- Laptops
- Laptop
Operating system not found
MSI Operating system not found on laptop: boot drive missing
Risk level
Medium
Proceed carefully and stop if the check is unclear.
Urgency
High
Quick answer
At startup your MSI notebook shows Operating system not found, Hard drive not detected, or No bootable device found, or boots straight into BIOS: it cannot find a valid boot drive. Unplug peripherals, run an EC reset, and load optimized BIOS defaults with Delete.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Reinstalling Windows or running F3 factory recovery overwrites data on the drive: if the SSD is detected in BIOS and holds unbacked-up files, ask the technician to recover your files before any OS reinstall.
- Do not open the bottom cover of the notebook to reseat or remove the SSD or memory if you are unsure how to proceed: MSI warns in NB_Boot_OS_Entry to contact an MSI service center to avoid damage.
Safe checks you can perform
- Unplug all external devices and charge for 30 minutes
- Perform a 30-second EC reset and reconnect AC power
- Check Storage Information and Load Optimized Defaults in BIOS
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Internal SSD reseating or replacement at an MSI service center
- Do not attempt this professional task: Intel VMD/IRST configuration, BIOS update, or OS recovery
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Internal SSD reseating or replacement at an MSI service center
What they doIf the SSD is not recognized in BIOS Storage Information after an EC reset and BIOS defaults, an official MSI service center opens the bottom cover to reseat or replace the drive.
They must show youthe SSD detected under Main > Storage Information in BIOS and a clean boot without Operating system not found.
In writingthe startup message, whether the SSD was loose or faulty, the replacement part if fitted, and the repair warranty.
Intel VMD/IRST configuration, BIOS update, or OS recovery
What they doWhen the SSD is recognized in BIOS but still will not boot Windows, the technician restores the matching Intel VMD/IRST setting, updates the BIOS via USB, or repairs/reinstalls Windows.
They must show youthe updated BIOS version, the storage controller setting applied, and the notebook booting into the Windows desktop.
In writingthe BIOS version installed, the VMD/IRST setting used, and whether personal files were preserved before any OS reinstallation.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Unplug all external devices and charge for 30 minutes
- Who:
- you, before changing any BIOS settings.
- How:
- disconnect all USB flash drives, external SSDs, mice, keyboards, headphones, and external monitors, and charge the notebook for at least 30 minutes with the original MSI adapter, as NB_Boot_OS_Entry and FAQ 11157 require.
- Result that matters:
- ruling out a peripheral or low-power state interfering with POST and boot selection.
- If the notebook boots into Windows with everything unplugged:
- reconnect your accessories one at a time to spot the culprit.
- If Operating system not found or direct entry into BIOS continues:
- move on to the Embedded Controller (EC) reset.
- Evidence to keep:
- a photo of the startup message and a list of the peripherals that were plugged in.
Evidence: [Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System · [Notebook] Unable to Power On, Black Screen, and Unable to Enter Operating System after Pressing the Power Button
Perform a 30-second EC reset and reconnect AC power
- Who:
- you, with the notebook completely shut down.
- How:
- shut down the notebook, unplug the AC adapter, and press and hold the power button for 30 seconds (or over 25 seconds until the power indicator blinks, per FAQ 11149 and NB_EC_Reset). Plug the AC adapter back in before turning the laptop on, because NB_EC_Reset notes it will not power on from battery alone on the first start after a reset.
- Result that matters:
- clearing the Embedded Controller state without erasing any data stored on the SSD.
- If Windows boots normally after the EC reset:
- back up your important files as a precaution.
- If the error message or BIOS screen returns:
- press Delete at the MSI logo to check Storage Information in BIOS.
- Evidence to keep:
- a note of how long you held the power button and whether the power LED blinked.
Evidence: [Notebook] How to Reset Embedded Controller (EC reset) · [Troubleshooting] Boots Directly Into the BIOS Menu Instead of the Operating System
Check Storage Information and Load Optimized Defaults in BIOS
- Who:
- you, tapping Delete repeatedly when the MSI logo appears.
- How:
- enter the BIOS menu with the Delete (Del) key and check Main > Storage Information (or Storage system) to see whether the SSD is listed. Then open Save & Exit, select Load Optimized Defaults -> Yes, and choose Save Changes and Reset -> Yes, as instructed in NB_BIOS_Reset and FAQ 11157.
