How to Fix “Your Windows 10 PC Did Not Start Correctly” Error
A list of helpful troubleshooting tips
It’s not so alarming whenWindows fails toboot on your computeron the first try. It can be a sign of trouble when it happens repeatedly. A “Your PC did not start correctly” error on your screen indicates a problem with specific startup files and configurations.
This complication could result from file system corruption, power outage, virus infection, or a buggy driver and software. You can easily resolve the error and stop it from happening again. Try the troubleshooting steps highlighted below, and let us know which step fixes the error.
Restart Your Computer
When Windows displays this error, you’ll find two options on the screen:RestartandAdvanced options. Some users report that restarting their computers resolved the problem. Click theRestartbutton and wait for your PC to come back on.
If Windows still doesn’t boot into the sign-in screen, try the following troubleshooting methods.
Boot into Safe Mode
Booting into Safe Mode can eliminate issues preventing your Windows PC from starting correctly. When you get this error, shut down your PC, enter Safe Mode, boot your PC normally again and check if that resolves the problem. Refer to thiscomprehensive guideon booting into Safe Mode in Windowsto learn how it’s down.
Run the Startup Repair Tool
Windows has a built-in tool for diagnosing and fixing problems preventing the operating system from booting correctly. The Startup Repair Tool is tucked inside the Advanced Startup Options menu.
An alternate route to boot your PC to the Advanced options menu is throughSettings>Update & Security>Recoveryand click theRestart nowbutton under theAdvanced startupsection.
On some Windows 10 devices, you can access the Advanced Options menu by pressing the F11 key repeatedly as soon as you hit the power button. Restarting your PC three times in succession is another way to trigger the Automatic Startup options forcefully. SelectTroubleshootand selectAdvanced optionsto continue.
The tool will immediately diagnose your computer and fix issues preventing Windows from booting correctly. The Startup Repair tool will also check your computer disk errors and attempt to fix them. This might take a couple of minutes or hours, so make sure your PC is plugged into a power source.
Run the System File Checker
Your PC may encounter difficulties loading Windows if there’s a problem with some system files. Use theSystem File Checkerto repair or redownload missing and corrupt system files.
The command will trigger the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to scan and download the necessary system files required for your computer to boot properly.
This command scans your PC for missing or corrupt system files and replaces them with the stable copy downloaded by the DISM tool.
Perform System Restore
As mentioned earlier, installing a buggy program can mess with your PC’s startup files and configurations. If you notice this error right after installing a driver or an app, roll back your computer to a previous state where things were working smoothly with the help of a Restore Point.
Windows automatically creates restore points once every week whenSystem Protection is enabled on your computer. Windows also makes these points before critical system changes like driver installing a driver or Windows update. Follow the steps below to perform a system restore to fix this startup-related error.
Windows will move your PC back in time and, hopefully, eliminate the issue causing the “Your PC did not start correctly” error.
Note:After a system restore, Windows preserves your personal files but removes apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.
Uninstall or Delete Recent Updates
Did you notice this error after installing a Windows Update? We recommend deleting the updates from your computer.
Repair Windows Boot Configuration Data
The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is a set of data used by Microsoft to boot your Windows computer. Your PC may fail to load Windows if the files that make up the BCD are corrupt or missing. Follow the steps below to rebuild your computer’s BCD.
Reset Windows Master Boot Record (MBR)
TheMaster Boot Record (MBR)is a sector on the hard drive that points your PC to the location of the Windows OS. If the MBR gets damaged or corrupted, your computer will display messages like “Error loading operating system,” “Invalid partition table,” “Your PC did not start correctly,” etc.
Restoring the MBR to its factory configuration can fix this issue. Follow the steps below to get it done.
This command diagnoses and repairs corruption-related issues diagnosed in the Master Boot Record sector.
This command will scan for damaged sectors in the MBR and fix them accordingly.
Last Resort: Reset Your Computer
If Windows still won’t boot properly despite all your troubleshooting efforts, consider resetting your PC to the factory default. Windows will reinstall the OS, remove third-party apps, and revert all system settings to their defaults. Use thisguide on factory resetting Windows 10to learn more about this extreme step.
Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio
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