If your Windows computer is having trouble booting up, the Startup Repair tool can often resolve the issue quickly. This built-in troubleshooting utility in Windows is designed to fix the most common problems that prevent the operating system from loading correctly.
Startup Repair can help with issues like a corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD), missing or corrupted boot files, a missing operating system, a corrupted boot sector, a missing or corrupted bootmgr, or a corrupted system hive.
The tool automatically runs when Windows fails to boot into the operating system two times consecutively. However, you can also manually initiate Startup Repair using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
How to Open the Windows Recovery Environment
There are a few different ways to access the Windows Recovery Environment, depending on your specific situation:
1. If your computer isn’t loading or is stuck during boot, start the computer and press the power button as soon as the Windows logo appears to interrupt the boot sequence. Repeat this process two more times, and on the third interruption, Windows will open into the recovery environment.
2. Hold the Shift key down at the Windows sign-in screen and press the Power button at the same time. Continue holding the Shift key, then click Restart. Once the PC restarts, it’ll present a screen with a few options.
3. Use a USB installation media to access the Windows Recovery Environment. If the device isn’t starting from the USB flash drive, you may need to change your system’s BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive.
How to Use the Startup Repair Tool
Once you’ve accessed the Windows Recovery Environment, follow these steps to use the Startup Repair tool:
1. Click the **Troubleshoot** button.
2. Click the **Advanced options** button.
3. Click the **Startup Repair** button.
4. Select your Windows account.
5. Confirm your account password.
6. Click the **Continue** button.
The Startup Repair tool will then scan your system, detect any problems, and attempt to fix them. If the repair is successful, your computer will automatically reboot.
It’s important to note that Startup Repair cannot fix issues with hardware, but it’s a good place to start the troubleshooting process. If the tool fails to resolve the problem, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows or seeking further assistance.
The Startup Repair tool generates a log file called “SrtTrail.txt” in the “C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt” folder, which can be helpful for understanding the diagnostics and repairs made.
In summary, the Windows Startup Repair tool is a valuable resource for quickly fixing common boot problems. By accessing the Windows Recovery Environment and following the steps outlined above, you can often get your computer back up and running smoothly.