What is causing the “Operating System not found” error?
We looked into this particular issue by analyzing various user reports and the repair strategies that are most effective in resolving this particular error. As it turns out, there are multiple culprits that have the potential of triggering the “Operating System not found” error: If you’re currently to resolve the same error message, this article will provide you with tested solutions that might just fix the issue for you. Down below, you’ll find several methods that other users encountering the “Operating System not found” error have successfully used to fix this particular issue. Because the methods below are ordered via their efficiency and difficulty, we advise you to follow them in the order that they are presented. One of them is bound to resolve the issue regardless of the culprit that ends up causing it.
Method 1: Verifying that the ISO is bootable
In most cases, this particular issue occurs with users that are mistakenly trying to use an ISO file that actually contains a package with updates instead of a bootable OS. Keep in mind that you need to use a bootable operating system media in order for the mounting to be successful on your virtual machine. If you are seeing the “Operating System not found” error when attempting to install an OS file on VMware, start by ensuring that the ISO you’re using is actually bootable. In the event that you determine that the ISO that you are using is not bootable, go for a different option or follow the next method below.
Method 2: Specifying that you’re using a physical device (if applicable)
If you’re trying to install the OS from a bootable disk, chances are you get the “Operating System not found” error because you’ve failed to specify the boot drive. In order to boot from a physical CD/DVD without encountering issues, you’ll need to tell VMware (via the Settings menu) that it needs to boot from a physical CD or DVD. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this: If you’re still encountering the “Operating System not found” error, move down to the next method below.
Method 3: Recreating the virtual machine
Some affected users have reported that they were able to resolve the issue by recreating the virtual machine and making sure that BIOS is preferred instead of UEFI. Others that we’re using VM Fusion or VMware workstation have reported that unchecking Easy Install has resolved the issue for them. Here’s a quick guide on recreating the virtual machine: If the same “Operating System not found” error is still occurring, move down to the next method below.
Method 4: Ensuring that you get to see the Windows Installer screen
As it turns out, with certain virtual machine configurations the VMware has the potential of attempting to PXE boot and ends up failing because the user is unable to connect with the VM quick enough and press a key at the Press any key to boot into Windows Installer screen quick enough. If this scenario is applicable, you can resolve the issue by establishing a boot delay of 6 seconds or higher in order to give yourself the time to act during the Press any key to boot into Windows Installer screen. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:
Fix: System Found Unauthorized Changes on the Firmware, Operating System or UEFI…FIX: Operating System Not Found Windows 10FIX: Error 1962 – No Operating System FoundFix: operating system is not presently configured to run this application
