How to solve Windows startup problem

A blue screen on startup usually indicates a system error or a hardware issue, such as a failing disk or corrupted system files. To troubleshoot and resolve the issue, you can follow the steps below based on guidance from official Microsoft resources:

1. Run the Startup Repair Tool

Microsoft provides a built-in tool to repair startup problems.

Access the Advanced Startup Options:

• Turn off your PC completely.
  • Turn it back on and immediately press F8, F11, or the Shift + F8 combination (depending on your computer) to enter the recovery environment.
    • Alternatively, boot the system three times in a row, forcing it to fail startup. This will trigger the recovery options.
    Select Startup Repair:

        - Go to **Troubleshoot** → **Advanced options** → **Startup Repair**.
        
        
           - Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will attempt to fix startup issues automatically.
        
           
           Learn more about Startup Repair here: [Microsoft documentation: Startup Repair](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/advanced-startup-options#start-up-repair)
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2. Check and Repair Disk Errors

File system or disk problems can trigger blue screens. Use chkdsk to check and fix errors.

Access Command Prompt:

• Restart into the recovery environment by following the same steps to access Advanced Startup Options.
  • Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
  Run chkdsk:

    - Type:cmd
    
    
  

  chkdsk

    
    
    Replace **C:** with the letter of your Windows drive, if different.
    
    
       - Press **Enter** and allow the process to complete.
    
       
       Note: This process may take a long time to finish, depending on disk size. If critical errors are found, follow the recommendations to repair.
    ```Learn more about checking your disk: [Microsoft documentation: Check Disk](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/chkdsk)
  
  

3. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted Windows system files can cause startup errors. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM tools.

1. Open Command Prompt in the recovery environment.
2. Run the following commands in order:cmd

sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

These commands will repair Windows system files and restore their integrity.

Learn more about repairing corrupted files: Microsoft documentation: SFC and DISM

4. Check Hard Drive Health

Your drive may be failing, especially with disk-related blue screen errors.

From within Windows (if accessible):

• Open File Explorer, right-click on your system drive, choose Properties, go to the Tools tab, and select Check under "Error checking." Third-party tools: If the issue persists, consider running a diagnostic program from your hard drive manufacturer.

5. Roll Back or Reset the System

If recent updates or changes caused the problem, you can restore your system.

Use System Restore:

• From the recovery environment, go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore and select a restore point. Reset the PC:

  - From the recovery menu, choose **Troubleshoot** → **Reset this PC** → and select either **Keep my files** or **Remove everything**.

  
  Learn more: [Microsoft documentation: Reset your PC](https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/reset-your-pc)
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6. **Contact Microsoft Support**

If the above steps do not work, and the issue persists, there may be a hardware-related problem or deeper corruption that requires specialized help. Consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance: [Microsoft Support](https://support.microsoft.com/)

If possible, try to provide the exact stop code or error message from the blue screen (e.g., "STOP 0x000000xx" or "INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE"). This information can help narrow down the issue further.