The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Error 0xC0000178 means Windows reported “STATUS_NO_MEDIA”: it cannot find or access the disk, partition, boot files, or removable media required at that moment. Start with the least destructive checks—disconnect nonessential devices, confirm that the drive appears in firmware and Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), then run Startup Repair. Only after protecting your files should you rebuild boot data or reinstall Windows.
The steps below apply to Windows 11 and Windows 10. WinRE may assign your Windows partition a letter other than C:, so identify the correct volume before running any command. If the internal drive is absent from firmware or DiskPart, or it is clicking, repeatedly disconnecting, or contains irreplaceable data, treat the problem as possible hardware failure rather than a boot-configuration problem.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What error 0xC0000178 means
Microsoft’s NTSTATUS name for 0xC0000178 is STATUS_NO_MEDIA, with the message “{No Media} There is no media in the drive. Insert media into drive %hs.” In ordinary Windows use, that can describe an empty removable-media slot. On a blue Windows Recovery screen, however, the same status can appear when startup cannot access the disk, partition, boot files, or installation media it needs.
That distinction determines the repair. If an empty card reader or unplugged USB device triggered the message, removing the device can be enough. If the Windows SSD or hard disk is not detected, no boot-file command can make a physically disconnected or failed drive usable. If the drive is visible but startup data is damaged, WinRE’s automated and command-line tools can often restore booting without deleting personal files.
#1 Best Overall
- 10 Pack USB Sticks: 10 pieces of USB flash drives are fit for a variety of scenarios. Whether the flash drives USB are used as school supplies for high school students to backup data storaged in USB jump drives or music USB flash drive for car, zip drive can meet the basic storage needs. USB drive pack of 10 has a higher cost performance. USB flash drive pack of 10 is suitable for ordinary users with appropriate needs, but also for special groups such as companies, schools or other organizations that need a large number of U disks. In short, thumb drives can meet the needs of different customers.
- Swivel Design: With the 360° swivel design, all the ports of the thumb drives 10 pack can be hidden inside the metal casing. When needed, simply swivel the casing gently and the ports will automatically expose, making it convenient for you to insert and remove. This design is not only fashionable and beautiful but also more user-friendly, whether you'd like your flash drive for photos, flash drive for video storage, or memory sticks for computers. In addition, the swivel design can effectively protect the interface from damage and pollution, increasing the service life of the flash USB drive.
- Portability: The small hole on the thumbdrive USB is designed for lanyards, which is convenient to carry. Besides, the USB flash drive keychain can also be tied through the small hole to prevent loss. This design is very thoughtful and reflects the humanized design concept of the memorias USB flash drive.
- Plug and Play: You can use the computer storage flash drive immediately for data storage or backup without any additional installation after inserting it into the computer. This plug and play feature makes the laptop storage drive a very convenient external ssd. You can copy the required data files to the external drive at any time without worrying about computer system compatibility issues. In addition, the design of the external flash drive enables it to be quickly recognized by the system after being inserted into the computer. (NOTE: Please check if your device has a USB-A port before purchasing. If not, a USB-C hub is needed.)
- FAT32 format: The default system format for 8GB flash drive is FAT32. FAT32 USB flash drive is widely applicable, such as in televisions, DVD players, vehicles, printers, embroidery machines, etc. Be patient if you have problems with system recognition. It may take some time for initial recognition, but it will happen.
Why the wording can be confusing
The phrase “no media” does not necessarily mean that someone forgot a disc. Windows uses the same status when a device expected by the boot process is unavailable. The screen may therefore say that a required device is not connected or cannot be accessed even when the computer has no optical drive. Think of the code as a visibility and access warning first, not as proof that the BCD is corrupt. The first question is always: can firmware and WinRE see the expected internal disk and its volumes?
There is no authoritative percentage showing how often this code is caused by a failed disk, a loose connection, a removable device or damaged boot data. Several different conditions can produce the same status, so follow the branches below rather than applying one “universal” fix.
