Alex Ruben
How to Fix “Your PC Did Not Start Correctly” on Windows 10/11: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve encountered the frustrating error message “Your PC did not start correctly” on Windows 10 or 11, you’re not alone. This issue can be caused by various factors, including corrupted files or problems during startup. Luckily, this guide provides a clear, systematic approach to resolve this problem and regain access to your system. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to effectively troubleshoot and fix startup issues, including combating the automatic repair loop.
Step 1: Access the Windows Recovery Environment
The first step in troubleshooting is to access the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). You can do this if your PC fails to boot multiple times. Here’s how:
- Power on your computer.
- As soon as you see the Windows logo, hold down the power button to force a shutdown.
- Repeat this process two or three times until you see “Preparing Automatic Repair.”
- Your system will then enter the recovery environment.
Step 2: Run Startup Repair
Once you are in the Windows Recovery Environment, the next step is to attempt a Startup Repair. Here’s how to do it:
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Next, click on Advanced options.
- Then choose Startup Repair.
- Select your user account and enter your password if prompted.
This process will check for issues that prevent Windows from loading and make necessary repairs. If it doesn’t resolve the issue, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Use Command Prompt for Advanced Repair
Should the automatic startup repair fail, you can leverage the Command Prompt for a more hands-on approach. Here’s how:
- Return to the Advanced options menu.
- Select Command Prompt.
- Type the following command:
SFC /scannowand press Enter. - This command will scan for and repair corrupted system files. Once it’s complete, restart your computer.
If the problem persists, you might need to run additional commands such as:
chkdsk /f /r– This checks for disk errors and repairs them if possible.bootrec /fixmbr– This repairs the Master Boot Record.bootrec /fixboot– This fixes boot sector issues.bootrec /rebuildbcd– This rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data.
Step 4: Restore Your PC to a Previous State
If your system still fails to boot correctly, consider restoring it to a previous state where it functioned properly:
- From the Advanced options menu, select System Restore.
- Choose a restore point prior to the issues arising and follow the prompts to restore your system.
Step 5: Reset Your PC
As a last resort for persistent issues, resetting your PC can be an effective solution. This will reinstall Windows while allowing you to keep your files:
- From the Troubleshoot menu, select Reset this PC.
- Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the resetting process.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Throughout the troubleshooting process, keep these tips in mind:
- Always back up important files before performing any major repairs or resets.
- Monitor for specific error codes while executing repairs; these can provide clues about the underlying issue.
- Ensure that all hardware connections are secure, including your hard drive and RAM, which can often cause startup issues if loose.
Conclusion
By following these deliberate steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and resolve the “Your PC did not start correctly” error on Windows 10 or 11. Each method outlined is aimed at addressing various causes of startup issues, empowering you to restore functionality to your system. If you are consistently encountering problems, it might be worthwhile to consult professional support or consider hardware diagnostics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the “Your PC did not start correctly” error?
Various factors, such as corrupted files, improper shutdowns, and hardware malfunctions, can lead to this error message.
Is it safe to reset my PC?
Yes, resetting your PC is a safe method to resolve persistent issues, especially when you opt to keep your files. However, ensure you have backups of critical data.
Can I fix startup issues without losing my data?
Yes, many troubleshooting methods like Startup Repair or System Restore aim to fix issues without data loss. However, always have backups just in case.