Are you frustrated with the “Windows failed to start” error message that appears on your screen every time you try to boot up your computer? This error can be caused by a variety of factors, including hardware and software changes, corrupted system files, or driver issues. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the issue and get your computer up and running smoothly.
Understanding the “Windows Failed to Start” Error
The “Windows failed to start” error is a generic error message that can occur due to various reasons. It can be caused by a recent hardware or software change, a corrupted system file, or a driver issue. The error message may appear in different forms, such as:
- “Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.”
- “Windows failed to start. To fix the problem, insert the Windows installation disc and restart your computer.”
- “Windows failed to start. The boot selection failed because a required device is inaccessible.”
Causes of the “Windows Failed to Start” Error
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the possible causes of this error. Some of the common causes include:
- Hardware changes: Installing new hardware, such as a graphics card or sound card, can cause the error.
- Software changes: Installing new software or drivers can also cause the error.
- Corrupted system files: Corrupted system files can prevent Windows from starting.
- Driver issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the error.
- Boot configuration issues: Issues with the boot configuration can prevent Windows from starting.
Troubleshooting the “Windows Failed to Start” Error
To resolve the “Windows failed to start” error, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Check for Loose Connections
If you have recently installed new hardware, ensure that all connections are secure. Check the following:
- RAM: Ensure that the RAM is securely seated in its slot.
- Graphics card: Ensure that the graphics card is securely seated in its slot.
- Sound card: Ensure that the sound card is securely seated in its slot.
Step 2: Run a System File Checker
A corrupted system file can cause the “Windows failed to start” error. To run a system file checker, follow these steps:
- Insert the Windows installation disc: Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer and boot from the Windows installation disc.
- Run the System File Checker: Once you are in the Windows Recovery Environment, click on “Repair your computer” and then select “Troubleshoot.” Click on “Advanced options” and then select “Command Prompt.” Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Step 3: Run a DISM Scan
A DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan can help resolve issues with corrupted system files. To run a DISM scan, follow these steps:
- Insert the Windows installation disc: Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer and boot from the Windows installation disc.
- Run the DISM scan: Once you are in the Windows Recovery Environment, click on “Repair your computer” and then select “Troubleshoot.” Click on “Advanced options” and then select “Command Prompt.” Type the following command and press Enter:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
Step 4: Update Your Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause the “Windows failed to start” error. To update your drivers, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode: Restart your computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key repeatedly while booting up.
- Open the Device Manager: Open the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager.”
- Update your drivers: Update your drivers by right-clicking on each device and selecting “Update driver software.”
Step 5: Run a BootRec Scan
A BootRec scan can help resolve issues with the boot configuration. To run a BootRec scan, follow these steps:
- Insert the Windows installation disc: Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer and boot from the Windows installation disc.
- Run the BootRec scan: Once you are in the Windows Recovery Environment, click on “Repair your computer” and then select “Troubleshoot.” Click on “Advanced options” and then select “Command Prompt.” Type the following command and press Enter:
bootrec /fixmbr
Step 6: Perform a System Restore
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can try performing a System Restore. To perform a System Restore, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer in Safe Mode: Restart your computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key repeatedly while booting up.
- Open the System Restore: Open the System Restore by clicking on the Start button and typing “System Restore” in the search bar.
- Select a restore point: Select a restore point from a date when your computer was working correctly.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, you can try the following advanced troubleshooting steps:
Step 1: Run a Chkdsk Scan
A Chkdsk scan can help resolve issues with corrupted system files. To run a Chkdsk scan, follow these steps:
- Insert the Windows installation disc: Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer and boot from the Windows installation disc.
- Run the Chkdsk scan: Once you are in the Windows Recovery Environment, click on “Repair your computer” and then select “Troubleshoot.” Click on “Advanced options” and then select “Command Prompt.” Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /f
Step 2: Run a MemTest86+ Scan
A MemTest86+ scan can help resolve issues with corrupted RAM. To run a MemTest86+ scan, follow these steps:
- Download MemTest86+: Download MemTest86+ from the official website.
- Create a bootable USB drive: Create a bootable USB drive using the MemTest86+ software.
- Restart your computer: Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
- Run the MemTest86+ scan: Once you are in the MemTest86+ environment, select the “Test” option and press Enter.
