How to run Startup Repair on Windows 10
Windows 10 can run into problems of all sorts and sometimes, they prevent the system from booting up. In other cases, the system may fail to boot at times and boot normally at others.
Constant and/or sporadic problems with sign-in and booting normally mean there is something wrong with the core files that Windows 10 needs to boot. These problems can sometimes be fixed with a system scan but other times, you need to run Startup Repair.
Startup Repair
Startup Repair is a Windows 10 feature that can fix problems with files that are needed to boot the OS to a working desktop. This feature can be run from the desktop but it can also be run from outside Windows 10. Additionally, if your Windows 10 installation is corrupt to the point that you do not have access to the desktop, you can still run this tool to salvage your Windows 10 installation.
1. Run Startup Repair from Settings app
Startup Repair can be run from the Settings app if you’re able to get to your desktop.
- Open the Settings app (Win+I keyboard shortcut).
- Go to Update & Security.
- Select the Recovery tab.
- Click Restart Now under Advanced Startup.
- Go to Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Startup Repair.
2. Run Startup Repair from Desktop/lock screen
Startup repair can be run easily from any Windows 10 power options menu. This menu can be accessed from the Start menu (if you can get to your desktop), and it can be accessed from the lock screen.
On the desktop:
- Open the Start menu.
- Click the power button.
- Hold down the Shift key and click Restart.
- You will restart and see the Troubleshoot boot menu.
- Go to Advanced Options>Startup Repair
3. Run Startup Repair outside Windows 10
Windows 10 Startup repair can be run from outside Windows 10 i.e., when you’re unable to see so much as the lock screen. All you need is a few failed startup attempts by the OS. Normally, the Startup Repair should trigger once you fail to boot but if it doesn’t, follow these steps.
- Power your system on.
- Before you see the Windows 10 loading screen, press the power button again to power the system off.
- Repeat this 3-5 times.
- You will see a message saying Windows 10 failed to boot and is now running Startup Repair.
4. Run Startup Repair from an installation disk
Startup Repair should normally be triggered when your system fails to boot a few times but it does rely on Windows 10 being somewhat functional. If it still fails to trigger, you need a Windows 10 installation disk.
You will need access to another working Windows 10 PC to create an installation disk. Once you have the disk, follow these steps to run Startup Repair.
- Boot to BIOS and set the first boot device to USB.
- Connect the installation USB to your PC.
- Power the system On and wait for the Windows 10 installation screen to appear.
- Select the Windows 10 edition, language, etc.
- Click Repair your computer to initiate Startup Repair.
Conclusion
Startup Repair can fix most problems with Windows 10 but there may come a point when it too fails. You will have to install Windows 10 fresh in that case. If you’re able to get to the desktop, use the opportunity to back things up and install Windows 10 fresh.