Do these safety checks before changing anything
Disconnect nonessential devices
Shut the computer down completely. Remove USB sticks, external disks, SD cards, phones, docks and other accessories that are not needed to start Windows. Leave the keyboard, mouse and display connected. If the error started after moving the PC, removing a drive, losing power or installing an update, reconnect the internal drive and its power and data connections before trying advanced repairs.
Restart once with only the normal Windows drive attached. An empty card reader or a removable drive with no media can produce the literal “no media” condition; a boot-order change can also make firmware try the wrong device. If removing one accessory clears the error, reconnect devices one at a time later so you can identify which one changed boot behavior.
Decide whether files must be preserved
If documents, photographs or other files matter, do not use clean in DiskPart, format a partition, delete partitions or start a reinstall yet. Those actions can destroy the information you may need to recover. If the disk is making unusual clicking noises, disappearing intermittently or becoming very hot, stop repeated start attempts and prioritize a backup or professional data-recovery assessment.
When the disk is still readable in WinRE, copy important files to another drive before experimenting with boot repair. Recovery tools are designed to fix startup, not to serve as a complete backup system. A backup also gives you a clear choice between a careful repair and a clean installation later.
Check firmware detection
Enter the computer’s UEFI or BIOS setup (the key varies by manufacturer and is usually shown briefly during power-on). Look for the storage or boot-information page. The internal SSD or hard disk should appear by model or capacity. If it is missing, power off and check the drive’s cable, slot, enclosure and seating; on a laptop, follow the manufacturer’s service procedure. A drive absent from firmware must be made visible there before WinRE boot repair can help.
Do not confuse a missing boot entry with a missing physical disk. A disk can be listed by capacity while its Windows boot entry is damaged; that is a boot-configuration branch. If the model itself vanishes between restarts, treat the inconsistency as a hardware or connection warning.
Rank #2
- [Package Offer]: 1 Pack USB Flash Drive 8GB Available in black.
- [Plug and Play]: No need to install any software, Just plug in and use it. The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a glance.
- [Suitable for All Uses and Data]: Suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies, software, and other files.
- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
Reach Windows Recovery Environment
You can start WinRE from the recovery screen already shown, from a Windows installation USB, or from a recovery drive. In the recovery interface choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. The tools below are designed for this environment and may not use the same drive letters as normal Windows.
If you cannot reach recovery tools, create installation media on another working PC. Use a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB; creating the media can erase the USB drive. Boot the affected PC from that USB, choose language and keyboard options, then select Repair your computer instead of Install now to open WinRE.
Keep the installation USB connected while you need its recovery tools, but remove it before a normal restart unless you intentionally want to boot from it again. Otherwise the computer may return to Windows Setup instead of testing the repaired installation.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Run Startup Repair first
- From WinRE, open Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
- Select the Windows installation when prompted and provide an administrator password if requested.
- Allow the scan and automatic repair to finish. The computer may restart several times.
- Remove the installation USB before the next restart, unless firmware is configured to boot from it intentionally.
Startup Repair is Microsoft’s built-in WinRE repair for common startup problems, including missing or damaged system files, a corrupted boot configuration database (BCD), damaged master boot code, incompatible drivers and certain registry errors. It does not replace a failing disk, and it may report that it could not repair the PC when the underlying storage is unavailable.
Run it once and note the result. A failure message is useful: it tells you to move to storage visibility, restore or targeted boot repair rather than repeatedly launching the same scan. Startup Repair is the lowest-risk first action because it is designed to repair startup components without asking you to erase a partition.
Check whether WinRE can see the disk
If Startup Repair fails, use a read-only inventory before changing boot data.
- Open Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Type
diskpartand press Enter. - Type
list disk. Confirm that the expected internal disk appears with a plausible capacity. - Type
list volume. Note the volumes, file systems, sizes and labels. - Type
exitto leave DiskPart.
These discovery commands do not format or clean anything. Their purpose is to answer two separate questions: is the physical disk present, and is the volume containing Windows present and identifiable? Record the capacities and labels before making changes, especially if more than one disk is installed.
WinRE can assign different letters than normal Windows. Test likely letters until you find the installation: for example, run dir C:Windows, then dir D:Windows and so on. The correct volume contains folders such as System32. Do not assume that the volume called C: in normal Windows is still C: here.
