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Fix the VirtualBox: 4 Methods to Fix No Bootable Medium Found

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Dec 06, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

The Oracle VM VirtualBox revolutionized the use of virtual machines when it was first released. The cross-platform visualization application is now being commonly used in most modern computers as a machine emulator and visualizer. Its diversity to be used on almost all major OS, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris, serves it great advantages.

However, many users have recently encountered the “VirtualBox: No Bootable Medium Found” error while trying to create a new VM. In the following read, you shall acquire all the necessary information needed to tackle the issue firsthand. Keep reading to learn more on what might possibly cause the issue and how to fix it.


Part 1: What Might Cause the No Bootable Medium Found Issue

If you are facing the no bootable medium found issue with your VirtualBox, it is important to look at plausible explanations for the error to arise before jumping to the fixes. The problem might be a result of various different reasons. Some of them are mentioned below.


Part 2: Fixing the VirtualBox: No Bootable Medium Found Issue

Below are some effective methods which you can use to fix your VirtualBox no bootable medium found error.

Method 1: Manually Add an IDE Controller

If your storage device controller is configured as SATA or the virtual optical drive is missing from your system, the fix is to add an IDE controller manually. Here is how you can do that:

select the option of choose disk

Method 2: Check the Bootable Medium

You can check if the bootable medium is properly or if the optical drive is empty. To do so in your VM, follow the steps given below.

select  your virtual optical disk file

Method 3: Fix the Boot Order

If your boot order is incorrect in the VM settings, you will need to change the boot order in order to get rid of the “no bootable medium found” error in your VirtualBox. To do so, follow as mentioned below.

fix  your boot order and save it

Method 4: Check the Live CD/DVD Box

If you are booting your VM via a live CD/DVD disc, it might be that the live CD/DVD option is not selected, and thus the virtual CD/DVD drive of the VM appears to be empty. This can cause the no bootable medium found error. To fix this, proceed as the following steps indicate.

check the option of live cd/dvd and select optical disk


Part 3: Some Useful Tips to Avoid the Issue

The above-mentioned methods will surely help you get rid of the problem in your VirtualBox. However, it is still advisable to take up some common practices which will help you actively avoid the problem. Take a look at the tips mentioned below to avoid any problem in your VirtualBox from arising at all.


The Bottom Line

The VirtualBox is a great utility that enables its users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single computer. But like any other material thing, it can face issues. The "no medium found" is a rather commonly occurring issue that users have faced with their VirtualBox.

Now, if you encounter this error while trying to make a new virtual machine, you know what to do. First, identify the cause of the problem. Then work your way through the above-mentioned methods to effectively get rid of the issue. And don't forget to make these tips and techniques a common practice to ensure the smooth and trouble-free running of your VirtualBox.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To open an ISO image in VirtualBox, attach your ISO image to the VirtualBox. Then, go to the main menu and navigate to "Settings." From the left side, go to the "Storage" tab, and under "Controller IDE," click on "Empty." Next, select the CD/DVD icon and tap on "Choose virtual CD/DVD disk file." Finally, select the ISO file that you wish to open.

Yes, Windows 10 Home can run various third-party visualization software, including VB or VMware. However, Windows 10 Home does not allow access to Microsoft Hyper-V feature as it is only available in the Pro edition.

In order to select a startup disk in VirtualBox, click on the "Start" button in the toolbar. From the window that pops up, click on "Select Startup Disk." Then you can select your ISO image and click on "Start."

Recoverit author

Theo Lucia

chief Editor

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