Conclusion
The “Windows failed to start” error can be frustrating, but it can be resolved by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. By checking for loose connections, running a System File Checker, updating your drivers, and performing a System Restore, you can resolve the issue and get your computer up and running smoothly. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you can try advanced troubleshooting steps such as running a Chkdsk scan or a MemTest86+ scan.
What are the common causes of the “Windows Failed to Start” error?
The “Windows Failed to Start” error can be caused by a variety of hardware and software issues. Some common causes include corrupted system files, faulty hardware components, outdated or incompatible drivers, malware infections, and issues with the boot process. In some cases, the error may also be caused by a failed Windows update or a problem with the system’s registry.
It’s essential to identify the root cause of the error to resolve it effectively. To do this, you may need to run diagnostic tests, check the Event Viewer for error logs, and perform a system file check. You can also try booting your system in Safe Mode or using a System Restore point to revert to a previous state when your system was working correctly.
How do I troubleshoot hardware issues that may be causing the “Windows Failed to Start” error?
To troubleshoot hardware issues, start by checking your system’s hardware components, such as the RAM, hard drive, and graphics card. Run a memory check using the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool or a third-party utility like MemTest86+. You can also check the Event Viewer for error logs related to hardware components.
If you suspect a problem with your hard drive, try running a disk check using the Check Disk (chkdsk) utility. You can also try booting your system from a USB drive or CD/DVD to rule out any issues with your hard drive. Additionally, ensure that all internal components are securely connected to the motherboard, and try removing any recently added hardware components to see if they are causing the issue.
What is the System File Checker (SFC) tool, and how can it help resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error?
The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a built-in Windows utility that scans and replaces corrupted system files. To run the SFC tool, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “sfc /scannow.” The tool will then scan your system files and replace any corrupted files it finds.
The SFC tool can help resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error by replacing corrupted system files that may be preventing your system from booting correctly. However, if the SFC tool is unable to replace a corrupted file, you may need to use the DISM tool to repair the Windows image. You can also try running the SFC tool in Safe Mode or from a Windows installation media if your system is unable to boot normally.
How do I use the DISM tool to repair the Windows image and resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error?
The DISM tool is a built-in Windows utility that can be used to repair the Windows image. To use the DISM tool, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type the command “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.” The tool will then scan the Windows image and replace any corrupted files it finds.
The DISM tool can help resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error by repairing the Windows image and replacing corrupted system files. You can also use the DISM tool to repair the Windows image from a Windows installation media if your system is unable to boot normally. Additionally, you can use the DISM tool to scan the Windows image for corruption and replace any corrupted files it finds.
What is Safe Mode, and how can it help me resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error?
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Windows that allows you to boot your system with a minimal set of drivers and services. To boot your system in Safe Mode, restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly while booting. You can then select Safe Mode from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Safe Mode can help you resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error by allowing you to boot your system with a minimal set of drivers and services. This can help you identify and troubleshoot issues with drivers or services that may be causing the error. You can also use Safe Mode to run diagnostic tests, update drivers, and perform a System Restore to a previous point when your system was working correctly.
How do I perform a System Restore to a previous point when my system was working correctly?
To perform a System Restore, open the Control Panel and click on the “Recovery” option. Then, click on the “Open System Restore” button and follow the prompts to select a restore point. You can choose a restore point from a list of available points, or you can choose to restore your system to its default settings.
Performing a System Restore can help resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error by reverting your system to a previous state when it was working correctly. However, keep in mind that a System Restore will remove any installed updates, drivers, and programs that were installed after the selected restore point. Therefore, you may need to reinstall any removed updates, drivers, or programs after the restore process is complete.
What are some additional troubleshooting steps I can take to resolve the “Windows Failed to Start” error?
In addition to the troubleshooting steps mentioned above, you can also try booting your system from a Windows installation media, such as a USB drive or CD/DVD. You can then use the Windows Recovery Environment to run diagnostic tests, update drivers, and perform a System Restore.
You can also try resetting your system’s BIOS settings to their default values, or updating your system’s BIOS to the latest version. Additionally, you can try running a virus scan using an anti-virus program to detect and remove any malware that may be causing the error. If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows or seek professional help from a qualified technician.