Rank #3
- Bulk Flash Drives: 20 pack 8GB USB flash drive with 20 lanyards. MECHEER thumb drive with flexible storage and color options! Perfect for business needs, events, giveaways, or personal use. These versatile storage solutions work great whether you're handling corporate projects, or just organizing your digital life.
- Durable & Portable: This pocket-sized flash drive(2.27" x 0.75") travels effortlessly with you. USB drive featuring a 360-degree metal swivel cap that safeguards the USB port, the pen drive rugged aluminum casing withstands daily wear & tear. USB memory stick is equipped with a detachable lanyard and easily attach to your key chain or bags to avoid from losing and for easy carrying.
- Zero-Setup Convenience: Plug and play thumbdrive, no need to install any software - even your grandma can use it. USB memory stick can instantly works on any device - just plug in and start transferring files. USB flash drive universal compatibility with windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 & 11. USB 2.0 flash drive backwardly compatible with 1.1 ports, perfect for older laptops and car stereos.
- FAT32 Format: The default file system for 8GB flash drives is FAT32, providing read/write compatibility with both Windows and macOS. This format is ideal for storing music, photos, videos, software installers and general document files. Pro Tip: Maximize performance by reformatting to your optimal file system.(FAT32: Universal compatibility (files under 4GB); exFAT: Cross-platform large file support; NTFS: Advanced Windows features (encryption/compression))
- LED Indicator: The end of the USB storage flash drive is designed with an indicator. The LED indicator lights up when you plug the zip drive usb into the devices, the light blinks while write/read activities are in process. In this case, do not remove the USB drive pack. Otherwise, data integrity and the service life of the USB drives are affected.
If the disk or Windows volume is missing
A disk absent from list disk is not a BCD problem. Power off and recheck firmware detection, cables, drive seating and any external enclosure. If firmware sees the disk but WinRE does not, storage-controller mode or a missing recovery driver may be involved; use the computer or motherboard manufacturer’s recovery instructions. If neither firmware nor WinRE can consistently see the drive, repeated boot commands are unlikely to help. Preserve the disk and obtain professional assistance when the data is valuable.
If the disk is visible but the volume is inaccessible
Record which volume contains the Windows directory and which small system or EFI volume is present. Do not format either one while files are still at risk. An inaccessible or unreadable volume can indicate file-system or hardware trouble, so make a backup through a working recovery environment before destructive repair.
If the volume appears with an unexpected size, no usable file system or repeated errors, pause before assigning a new letter or changing its structure. The safest next action is to secure readable files and verify the disk’s health through the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRepair boot code and the BCD when storage is visible
Use these commands only after identifying the correct disk and Windows volume. They repair startup metadata; they cannot fix a drive that is failing or not detected.
- In WinRE Command Prompt, run
bootrec /fixmbrto write standard boot code to the system disk’s master boot record. This does not format the disk. - Run
bootrec /scanosto search for Windows installations that are not currently listed in the BCD. Note any installation it finds. - Run
bootrec /rebuildbcd. When your Windows installation is listed, typeYto add it to the boot configuration. - Close Command Prompt and choose Continue to test a normal boot.
On systems using UEFI, the boot files reside on an EFI system partition rather than in the same place as the Windows directory. If the standard rebuild does not find an installation, stop and verify the volume letters and the presence of the EFI partition instead of repeatedly running commands against a guessed volume. Microsoft’s boot-troubleshooting guidance includes alternate BCD-recreation workflows; use the one matching your firmware mode and partition layout.
If a command reports that no Windows installation was found, that result can mean the wrong letter was used, the Windows volume is unreadable, or the installation files are damaged. Recheck with dir on each candidate volume. A successful command with no subsequent boot improvement points back to storage health, firmware boot order or a different startup component.
Do not treat a command that completes without an error as proof that the disk is healthy. Boot-code repair changes startup metadata only. If the machine still reports STATUS_NO_MEDIA, return to the detection branch and verify that the same disk and volumes remain visible after a complete shutdown.
Try System Restore or undo a pending update
System Restore
When the failure began after a driver, application or Windows change and restore points exist, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. Select a restore point dated before the failure and review the affected programs before confirming. System Restore rolls back system files, drivers and settings; it is not a substitute for a personal-file backup.
