the next day, turn your PC on, but you see the “Missing Operating System” error.
You have never faced this error before and are now very confused about what can be done. The good news is that this is not a complex problem to fix.
Just like you, many other users have faced this error, so you are not alone in this struggle. You might ask, why does the “Missing Operating System” error pop up on Windows 11?
I know the error is very annoying and if you do not know what to do, do not worry. I have conducted thorough research and have written the latest and best ways to fix the Missing Operating System error on Windows 11.
Please read the full post for more details.
Follow our guide to Fix Installation Failed Error 800f0830 on Windows 11
How to Fix Windows 11 Missing Operating System Error
We all love quick and easy fixes to any sort of problem. I have tried to provide the fixes in that manner, so please do not be nervous and go through the methods given below.
There are different reasons for the error, so there will be different types of fixes targeting those different reasons.
Here are the different methods to fix the Missing Operating System error on Windows 11:
1. Test the Storage Device for Problems
Although SSDs are very popular for their fantastic read and write times, many people are still using HDDs. HDDs are much slower but more affordable with higher storage spaces.
You can use a feature named “Hard drive self test” or something similar. Different motherboards have different BIOS firmware.
You will need to search how to enter your specific manufacturer’s motherboard BIOS menu.
For example, an Asus motherboard will have a different BIOS to that of a GIGABYTE motherboard.
So, check what the model number of your motherboard is, like GIGABYTE h110m-s2ph, and see how you can enter the BIOS menu by browsing the internet.
If you are confused, please follow the steps given below.
Here are the steps to test your HDD/SSD to fix Windows 11 Missing Operating System error:
- Enter the BIOS
- Search for the “Primary Hard drive self test” or similar sounding option and run it.
- Wait for the testing process to finish.
- Reboot your pc and check whether your Windows 11 got repaired or not.
If this method did not fix the problem, please follow the other methods given in this post.
Quickly check out our latest fix for Delete Temp Files on Windows 11.
2. Check whether BIOS Detects SSD/HDD
If your BIOS does not detect the storage device in your system, Windows 11 will not start up and you will be stuck and will not be able to do anything.
In this process, you are going to the BIOS menu and checking whether your motherboard detects the SSD/HDD present in your system.
If you are confused about what to do in this process, please keep calm and follow the straightforward steps given below.
Here are the steps to check whether your MOBO is detecting the SSD/HDD:
- Enter the BIOS Please check how to enter the BIOS menu for your specific manufacturer.
- Check the Primary IDE Master, Primary IDE Slave, Secondary IDE Master and Secondary IDE Master to see if your motherboard detects the HDD/SSD.
- Turn the option to Auto if you see None or Not Detected.
- Restart your PC and check whether the error still pops up or not.
If this method did not fix the issue, please follow the other methods given in this post.
Follow our guide to Fix Update Error 8024402F on Windows 11.
3. Restore Factory default settings
Initially, every component in your system will come with factory default settings. Sometimes if nothing works, resetting your device or a specific component will fix any problems you were facing.
It is very easy to restore the factory default settings for most motherboards and other components. There is an option in the BIOS menu just for that.
In this process, you are going to use the factory default settings in your motherboard’s BIOS menu and restore the factory default settings and then check whether the issue Missing Operating System error got resolved or not.
Do not worry. Please follow the steps given below and you will be all set.
Also, check out our separate post: can I delete AppData folder in Windows 11.
Here are the steps to restore factory default settings in the BIOS menu:
- Boot your PC into the BIOS The way to enter the BIOS menu will differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
- Search for the option that restores the default setting and use it by pressing the Enter key on your keyboard.
- Restart your pc.
- Check whether the problem got resolved.
If this method did not fix the issue, please follow the other given methods in this post.
How to Fix Missing Operating System Error on Windows 10
There are many ways you can fix the “Missing Operating System” error on Windows. If you have no prior experience with this problem, do not lose hope, as I have conducted extensive research and written the best ways to fix the problem.
You will mostly have to boot your PC into the BIOS menu of your manufacturer’s motherboard. An MSI motherboard will have a different way of entering the BIOS menu than a GIGABYTE motherboard.
So please enter Chrome or any other browser and quickly search on how to enter the BIOS menu for your specific motherboard.
Keep your cool and follow the methods given below.
Check out the easiest way to compare two folders on Windows 11.
Here are the methods to fix Missing Operating System Error on Windows 10:
1. Check whether SSD/HDD is Detected
To check whether the storage component is detected by the motherboard in your system, you need to go to your MOtherboard’s BIOS menu and check whether your system is detecting the motherboard or not.
If you need instructions, please follow the straightforward steps given below.
Here are the steps to check SSD/HDD to Fix Missing Operating System Error:
- Enter the BIOS menu for your system.
- Check whether the HDD/SSD on your system is being detected by your motherboard. If not, you have a faulty storage device.
- Run the factory default settings option.
- Restart your pc and check whether the issue got resolved.
If this method did not work for you, please follow the other methods given in this post.
Also, check out our separate post to install active directory users and computers on Windows 11.
2. Revert Back to Factory Default Settings
Factory settings are the default settings that a device has right after being shipped from the factory. Using these settings is a good fix as it will mitigate any newer reasons for which the error was occurring.
Remember to check how to enter the BIOS menu for your manufacturer’s motherboard. An Asus motherboard has a different way of entering the BIOS menu compared to a GIGABYTE motherboard.
Follow the simple steps given below and you will be good to go.
Here are the steps to use factory settings to fix Missing Operating System Error on Windows 10:
- Go to the BIOS menu. Each motherboard manufacturer has a different way of entering the BIOS menu.
- Search for the option that restores default settings. Navigate to it and press the Enter key on your keyboard.
- Check whether the error still pops up.
Here’s a complete guide on how to fix can’t install Windows 11 on SSD.
Conclusion
I hope you could fix the “Missing Operating System” error on your Windows 11 device. It must have been frustrating to go through the trouble. I can empathize as I was also in a similar situation in the past.
That is why I tried my best to provide you with the best and latest fixes.
I hope you never have to go through a similar problem again. I wish you luck in whatever you do in the future. Take care and stay safe!
