Fix Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device or Insert Boot Media in Selected Boot Device and Press a Key

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a process preloaded once a computer is started. This process makes sure that all of the hardware components are working properly. If the boot device which contains the operating system starts to malfunction, the BIOS will have problem communicating. Thus, it will display the message ,

'' Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device and press a key ''

Both physical and software related issues can be the cause behind this error. Although this looks alarming and confusing since you cannot access the system, it is relatively easy to fix. There exists multiple solutions to fix this problem.

In this article, I will tell you about Fixing Reboot and Select Proper Boot Device or Insert Boot Media in Selected Boot Device and Press a Key. This post contains quick suggestions which will help you resolve the issue quickly. 

Let's get started,

1. Check Hard drive

In most computers, hard drive is selected as the primary boot device on default. There is high possibility of this error to occur if the hard drive which the computer uses malfunctions. If any damages are found on the hard drive, it is best to replace them. 

And also the SATA cable connecting the hard drive to the computer needs to be checked. If the cable is damaged or not connected properly, the hard drive will have problem communicating with the computer. 

2. Change Boot Order

The boot order determines which device must be prioritize for the boot process. Always the hard disk drive should be selected as the primary boot device. If for some reason the boot order changes, then you may experience boot failure issues. Therefore, manually access the BIOS and set the hard disk drive as the bootable device.

For changing boot order,

1. Turn on the computer.
2. Press the relevant key to enter Setup.
3. Navigate to the boot tab.
4. Find the original partition and change the boot mode according to it.
5. Press Exit and Save changes. 

This should hopefully resolve the issue.

3. Restore BIOS

Under rare circumstances, changes in the BIOS settings could cause stability issues. This can be one of the reasons behind reboot and select proper boot device error. The recommended solution here is setting BIOS to defaults. Assigning BIOS with default values, loads system with optimized performance. 

4. Disable Legacy Boot 

Many motherboard models comes with a feature known as Legacy boot. If the motherboard uses a UEFI mode this feature is active by default. Even in BIOS mode this feature could be enabled accidentally. Disabling the legacy boot can be a simple solution reboot and select proper boot device.

5. Repair Windows Boot Files

In some instances the underlaying problem is not actually physical or software related but with the boot files. Hence, the issue can be resolved easily by repairing the boot files. However, you need to have a windows installation disk. 

6. Replace CMOS Battery

Every motherboard comes with a CMOS battery which provides power to the BIOS firmware. If this battery starts to fail, it can lead to various errors including reboot and select proper boot device. The only option left here is to replace the CMOS battery. You can easily find the CMOS battery embedded in the motherboard. Locate the battery and replace it with a new one.