How to Fix an Unmountable Drive That Prevents Windows from Restoring, Resetting, or Installing via USB

When attempting to partition an SSD hard drive for the purpose of installing a secondary operating system like Garuda Linux alongside Windows 11, users may encounter several issues related to booting, system repairs, and installation. This article discusses a particular scenario where Windows fails to boot after partitioning the SSD and installing a second OS, leading to an unmountable drive error, and offers a detailed exploration of possible fixes.

Introduction

For many users, setting up dual-boot systems with multiple operating systems, such as Windows 11 and Linux, can be an exciting project. However, when partitioning an SSD or making significant changes to a system’s storage, it is common to run into booting issues or errors related to unrecognized drives or failed boot sectors. In this specific case, the system reports an "unmountable boot volume" error and enters a loop of "Automatic Repair" diagnostics, ultimately failing to resolve the problem.

In this article, we will examine the issue in greater detail, explore the root causes, and provide a set of actionable solutions to get your system back to working order. Whether you are dealing with a system that refuses to boot after partitioning, encountering difficulties with USB installations, or struggling to reset Windows, this guide will address the core steps you need to follow.

Understanding the Problem

When attempting to partition an SSD and install a new operating system, several unexpected issues can arise, especially when the system is already running Windows 11. In the case described, after partitioning the SSD to install Garuda Linux, the Windows operating system no longer boots. The system enters a "blue screen of death" (BSOD) that displays an error message reading "Windows needs to restart" with "Unmountable boot volume" written at the bottom.

After the restart, the system attempts to run automatic repair. However, it eventually fails with a message stating "Automatic Repair couldn’t fix your PC." From here, users are often presented with the option to go to "Advanced Options" or shut down the system. The journey doesn't end here, though, as trying to troubleshoot further through command prompt or reset options yields additional complications. These errors include:

• The system not recognizing the C: drive when trying to run commands such as bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, or bootrec /rebuildbcd.
• An error when attempting to reinstall Windows from a USB, indicating missing media drivers.
• Inability to access the "Repair your PC" option within the Windows ISO installation environment.

Such situations can be frustrating, as these errors block users from restoring the system or performing necessary repairs.

Potential Causes of the Problem

There are several potential causes for an unmountable boot volume and the associated issues when attempting to reset or reinstall Windows. The primary reason for these problems typically falls under one of the following categories:

1. Partitioning Issues

When you create new partitions on a drive, especially when adding a second operating system like Garuda Linux, the system’s boot configuration may be altered or overwritten. If the partitioning process is not executed correctly or if the boot loader isn't set up properly, Windows may fail to locate the system partition or recognize it as bootable. This could lead to errors like "Unmountable boot volume" or the failure to detect the OS during the repair process.

2. Corrupted Boot Sector

The boot sector or boot partition is critical for loading the operating system. If this sector is corrupted during partitioning or by other system modifications, Windows may fail to boot. This corruption can also prevent recovery tools and command prompt utilities from accessing the system files.

3. Incorrect Boot Order

Another potential issue is the boot order within the BIOS or UEFI firmware. If the system is set to boot from an incorrect device or partition, such as the Linux partition or an external USB drive, Windows may not boot correctly. The system may instead attempt to boot into Linux or other unconfigured partitions, leading to boot failure.

4. Missing or Corrupted System Drivers

System drivers, particularly the motherboard storage controller driver, play a crucial role in the functioning of your system’s boot process. If the necessary storage drivers are missing or incompatible, Windows may fail to load the operating system, even if the correct partitions are present. The error message "Could not find media drivers" often indicates a missing or incompatible driver.

5. Dual-Boot Conflicts

In a dual-boot configuration, the Linux operating system can sometimes interfere with Windows boot processes. This is particularly true if the boot loader used by Linux (e.g., GRUB) takes control of the boot sequence. If GRUB isn't configured correctly, it can overwrite or conflict with the Windows bootloader, preventing Windows from starting up correctly.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Now that we’ve identified some potential causes of the issue, let’s walk through the steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Each step builds on the last, so we recommend following this process in order.

1. Check the Boot Order in BIOS/UEFI

Start by entering the BIOS or UEFI settings of your system. To do this, restart your computer and press the designated key to enter BIOS (typically F2, F10, Del, or Esc). Once inside the BIOS, navigate to the boot order settings and ensure that the SSD containing your Windows 11 installation is set as the primary boot device. If you are using a dual-boot configuration, you may also need to set the appropriate bootloader (e.g., GRUB for Linux) to be the primary boot device.

Once the boot order is correct, save the changes and exit BIOS. Your system should attempt to boot from the correct drive.

2. Repair the Bootloader Using Command Prompt

If the bootloader is corrupted, you can use the bootrec commands to repair it. Here’s how:

1. Boot from a Windows installation USB or recovery disk.
2. Select "Repair your PC" from the installation menu.
3. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
4. In the command prompt, enter the following commands one by one:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /scanos

bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands should repair the master boot record (MBR), fix any boot-related errors, scan for Windows installations, and rebuild the boot configuration data (BCD). If any of these commands return errors, try running them multiple times or use the chkdsk command to check for file system errors:

chkdsk C: /f

3. Use the System File Checker

If the boot process is still failing, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. Run the following command from the command prompt:

sfc /scannow

This command will check the integrity of Windows system files and replace any missing or corrupted files that may be preventing the system from booting.

4. Reinstall the Missing Drivers

If your system is still reporting that "media drivers are missing," you may need to manually install the necessary drivers. You can try the following steps:

1. Download the storage controller drivers for your motherboard from the manufacturer’s website.
2. Copy the drivers to a USB flash drive.
3. Boot from the Windows installation media and select "Install now."
4. When you reach the screen asking you to select a partition, click on "Load Driver."
5. Browse to the location of your USB drive and select the appropriate drivers.

This should allow Windows to detect the necessary storage controller and complete the installation.

5. Perform a System Reset or Clean Installation

If the above methods fail, your last resort may be to perform a system reset or a clean installation of Windows 11. To do this:

1. Boot from your Windows installation USB.
2. Select "Repair your PC" from the menu, then navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose the option to keep or remove your files, depending on your preference.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Windows.

If resetting Windows doesn’t work, you may need to perform a clean installation. This will erase all existing data on the SSD, so be sure to back up any important files beforehand.

Conclusion

Encountering issues with an unmountable boot volume, failed system repairs, or difficulties with reinstalling Windows can be incredibly frustrating. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide, users can resolve many of the common causes of these errors. Whether the issue is related to partitioning, bootloader corruption, missing drivers, or a dual-boot conflict, these steps offer a comprehensive approach to troubleshooting and fixing the problem. If all else fails, performing a system reset or clean installation should restore the system to a functional state.

By carefully following these instructions and exploring the potential causes of your specific issue, you should be able to fix the unmountable drive error and get your Windows 11 system back up and running smoothly.