I switched from Windows to Linux, but later decided to reinstall Windows 11 because some of my important software, including FL Studio, wasn't working properly on Linux. I created a Windows 11 installer USB using Microsoft's official website. The installation started normally but stopped at 10%, then the computer restarted. I was told to remove the USB installer, so I did, but after restarting I received an HP error saying "Boot Device Not Found," "Please install an operating system on your hard disk," and "Hard Disk (3F0)." HP Support's troubleshooting steps haven't fixed it. What should I try next?
3 Answers
Since this is an HP computer, the HP Cloud Recovery Tool may be the easiest option. It creates a factory recovery USB containing the original Windows image, the correct drivers, and HP’s software. You’ll need the computer’s exact model or serial number, and the process will normally erase the internal drive. If the model is too old or the tool doesn’t work, HP may be able to provide recovery media.
That error often means the internal drive is no longer being detected, or it may be failing. Run HP’s built-in system diagnostics first and check whether the hard drive or SSD appears there. If it fails a drive test, replace the drive before trying to reinstall Windows again.
The installer USB may be fine, since it came directly from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page. You could also try creating the installer again with a different flash drive. If the drive is detected but the installation still fails, start the installer, open Command Prompt, and delete and recreate the partitions before installing. Be careful: this permanently erases everything on that disk.
I downloaded the installer from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 website, so I’ll try recreating it with another USB drive and check whether the internal drive is detected.