Disk error or non-system disk problem in Windows 11, 10

When your computer’s BIOS cannot locate or identify the actual boot operating system while your system is booting, it will show you this error message: «Non-system disk error or disk error“. The system will not start normally until, unless you manually resolve the problem first. This problem occurs when the BIOS tries to start the operating system from other drives instead of the actual system drive. The reasons are very limited but may differ from system to system. Just apply these fixes to your system and the system will be up and running in no time.

Solution 1: remove additional drives

As a first solution, we suggest that you remove any additional drives (such as CD / DVD) from your system.

1. At first, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to completely turn off your system.

2. Separate it from the power source.

3. Now, carefully remove any additional USB devices from your computer (including external hard drives).

4. Make sure there are no CDs or DVDs on the disc tray.

5. Once you are sure that there is no disk / drive connected to your system, connect the power cord to your system.

6. Now, press the power button once to start the system.

The BIOS will not find any other drives and will not boot from the system drive. This should solve your problem.

Solution 2: rearrange the startup sequence

The main problem lies in the misconfigured startup sequence. So why not modify it manually?

1. Turn off your computer.

2. Once you are sure it is off, press the power button once to start it up.

3. When the manufacturer’s logo appears, press and hold the «Delete”On your keyboard to access BIOS setup.

NOTE –

Note that this button to access the BIOS varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, sometimes even from model to model.

Keep your eyes open for the actual button to access the BIOS as your computer boots.

3. Now go to the «world” tab.

4. Then select the «Configure boot options«With the arrow keys and press Get into to access it.

5. Then scroll down to «Change boot order«And hit Get into to access it.

5. You will see the list of boot devices (such as – HDD / SSD, CDROM drive, Network, USB devices).

6. Use the arrow key to select the HDD / SSD drive (containing the Windows folder) and move it to the top.

7. Once you have done that, scroll down to select the «Commit changes and exit«Option and press Get into.

8. Finally, press the button «F10”To save these settings.

Your computer should start normally.

Fix 3: remove and reinstall the hard drive

There is a chance that the SATA / IDE connector on your motherboard is worn out or is loose.

1. First, turn off your system. Once it shuts down, disconnect the system from the power source.

2. If you are using a laptop, remove the battery from the back.

3. Then open the case / panel. For laptop users, unscrew the back cover.

4. You will notice that the HDD / SSD is connected to your motherboard with a SATA / IDE cable connector.

5. Check the connection with your hands and if something feels a little loose, connect it properly.

6. Remove the disk from the system.

7. Visually inspect the condition of the cable. If the connector appears worn or damaged, it should be replaced with a new one.

8. After checking, reinstall the system disk.

9. Once you are done, close the case. If you are using a laptop, screw on the back cover.

Solution 4 – Rebuild MBR

In some cases, the master boot record can get corrupted. You have to rebuild it manually.

1. First, turn off your system.

2. Then turn it on again.

C. After that, once your system boots, simply press and hold the power button again to force shutdown your system.

D. Simply repeat this task 1 or 2 more times, and for the third time, let your computer start up normally.

Your system will automatically go into ‘Automatic Repair’ mode.

1. On the ‘Automatic Repair’ screen, you need to click on «Advanced Options“.

2. After that, just click on the «Solve problems“.

6. Then you need to click on the «Advanced Options“.

7. You will see many options on the next screen. But you have to click on the «Symbol of the system“.

8. Now your computer will boot into the command prompt terminal.

10. Then select your account and tap «Continue“To finally have access to the terminal.

11. Now, catch these commands one by one and press Get into. This will fix the Master Boot Record.

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

12. Now, you can easily rebuild the boot configuration directory. Just run this code to do it.

bootrec /rebuildbcd

Once done, close the terminal.

13. Your system will boot to the first screen.

14. Then click on «Continue“.

Let your computer boot into Windows 11. This solution should resolve the ‘Disk or non-system disk error’ on your system.

Solution 5: set the system partition to active

Sometimes the system partition of your machine may become inactive. Follow these steps to reactivate it again.

1. Open the Windows Recovery Environment by following the steps mentioned above.

2. Once you are there, tap «Advanced Options“.

3. Then go this way to open the command prompt screen ~

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt

4. Next, log in with your administrative account and password to open the command prompt.

5. When the terminal appears, writes this command and hit Get into.

diskpart

6. Now, writes these commands one by one and press Get into.

List disk 
Select disk 0

NOTE –

In the “Select disk” command, the system disk is usually set to 0. But check the actual number from the disk list and then enter the number associated with your system drive.

7. Now, writes these commands one by one and press Get into to select the partition.

list partition 
Select partition 1

NOTE –

Check the list of partitions to identify which is the «System”Partition. Usually it is partition 1. But, check your own list partition because it may differ.

8. Finally, run this single line code to activate partition.

active

Close the command prompt window. You will return to the first screen.

9. Tap on «Continue“.

Once you are done, you can normally use your machine. This should have solved your problem.

Your problem should be solved.

Additional tips –

1. If nothing works, try the hard drive with another computer. If it doesn’t work well, you need to replace it with a new hard drive.

2. If your hard drive is working fine, you should perform a clean install of Windows 11.
How to do that? Do not worry. You can easily perform a clean installation of Windows 11.