- Result that matters:
- verifying whether the motherboard detects the SSD and restoring default BIOS boot settings.
- If the SSD is listed and Windows starts after loading defaults:
- a changed BIOS setting was blocking startup.
- If you previously customized Intel IRST / Intel VMD RAID settings, or the SSD is not listed in BIOS at all:
- note what you see and contact an MSI service center.
- Evidence to keep:
- a photo of the BIOS Storage Information screen and any VMD/IRST setting you noticed.
Evidence: [Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System · [Troubleshooting] Boots Directly Into the BIOS Menu Instead of the Operating System · [Notebook] Unable to Power On, Black Screen, and Unable to Enter Operating System after Pressing the Power Button · [Notebook] How to Restore BIOS Settings
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Laptops
- Brand
- MSI
- Product type
- Laptop
Known code variants
- Hard drive not detected
- MSI Hard drive not detected at startup
- MSI laptop boots directly into BIOS
- MSI Operating system not found
- MSI Storage Information no detecta SSD
- No bootable device found
- No bootable device found MSI
- Operating system not found
- portátil MSI entra directo a la BIOS
- Sistema operativo no encontrado MSI
What it means
In MSI's troubleshooting guides for notebooks that cannot enter the operating system (FAQ 11157, FAQ 11149, and technical notes NB_Boot_OS_Entry, NB_BIOS_Reset, and NB_EC_Reset), the messages "Hard drive not detected", "Operating system not found", or "No bootable device found" mean the notebook cannot find a storage drive with a valid bootable operating system. MSI cites changed BIOS settings (such as the Intel VMD or RAID option), external devices causing a POST conflict, a temporary connection glitch, or an unformatted or faulty SSD. Other models may differ, and the message alone never proves the SSD is defective.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Mediumeditorial warning
Reinstalling Windows or running F3 factory recovery overwrites data on the drive: if the SSD is detected in BIOS and holds unbacked-up files, ask the technician to recover your files before any OS reinstall.
Evidence: [Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System · [Notebook] Unable to Power On, Black Screen, and Unable to Enter Operating System after Pressing the Power Button
- Highsource verified
Do not open the bottom cover of the notebook to reseat or remove the SSD or memory if you are unsure how to proceed: MSI warns in NB_Boot_OS_Entry to contact an MSI service center to avoid damage.
Evidence: [Notebook] Unable to Power On, Black Screen, and Unable to Enter Operating System after Pressing the Power Button
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Changed BIOS boot or Intel VMD/RAID settingsCommon
MSI explains in FAQ 11157 and NB_Boot_OS_Entry that altered BIOS settings, such as a change to the Intel VMD or IRST option, can stop the system from finding its boot drive.
Evidence: [Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System · [Notebook] Unable to Power On, Black Screen, and Unable to Enter Operating System after Pressing the Power Button
- External USB device or recent hardware upgrade causing a POST conflictPossible
FAQ 11157 notes that non-factory hardware or connected external USB devices and monitors can cause conflicts or abnormal power delivery during POST.
Evidence: [Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System · [Notebook] Unable to Power On, Black Screen, and Unable to Enter Operating System after Pressing the Power Button
- Temporary storage connection issue or defective/blank SSDPossible
FAQ 11157 and FAQ 11149 state that a temporary connection issue, a newly installed SSD without an OS, or a defective SSD will trigger the message or send the laptop straight into BIOS.
Evidence: [Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System · [Troubleshooting] Boots Directly Into the BIOS Menu Instead of the Operating System
Virtual technician
Does Operating system not found still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
[Notebook] How to Reset Embedded Controller (EC reset)
MSI · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
[Equipo portátil] Cómo restablecer el controlador integrado (EC Reset)
MSI · 2026 · official_doc
- 3
[Troubleshooting] The Notebook Cannot Power On or Enter the Operating System
MSI · 2026 · official_doc
- 4
[Troubleshooting] Boots Directly Into the BIOS Menu Instead of the Operating System
MSI · 2026 · official_doc
- 7
[Notebook] How to Restore BIOS Settings
MSI · 2026 · official_doc
- 8
[Equipo portátil] Como restablecer los ajustes de la BIOS
MSI · 2026 · official_doc
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