Dell laptops and desktops may fail to boot into Windows due to incorrect BIOS boot sequence configuration, Secure Boot conflicts, or corrupted boot records. This typically occurs after a BIOS update, Windows update, drive replacement, or changes to BIOS settings. These scenarios can generally be resolved through BIOS configuration adjustments and Windows recovery tools without requiring hardware service .

 

Error Indicators

• "Windows Boot Manager" is missing from the BIOS boot sequence.
• "OS Loader Signature not found in SecureBoot database" message during startup.
• Windows Stop Code: INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE blue screen.
• "HTTPSBoot failed to initialize network connection" message during POST.
• System boots directly into BIOS Setup instead of Windows.

 

Possible Causes

• The BIOS boot sequence may have been reset, removing Windows Boot Manager as a boot option.
• Secure Boot or Boot List Option settings may conflict with the installed OS.
• A Windows or BIOS update may have altered boot configuration data.
• The storage controller mode (AHCI/RAID) may have been changed, making Windows inaccessible.

 

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Try One-Time Boot Menu

• Restart and press F12 repeatedly as soon as the Dell logo appears.
• Select "Windows Boot Manager" from the list.
• If Windows loads, proceed to Step 2 to make this permanent.
• If F12 is unresponsive, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown, then try again pressing F12 immediately at power-on.

 

2. Verify Boot Sequence in BIOS

• Restart and press F2 repeatedly to enter BIOS Setup.
• Navigate to General > Boot Sequence (or Boot Configuration).
• Ensure "Windows Boot Manager" is listed and set as the first boot option.
• Ensure Boot List Option is set to UEFI (not Legacy).
• Press F10 to save and exit.

 

3. Check Secure Boot Settings

• In BIOS Setup (F2), navigate to Secure Boot > Secure Boot Enable.
• For Windows 10/11, Secure Boot should typically be Enabled.
• If you recently changed this setting, restore it to the previous configuration.
• Press F10 to save and exit.

 

4. Verify Storage Controller Mode

• In BIOS (F2), navigate to System Configuration > SATA/Storage Operation.
• Verify the mode matches your Windows installation — typically RAID On or AHCI.
• Important: Do not change this setting unless you are certain of the original configuration. Switching between RAID and AHCI without preparation will cause an INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE error.

 

5. Load BIOS Defaults

• In BIOS Setup (F2), press Alt + F or navigate to Maintenance > Load Defaults.
• Press F10 to save and exit.
• After loading defaults, verify boot sequence (Step 2) is correctly set.

 

6. Repair Windows Boot Records

• Boot from a Windows Installation USB or Dell OS Recovery media (press F12, select USB).
• Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
• Run these commands in order:
• • bootrec /fixmbr
  • bootrec /fixboot
  • bootrec /scanbcd
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd
• Note: If bootrec /fixboot returns "Access is denied," continue with the remaining commands.

 

7. Run Startup Repair

• Boot from Windows Installation USB or Recovery media (press F12).
• Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
• Allow the tool to complete and restart.

 

If the issue persists after all steps, contact Technical Support for further assistance.

 

Additional Notes

• Before modifying BIOS settings, note your current configuration so you can revert if needed.
• Systems using Intel RST (RAID On) require the RST driver during Windows reinstallation.

 

References

• Community: Inspiron 15 5518, HTTPSBOOT Failed to initialize network connection
• Computer Cannot Boot into Windows
• KB: Troubleshoot a Dell computer that does not boot to Windows 11 or Windows 10