How to fix Windows PC Startup problems (Get Your PC Running Again)

Malicious software infections can damage system files, modify startup settings, or interfere with essential processes, leading to startup problems

Windows 10 is a widely used operating system, known for its stability and performance. However, like any other software, it can encounter startup problems that prevent the system from booting properly. Sometimes you may experience Windows 10 Won’t Boot, Crashes with different blue screen error or Stuck At Black Screen. There are various reasons may cause Windows 10 startup problems, It may be because of problems with the master boot record. Faulty hardware, malfunctioning RAM, Disk Drive failure or Corrupted system files can lead to startup problems. Incompatible or conflicting software, drivers, or applications also can disrupt the Windows startup process. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you diagnose and fix common startup issues on your Windows computer.

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Windows boot issues troubleshooting

Windows 10 include a different built-in tool that helps startup problems with less effort. Such as you can access advanced options and from there perform startup repairs to fix the problems or glitches to prevent Windows 10 start normally. Also, there is a Restore option to revert back previous working state. From there you can access the administrative command prompt to rebuild the boot configuration file that probably fix the Windows boot issue. Or you can start your computer in safe mode to run advanced repair tools like the system file checker utility and DISM restore health command.

Perform Basic Checks

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, start by checking a few basic elements that may be causing the startup problem:

  • Ensure that all cables, including power and data cables, are securely connected to your computer.
  • Verify that your power supply is functioning correctly and providing enough power to the system.
  • Disconnect any external devices, such as USB drives or printers, and check if the system boots without them.

Perform startup repair

If Windows 10 Won’t Boot or restart frequently, Performing a startup repair can help resolve various startup issues on Windows 10. The Startup Repair tool is built into Windows 10 and is designed to automatically diagnose and fix problems preventing your computer from booting properly.

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Hence windows restart frequently we need to boot from installation media to access advanced options and perform startup repair.

Or you can hold the Shift key and then restart Windows to access the advanced option. You need to click Troubleshoot -> advanced option.

  • Let’s start your computer from installation media, Or access the Boot menu using F12 or Esc then select boot from installation media.
  • Select your language preferences and click “Next” and then Click on “Repair your computer”

repair your computer

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  • In the next window, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair.”

Advanced Boot options on windows 10

The Startup Repair tool will begin diagnosing your system for startup problems and attempt to repair them automatically, This process may take some time.

Once the diagnosis is complete, Remove the installation media and proceed with restarting your computer.

Rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) contains important information about the operating system boot process. If due to any reason BCD becomes corrupt or misconfigured, it can prevent your computer from booting properly. And most of the time, Rebuilding the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) can be an effective solution for resolving startup problems on Windows 10.

  • Again boot from installation media -> Repair your computer -> select “Troubleshoot” to access Advanced options.
  • Here select the command prompt option and run the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd
bootrec /scanos

  • These commands will repair the Master Boot Record (MBR), fix the boot sector, scan for Windows installations, and rebuild the BCD.

Now close the command prompt, disconnect the installation drive and restart your PC to check if Windows 10 starts without any startup error.

Start Windows 10 in safe mode

If due to software or driver conflict windows 10 restarts frequently, start your computer in safe mode bypass such issues help troubleshoot this issue. Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows that allows you to start your computer with minimal drivers and services.

Safe Mode allows you to start your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help identify and isolate the cause of the startup problem.

Hold the Shift key and restart Windows 10 to access “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options.” Or boot from installation media, click Repair your computer -> select “Troubleshoot” to access Advanced options.

advanced Options windows 10

  • In the Advanced options menu, select “Startup Settings” and click the “Restart” button.

safe mode restart

  • After the computer restarts, Press F4 to “Enable Safe Mode” or F5 to start your computer in “Safe Mode with Networking” if you need internet access in Safe Mode.

Safe mode windows 11

  • Now when your PC starts in safe mode, Uninstall recently installed programs or drivers that may be causing conflicts.
  • Run a thorough antivirus or anti-malware scan to check for and remove any malicious software.
  • Update drivers and Windows to the latest versions.
  • Perform a System Restore to revert your system settings to a previous working state.

Check Disk for Errors

Disk errors can indeed cause startup problems on Windows 10. When a disk has errors, it can affect the integrity of the file system and the functioning of the operating system. And Running tools like chkdsk (Check Disk), to repair disk errors and help restore the integrity of the file system and resolve the underlying cause of the startup issue on Windows 10.

  • Press Windows key + S, type cmd and select run as administrator,
  • In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk C: /f /r and press enterkey.

Run chkdsk command windows 11

The “/f” parameter instructs chkdsk to fix any errors it finds on the disk and the /r parameter Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

  • If the disk is currently in use and cannot be locked, you will see a message asking if you want to schedule the disk check for the next system restart. Type “Y” and press Enter.
  • Close the command prompt and Restart your computer. During the startup process, chkdsk will automatically run and attempt to repair the disk errors.

scanning and repairing drive

Run DISM and System File Checker command

Running DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) and SFC (System File Checker) commands can help fix Windows 10 startup problems if they are caused by corrupted or missing system files.

  • Open the command prompt as administrator and run the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • This will check the integrity of the Windows image and repair any issues by downloading the necessary files from Windows Update.

DISM restore health command windows 11

  • It may take some time for the command to complete let it finish 100%.
  • Once the DISM command finishes, run the SFC command sfc /scannow
  • This will scan your system for corrupted system files and attempt to repair them using cached copies stored on your computer.
  • Let the command complete 100%, restart your computer and check if the startup problem has been resolved.

Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup feature in Windows 10 allows your computer to boot up faster by saving the kernel session and device drivers to a hibernation file. However, it can sometimes cause conflicts with certain hardware or software configurations. If you’re experiencing startup problems on Windows 10, disabling Fast Startup can be a troubleshooting step to consider.

  • Press the Windows key + R, type powercfg.cpl and click ok to open power options,
  • click on “Choose what the power buttons do” on the left side of the window. Next, click on the “Change settings that are currently unavailable” link.
  • Under the “Shutdown settings” section, you will find the “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” option. Uncheck this option to disable Fast Startup.

fast startup feature

If the issue persists after attempting these steps, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance or contact Microsoft support for further guidance.

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