Facing a Windows startup problem can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. This blog offers step-by-step solutions to common boot issues and guides you through each process to restore your PC to working order.
Check the power supply and monitor
Before diving into more technical solutions, rule out basic causes for why the PC won’t turn on. Confirm that your computer is plugged in and the power outlet is functioning correctly. For desktops, make sure the power button on the CPU is turned on. If you’re using a laptop and it won’t turn on, try removing the battery and plugging in the charger directly to see if that resolves the issue.
If your PC seems to boot up but the screen remains black, the problem might be with the monitor. Check that the monitor is properly connected to the computer and turned on. If you have a spare monitor, test it with your PC to rule out display issues.
Rule out problematic devices
A faulty peripheral device, such as a USB drive, printer, or external hard drive, can sometimes prevent a Windows PC from booting. The device might be attempting to boot alongside the computer and causing a conflict. To address this, disconnect all unnecessary devices from your PC and try booting it again. If your PC starts up successfully, reconnect the devices one by one to identify the one causing the issue.
Enable Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a stripped-down version of Windows used to troubleshoot and fix system issues. If you can boot your computer into Safe Mode, the problem might lie with a recently installed program, driver, or update.
To access Safe Mode, restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu. The key to enter Safe Mode might vary depending on your computer’s manufacturer, so try F5, F11, or even the Esc key if F8 doesn’t work.
Once in Safe Mode, uninstall any recently installed software or drivers and then restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.
Run the Startup Repair tool
Windows 11 includes a Startup Repair tool that can automatically diagnose and troubleshoot boot issues. To use this tool:
- Hold the power button down to force your PC to shut down two to three times. This action will trigger Windows 11 Automatic Repair mode.
- Click on Advanced options, then choose Troubleshoot.
- In the troubleshoot menu, go to Advanced options and select Startup Repair.
- Follow the instructions provided by the startup repair tool as it attempts to fix the issue.
Use System Restore
If your PC was functioning properly before and suddenly stopped booting correctly, a recent system update might be the cause. Using the System Restore feature can roll back your computer to a previous state when it worked fine.
To perform a System Restore, access the advanced options as before. Select the System Restore option and choose a restore point from a date and time when your computer was working correctly. This method works only if you previously created a restore point on your PC or if the feature is enabled by default.
Reinstall Windows
If your computer still won’t boot after trying all the previous methods, you may need to reinstall Windows. This process will erase all data and programs on your PC, so ensure you have a backup.
Use Windows installation media (such as a USB or installation disc) to boot your computer and follow the prompts to perform a clean install of Windows. This will reset your PC to its factory settings and often fix boot issues caused by corrupted system files.
Check for hardware problems
Common hardware problems include failing hard drives, faulty RAM, or a malfunctioning motherboard. Consider running hardware diagnostics tools available in your PC’s BIOS settings. If you’re not comfortable diagnosing and repairing hardware issues yourself, consult a professional technician. They have the expertise and tools to identify and fix the problem.
For help with boot issues, our team has extensive experience addressing a wide range of technical problems and glitches. Contact us for professional support and guidance in troubleshooting and restoring your PC to working order.
