Windows Boot Error Troubleshooting Guide

Windows boot errors are one of the most frustrating problems you may experience while using your computer. It can come in many forms, such as only the Windows logo, blue screen, or no power at all when you turn on your computer. These errors are caused by a number of reasons, including hardware problems, software crashes, and corruption of system files. 

In this article, we're going to look at the common causes of Windows boot errors and take a closer look at solutions for each situation.

Windows Boot Error Troubleshooting Guide

Common Cause of Windows Boot Error

Common causes of Windows boot errors include.

Corruption of system files: When critical files that make up the Windows operating system are corrupted, they may not boot properly. This can be caused by a malicious code infection, sudden power outage, hardware failure, etc.
Hardware issues: Hardware components such as RAM, HDD/SSD, motherboard, graphics card, etc. can cause boot errors. Windows cannot be called, especially if there is a problem with the storage device.
Software Conflict: A newly installed program or driver may cause a boot problem by colliding with an existing system.
Invalid boot order: Error occurs if the BIOS/UEFI setting has incorrect boot order, or there is no bootable device.
Power supply issues: Your computer may not turn on properly when you have a bad power supply (power supply) or when your power cable connection is unstable.

How to troubleshoot Windows boot errors

Depending on the cause of the boot failure, you can try various solutions. We recommend that you try the methods below in order.

1. Basic inspection and rebooting
It's a simple way to do it first.

Disconnect all external devices: Disconnect all external devices connected to your computer, such as USB, external hard drives, printers, and so on, and try to reboot. Occasionally, external devices will cause a boot crash.
Power down and reconnect: unplug the computer power cable completely, wait a minute, reconnect it and boot it up. This may be resolved by residual power drain.
Check monitor connection: Make sure the monitor cable is properly connected, and if there is another monitor or cable available, replace it and test it.

2. Boot and troubleshoot safe mode
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that starts Windows with minimal drivers and services. If you can enter safe mode, you can find clues to solving the problem.

How to enter safe mode:
For Windows 10/11 you can automatically enter the Advanced Startup Options screen if the boot error is repeated. If you fail to enter, you can enter the Advanced Startup Options by repeating two or three times that you force the power button to turn off as soon as you turn on the computer.

• Click Troubleshooting
• Click Advanced Options
• Click Start Settings
• Click Restart
• From the list that appears after booting, press the numeric key 4 or F4 to select Enable Safe Mode. (If network connection is required, press the numeric key 5 or F5 to select Safe Mode (Enable Networking)

Workaround that can be tried in safe mode:

Remove recently installed programs: If you have a program or driver that you installed just before the boot error, try uninstalling it from Control Panel > Programs and Features.

• System Restore: If you have a system restore point, you can return the system to the point before the error. Select System Restore in the Advanced option to proceed.
• Update Driver/Rollback: If it's a specific hardware driver issue, try updating that driver in Device Manager or rolling back to an earlier version.
• Virus and malware screening: If you suspect a malware infection, check and treat your system with a antivirus program.

3. Startup Repair

The 'Startup Recovery' feature of the Windows Advanced Startup Option automatically diagnoses and attempts to resolve common problems that interfere with booting.

• Enter the Advanced Start option.
• Click Troubleshooting
• Click Advanced Options
• Click Start Recovery

The system will attempt to resolve the problem and notify you of the result after completion.

4. Utilize command prompts (for advanced users)

If a startup recovery does not resolve it, or if you need more detailed troubleshooting, you can use a command prompt to recover the system files or modify boot-related settings.
 
How to enter a command prompt:

• Enter the Advanced Start option.
• Click Troubleshooting
• Click Advanced Options
• Click a command prompt

Commands that you can try at the command prompt:

• System File Scan and Recovery (SFC): sfc/scannow This command examines and recovers corrupted or missing Windows system files.
• Disk Image Recovery (DISM): If DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth SFC does not resolve, it is used to recover the Windows image itself. (You may need to go online in safe mode.)
• Boot related file recovery: bootrec /fixmbr (master boot record recovery) bootrec /fixboot (boot sector recovery) bootrec /rebuildbcd (boot configuration data rewrite) These commands recover or reconfigure the core files associated with booting.

5. Hardware Checks

If it is not resolved by the above software method, you should suspect a hardware problem.

• Reseat or replace RAM: Open the computer case, remove the RAM from the slot, and reinstall it firmly. If you have multiple RAMs, try installing them one by one. Bad RAM is one of the common causes of boot errors.
  
  
• Check Storage Device (HDD/SSD) Cable: Make sure the SATA data and power cables are properly connected to the storage device and the motherboard. If you have another cable, you may want to replace it and test it.
  
  
• BIOS/UEFI Initialization: Return BIOS/UEFI settings to their default values. Incorrect settings may cause boot problems. You can refer to the motherboard documentation or use the CMOS clear jumper on the motherboard.
  
  
• Hardware self-diagnosis (memory, storage):
• Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool: You can run a memory test under Advanced Start Options > Troubleshooting > Advanced Options > Start Settings.
  
  
• Manufacturer's diagnostic tool: Check the storage device condition with the diagnostic software provided by the HDD/SSD manufacturer. (You may need to connect to another PC for verification.)

6. Reinstalling Windows (Last resort)

If not all of the above work out, you should consider reinstalling Windows. Windows reinstallation is the process of deleting all data and refreshing the operating system, so it is recommended that you back up sensitive data in advance, if possible.

How to reinstall Windows:

• Prepare installation media: Download the Windows installation tool from Microsoft's official website to create installation media on your USB drive.
  
  
• Change BIOS/UEFI boot order: Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings to set the USB drive to be the first boot device.
  
  
• Windows installation: Boot to USB and follow the Windows installation instructions to install Windows. This will allow you to delete existing partitions and create new ones to install Windows.