Rank #4
- [Package Offer]: 5 Pack USB 2.0 Flash Drive 8GB Available in 5 different colors - Black Blue Green Red Silver. The different colors can help you to store different content.
- [Plug and Play]: No need to install any software, Just plug in and use it. The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a glance.
- [Suitable for All Uses and Data]: Suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies, software, and other files.
- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
Choose a point based on the timeline you recorded, not simply the newest point. If no restore point is listed, do not create one from the broken session; move to the other recovery options instead.
Pending-update rollback
WinRE may expose options to uninstall a recent quality or feature update under Advanced options. Use those choices when the timing clearly matches an update and the option is offered. Microsoft also documents reverting pending actions from WinRE for updates that are stuck during startup. Do not remove updates at random; record the date and symptom first so you can reverse the decision if needed.
Do not rely on RegBack on modern Windows
Windows 10 version 1803 and later no longer automatically back up the registry to C:WindowsSystem32configRegBack by design. A folder may exist while containing zero-length or unusable hives. Use System Restore or another known-good backup instead of replacing registry files from RegBack without verifying that a valid backup was deliberately created.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Recreate installation media if recovery tools are unavailable
- On a working Windows PC, create official Windows installation media on a blank USB flash drive of at least 8 GB.
- Back up any files you can access before creating or using the media; the USB’s existing contents may be erased.
- Insert the USB into the affected PC and select it from the one-time boot menu or firmware boot order.
- At Windows Setup, choose Repair your computer to reach WinRE and repeat Startup Repair, disk discovery and restore steps.
- Consider reinstalling only after deciding that the data is backed up or the disk can be erased.
Installation media gives you a clean route into recovery and, if necessary, Windows Setup. It does not repair a physically failing internal disk and cannot restore files that have already been overwritten. A generic 8GB-or-larger USB flash drive is sufficient for this purpose; its contents may be erased during creation, so do not use the only copy of your files.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the least-destructive path
| Situation | Best next step | Risk to personal files | What it cannot solve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty removable slot or unnecessary USB/SD device | Disconnect the device and restart | None | A failed internal drive |
| Windows disk visible and error appeared after a startup change | Startup Repair, then System Restore if available | Low; review restore effects | Physical storage failure |
| Disk visible but boot entry is missing or damaged | Identify volumes, then use targeted BOOTREC/BCD repair | Low when commands and volumes are correct | An unreadable or failing disk |
| Disk absent from firmware or DiskPart | Check connections and hardware; protect data | Repeated retries can worsen a failing disk | Missing boot files alone |
| Recovery environment unavailable | Create installation media on an 8 GB-or-larger blank USB | USB contents may be erased; internal files remain until you format | Physical disk damage |
| All non-destructive options fail and backups are verified | Reset or reinstall Windows | High if you delete or format partitions | Hardware defects |
Use four questions to choose between paths: Is the disk detected? Must personal files be preserved? Did the failure follow an update or hardware change? Can you reach WinRE? Startup Repair and System Restore are lower-risk first options. Boot-command repair is more targeted but depends on correct volume identification. Reinstalling or formatting is the most destructive choice and belongs at the end.
Common mistakes that make 0xC0000178 harder to fix
- Using normal Windows drive letters: WinRE often maps the installation differently, so commands aimed at
C:may target the wrong volume. - Running destructive DiskPart actions too early:
clean, formatting and partition deletion can remove the files you are trying to save. - Repeating BOOTREC on an invisible disk: boot metadata cannot repair a drive that firmware or DiskPart cannot detect.
- Assuming RegBack is current: automatic registry backups were discontinued by design starting with Windows 10 version 1803.
- Leaving the installer USB as the permanent first boot device: the PC may keep returning to Setup instead of testing the internal Windows installation.
- Reinstalling onto unstable hardware: a new installation may fail again if the SSD or hard disk is disappearing or reporting no media.
