As a computer user, nothing is more frustrating than a Windows startup error. You turn on your PC, and all you see is a blank screen or the infamous Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Fortunately, many of these startup errors have quick and easy fixes that even a beginner can try. In this blog post, I’ll share ten quick fixes for common Windows startup errors that will help you troubleshoot the problem and get your PC up and running again in no time.

1. Check Your Power Supply 🔌

Sometimes, a Windows startup error can be as simple as a disconnected power cord. If your computer won’t start, make sure that the power cord is firmly plugged into the wall outlet and the back of your computer. You can also try a different power outlet to see if that solves the problem.

A picture of a power cord plugged into the side of a computer

2. Boot in Safe Mode 🚪

If you’re experiencing a Windows startup error, try booting your PC in safe mode. Safe mode boots your computer with only the essential drivers and services required to run Windows, so it’s an excellent way to troubleshoot problems. To boot in safe mode, press and hold the F8 key as soon as you see the Windows logo, and select the safe mode option from the boot menu.

A picture of the Windows boot menu with the safe mode option highlighted

3. Check Your Hard Drive đź’˝

Your hard drive is where your operating system and all of your data are stored, so if it’s faulty, you’ll experience Windows startup errors. One way to check if your hard drive is working correctly is to run Windows built-in Check Disk utility. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).” In the command prompt window, type “chkdsk C: /f /r” and press Enter.

A picture of the Check Disk utility running in a command prompt window

4. Repair Your Boot Manager 🧰

The boot manager is responsible for booting your operating system, so if it’s corrupted, you’ll experience Windows startup errors. To repair your boot manager, insert your Windows installation media and boot from it. Select your language and click “Repair your computer.” In the recovery options screen, select “Command Prompt” and type “bootrec /fixboot” and “bootrec /fixmbr” one at a time and press Enter.

A picture of the Windows installation media boot screen

5. Disable Automatic Restart 🔄

If you’re experiencing a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) right after the Windows startup, you can’t read the error message because your computer restarts automatically. To disable the automatic restart, press the Windows key + Pause/Break to open the System Properties window. Select “Advanced system settings” and click “Settings” under “Startup and Recovery.” Uncheck “Automatically restart” and click “OK.”

A picture of the System Properties window with the advanced system settings highlighted

6. Remove External Devices 🖨️

External devices like USB drives, printers, and cameras can sometimes cause Windows startup errors. Try unplugging all external devices except for your mouse, keyboard, and monitor to see if that solves the problem.

A picture of a USB drive being unplugged from a computer

7. Perform a System Restore 🗄️

If you’ve recently installed new software or drivers, they may be causing Windows startup errors. Try performing a system restore to go back to a previous point in time before the problem started. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box and type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter.

A picture of the System Restore window

8. Update Your Drivers đźšš

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause Windows startup errors. To update your drivers, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager.” Right-click on the device with a yellow exclamation mark and select “Update driver software.”

A picture of the Device Manager window with a driver selected for update

9. Reinstall Windows 🔄

If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Windows. Insert your Windows installation media and boot from it. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows, making sure to select the “Custom” option and format your hard drive.

A picture of the Windows installation media boot screen

10. Take It to a Professional 🛠️

If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting Windows startup errors yourself, take your PC to a professional. They’ll be able to diagnose and fix the problem, so you can get back to using your computer.

A picture of a person holding a sign that reads "Computer Repair" in front of a computer repair shop

That’s It!

These ten quick fixes for common Windows startup errors should help you troubleshoot and solve most problems. Remember to try the simplest solutions first and work your way up. If none of these solutions work for you, don’t hesitate to take your PC to a professional. Happy computing!