Experiencing a hiccup during the startup of your Windows PC can be a frustrating ordeal, often leaving users in a state of uncertainty. However, there are several methods to troubleshoot and potentially resolve these issues, steering you back on the path to productivity.
Windows Won’t Load
When your computer appears to initiate the startup process but fails to load Windows, the root cause may lie in hardware malfunctions or corrupted software. Begin with a simple yet effective solution: a power cycle. Follow these steps:
- Power down the PC by pressing and holding the power button.
- Disconnect all peripherals, leaving only the keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected.
- Wait for five minutes.
- Press the power button again to boot up the PC.
If this method restores functionality, you’re back in business. If not, you may find yourself directed to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), characterized by its pale blue backdrop and straightforward interface. Here, you can explore various troubleshooting options under the Troubleshoot menu.
Should the WinRE screen not appear after a failed boot, consider employing the three-boot method:
- Start your computer, and when the boot process begins, press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn the PC off.
- Repeat this process twice.
- On the third boot, you should find yourself in the WinRE.
Black Screen of Death
In cases where you encounter the notorious “Black Screen of Death,” where the PC powers on but displays nothing, the three-boot strategy may also prove beneficial. Additionally, you can attempt to restart the video driver by pressing Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B. Before diving deeper, check the brightness settings and ensure all connections are secure, as sometimes the simplest solutions yield the best results.
Accessing Windows in Safe Mode might also be an option. Navigate to Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart, then select 5 for Safe Mode with networking. This mode loads Windows with minimal settings and drivers, allowing you to roll back recent updates or uninstall newly added applications if successful.
If Safe Mode proves elusive, another alternative within the WinRE Troubleshoot menu is Startup Repair. This feature attempts to rectify any corrupted settings or configurations related to the boot process. Additionally, if you suspect a recent Windows update may be the culprit, you can opt for Uninstall Updates to revert to a previous state.
More WinRE and BIOS / UEFI Troubleshooting Options
Should your efforts in WinRE yield no results, consider venturing into the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), now commonly referred to as UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) on modern machines. This foundational software operates on the motherboard, initiating before Windows loads from the disk.
If Windows fails to start, you may automatically land in the BIOS/UEFI, or you might need to press a designated key during the system’s loading phase—often F2 or Del. While options here are limited, you can run diagnostic checks and verify if your system drives are recognized at the motherboard level. Resetting the BIOS/UEFI to default settings can also be a prudent step to restore the boot process to its factory state.
If all else fails and Windows remains unresponsive, reinstalling the operating system may be necessary. Look for the Reset this PC option under Troubleshoot in WinRE, if available. You can choose to Keep my files or Remove everything for a clean slate. If these options are not present, you can create a USB drive or DVD with the Windows installation media using another computer.