When reinstalling Windows is the right choice
Reinstallation is a last resort for a corrupted installation when the disk is healthy, recovery tools cannot restore startup and your files are backed up. Confirm the Windows edition and activation method before erasing anything. During Setup, carefully identify the target disk and partitions; selecting the wrong disk can destroy another installation or data volume.
If the drive repeatedly disappears, reports no media, or shows mechanical symptoms, replace or repair the hardware before reinstalling. A fresh Windows installation on an unreliable disk may boot briefly and then fail again.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11After Windows starts again
- Reconnect peripherals one at a time and restart between additions so you can identify a device that changes boot behavior.
- Copy important files to a separate backup location before making further system changes.
- Check that firmware boot order points to the Windows drive and that the expected disk capacity is stable across restarts.
- Record which repair worked and keep a recovery USB available for the next incident.
If Windows still starts, you can optionally try Outbyte PC Repair as a convenience diagnostic for common system issues; it complements antivirus software rather than replacing it, results vary, and no utility repairs every crash. It supports Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 and offers a free trial by category for at least two days before a paid subscription. Do not use it as a substitute for making an inaccessible boot disk visible or for recovering files from failing hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Windows error 0xC0000178 actually mean?
Microsoft defines 0xC0000178 as STATUS_NO_MEDIA, meaning that expected media is not available. During startup, that can refer to a missing removable device, an inaccessible Windows partition, unavailable boot files or a disk that firmware cannot see.
Best Value
- Ultra-compact and portable contoured styling
- Share your photos, videos, songs and other files between computers with ease
- Protect your private files with included SanDisk SecureAccess software (Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Mac OS X v10.6+ (Software download required for Mac, see official SanDisk Secure Access website for more details.))
- Store more with capacities up to 8GB (1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes. Some capacity not available for data storage.)
Can I fix 0xC0000178 without losing my files?
Often, yes. Disconnect unnecessary devices, verify the disk, run Startup Repair, try System Restore when appropriate and repair the BCD only after identifying the correct volumes. Do not use DiskPart clean, format partitions or reinstall until important files are backed up.
Why does WinRE show a different Windows drive letter?
Windows Recovery Environment assigns letters independently from a normal Windows session. Check candidates with commands such as dir C:Windows and dir D:Windows; use the volume containing the Windows folders rather than assuming it is C:.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What if the SSD or hard disk is missing from list disk?
Treat that as a detection or hardware problem, not a BCD problem. Check UEFI/BIOS detection, cables, seating and any enclosure. If the drive remains absent or contains valuable files, stop repeated repair attempts and seek backup or professional data-recovery help.
Should I run bootrec /rebuildbcd first?
No. First confirm that firmware and DiskPart can see the expected disk and identify the Windows volume. Then use the documented BOOTREC sequence or the matching UEFI BCD workflow. A BCD command cannot repair a failing or disconnected drive.
Is the RegBack folder a safe registry backup on Windows 10 and 11?
Not automatically. Microsoft says automatic RegBack backups stopped by design in Windows 10 version 1803 and later. A folder can exist with empty or unusable hives, so prefer System Restore or another verified backup.
Do I need an 8GB USB to fix this error?
You need recovery or installation media only if the existing WinRE tools are unavailable or damaged. Microsoft Community guidance identifies a blank USB flash drive of at least 8GB as a practical size. Creating it may erase the USB contents.
Recommended Free Tools
When should I reinstall Windows?
Only after the disk is reliably detected, non-destructive recovery has failed and important files are backed up or the disk is intentionally expendable. Reinstallation will not fix a physically failing drive and can destroy data if the wrong disk or partition is selected.
Can a PC repair utility fix an inaccessible boot disk?
No utility should be presented as a solution for a disk that firmware or WinRE cannot access. If Windows still boots, Outbyte PC Repair may be used optionally for diagnostics of system settings and related categories, but results vary and it does not replace hardware checks or data recovery.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: 0xC0000178 is a “no media” access failure, not a guaranteed BCD error. Protect your files, remove unnecessary devices, confirm the disk in firmware and WinRE, run Startup Repair, and only then use targeted BCD repair or restore options. Recreate media or reinstall Windows only when recovery tools and backups are ready; an absent or failing disk requires hardware or data-recovery help instead.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
