Computer starts up, but won't run any programs.

Hi,

Thank you for posting your query in Microsoft Community.

• Are you able to boot the computer in safe mode?
• Do you receive any error message?
• Do you remember making any specific change in the computer prior to the issue?

There could be several reasons for this cause. Let's try the following methods and check.

Method 1: Start the computer in Safe Mode and check if the issue persists. If the issue does not persist in safe mode, place the computer in clean boot state and check.

Step 1: Start the computer in Safe Mode

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words Safe Mode appear in the corners of your monitor to identify which Windows mode you're using.

a. When you hit the power button in Windows 10, hold down the Shift key when clicking the Restart button.

b. The next screen will present you with three options. Click Troubleshoot.

c. Next, hit Advanced options followed by Windows Startup Settings from the next screen.

d. Your PC will now be rebooted to enable the advanced parameters, which include Safe Mode as well.

Step 2: Perform Clean boot to avoid any third party software conflict.

To help troubleshoot error messages and other issues, you can start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This kind of startup is known as a "clean boot." A clean boot helps eliminate software conflicts.

Placing your system in Clean Boot state helps in identifying if any third party applications or startup items are causing the issue. You need to follow the steps from the article mentioned below to perform a Clean Boot.

**How to perform a clean boot in Windows**        

Note: Refer "How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting" to reset the computer to start as normal after troubleshooting.

Method 2: System Maintenance Troubleshooter

a. Press “Windows Logo” + “W” keys from the keyboard.

b. Type “Troubleshooting” in the search bar and press “Enter”.

c. In the “Troubleshooting” window, click on “View All” on the left pane.

d. Click on “System Maintanance”.

e. Click on “Advanced” and then click on “Run as Administrator”.

f. Click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process

Hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to reply in case you face any other issues with Windows in future.

 ...my pc is not the greatest,  had previous issues with it,  and once again I have run into some trouble.  I turn on my pc fine,  but before the problem occurring,  it took a long while to load up to the sign in screen,  but this morning when I opened it up it said,  not sure if this is exact,  but "fixing disk something or other,  this may take over an hour".  I left it for about 6 hours and it had done this,  but because of my pc being idle,  it was off.  I turned it back on and to what I thought had solved the problem,  as it had loaded much faster,  this error message had made it so when I try to log in,  I can't use my mouse which has new batteries,  tested that it works,  and I can't log in, It freezes on the welcome screen... [SOURCE]               

Has Windows 8.1 ever been offered to the computer via the Windows Store?

Thank you for your reply,  I was able to perform a clean boot,  but this only fixed the problem for a short while,  things took longer and longer to load after I had restarted my computer. I am still in Windows 8 so is loaing safe mode the same as for Windows 10 . Prior to this happening I downloaded a game from Steam, I'm quite a gaming sort of guy,  but have uninstalled it as I thought that was the problem. I got an error message a few times whilst trying to press ctrl alt del which said it was unable to do it I believe,  but when I tried again it worked. I'm not sure really what the problem that currently I am doing a full scan of my computer.

 ...my pc is not the greatest,  had previous issues with it,  and once again I have run into some trouble.  I turn on my pc fine,  but before the problem occurring,  it took a long while to load up to the sign in screen,  but this morning when I opened it up it said,  not sure if this is exact,  but "fixing disk something or other,  this may take over an hour".  I left it for about 6 hours and it had done this,  but because of my pc being idle,  it was off.  I turned it back on and to what I thought had solved the problem,  as it had loaded much faster,  this error message had made it so when I try to log in,  I can't use my mouse which has new batteries,  tested that it works,  and I can't log in, It freezes on the welcome screen... [SOURCE]               

Has Windows 8.1 ever been offered to the computer via the Windows Store?

Not really checked

Wanna check now? Start here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-can-t-find-update-store

Upgrading to Windows 8.1: FAQ

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

Important! => Support for Windows 8 ends on 12 January 2016. If Windows 8.1 isn't installed by then, your computer will NOT be offered any further updates of any kind.