It is often a dreadful moment when you turn on your computer and it starts crashing suddenly and refuses to boot. What then do you do? Windows won’t boot is one of the most common problems faced by everyone.

It is often caused by a variety of elements but can easily be fixed if you follow the right Steps. When your windows won’t boot, you only need to perform some troubleshooting Steps.

In this article, we will be discussing the reason your why your windows won’t boot and its solutions.

Let’s dive in.

What causes your Computer Windows won’t boot up?

When a computer boots up, its Windows operating system starts to load. The files executed and processed in its windows operating system are many and they are responsible for making the Windows properly load.

Several reasons might be the cause when a computer is unable to load the Windows operating system.

Here are few things that cause your computer not to boot up.

• Newly installed hardware
• Corrupt or Outdated hardware drivers
• Corrupt system file
• Bad sector on a hard drive
• Power cable problem
• Motherboard failure

How to Fix Windows Won’t Boot up Issue

We have gone through situations where our computer or laptop simply refuses to boot. This can potentially indicate serious trouble with your device.

But most times, it is usually an issue that you need to resolve yourself. With some basic knowledge and following the Steps below, you can solve boot-up problems on your Windows

Solution 1: Check your Power Connections

The power connection is often abandoned when it comes to checking that what causes computer problems.
But, when you first test your power connection, it saves you from trying to troubleshoot and other things to fix your computer.
If your Windows won’t boot, you may be dealing with a failure in your power connection.

Here are the Steps to test your power connection.

Step 1: Shut down your computer and flip the switch on the back of the power supply.

Step 2: Unplug the power supply from the outlet.

Step 3: Open your computer case and disconnect the power supply cables from all of the components inside the case.

Step 4: Follow each cable from the power supply to the component to make sure that everything is properly unplugged

Step 5: Then use a paper clip to test your power supply and trick it into thinking that it has been switched on.

Step 6: To do this, by strengthen a paperclip, and then bend it into a “U” shape.

Step 7: Find the 20/24 Pin connector that normally attaches to your computer’s motherboard. It is typically the largest connector for the power supply.

Step 8: Find the green pin and a black pen and then insert the ends of the paperclip into the green pin (and a neighboring black pin.

Step 9: Before doing this, it is important to double-check to make sure the power connection is completely disconnected from any power outlet. And it is not connected to any of the computer components.

Step 10: Then Insert the paperclip into each of the pins, then place the cable somewhere where it won’t be disturbed.

Step 11: Plug the power supply back into the outlet, and flip the switch in the back

Step 12: To confirm power connection is receiving power, you will hear and see a fan moving. If the power supply does not turn on at all, double-check your pins and try again. If it still does not turn on, then it is most likely dead.

Solution 2: Boot your Windows into Safe Mode

Safe Mode is one of the common answers when your Windows won’t boot up and it also makes it easier to solve your problem.
Windows are started in Safe Mode with only the least required drivers and only the necessary startup system files.
Therefore, it is impossible for a faulty file, or driver to load in this Safe Mode, This makes it easier to identify and solve the problem.

Here are Steps to boost your Windows into Safe Mode:

Step 1: On your computer keyboard, you need to press Windows Key + S.

Step 2: Now, you need to type Settings then hit enter.

Step 3: Select Update and security.

Step 4: Next, go to the left-pane menu and then click Recovery.

Step 5: Click the Restart Now button under the Advanced Startup section.

Step 6: Now, choose an option screen and then select Troubleshoot.

Step 7: Click Advanced options.

Step 8: Go to startup settings and then select Restart.

Step 9: Once your PC gets restarted then you will see a list of options.

Step 10: Now, you can launch your unit in safe mode by pressing either 4 or F4.

Solution 3: Remove Recently Added Hardware Devices

Hardware attached to your Windows computer often shows in the Device Manager as an installed device.
When these devices are installed on your computer, Windows often pick them up and install them automatically.

It is often not a problem while the device remains connected but it can become a problem when it is disconnected.
The driver that was installed when the new hardware was connected does not get uninstalled when the hardware is removed.

After some time, it will leave dozens of driver entries on the computer for devices that have long since been removed.

And Windows always looks for a way to boot it even when the hardware is no longer available. This makes the computer boot for a long time and can also cause driver conflict.

Therefore, it is advisable to always remove it. Here are ways to remove recently added hardware devices.

1. Ghost-Buster

Ghost-Buster has been developed for detecting and removing old, unused, or hidden hardware devices. It is available in two versions which include setup installer and portable.

Ghost-Buster works by listing the unused device in a light orange color and the used ones in green colors. Select the unused device and right-click to add them to the add them to remove list.

It is important to note that you can only remove the device by device type and cannot remove individual entries.
The tool is useful and very effective and Installing Ghost-Buster is not necessary as it is not a tool you use every day.

2. Nirsoft DevManView

DevManView is an alternative tool to the Windows Device Manager, but it displays a whole lot more useful information.
Like all Nirsoft tools, DevManView is small, portable, and packs a lot into its small size. Before viewing and removing any devices it’s a good idea to first change a couple of settings so things are easier to see.

3. Device cleanup tool

This is a very good and easy program. It is used to detect devices that are not currently in use.

It also allows you to remove them and this is achieved through the following Steps

Step 1: Click on each device, then right-click

Step 2: Then choose remove device, multiple devices can be selected using Shift + click.

Step 3: If you are not sure about the device, you can either leave it or go to the File menu and create a restore point first.

Step 4: Do not use the select option unless you are totally sure all devices can be removed safely.

Step 5: The last used column should display the last time the device was in use but sometimes just displays the last time.

Step 6: After selecting all the device, it will be removed completely

Solution 4: Check for Viruses

The computer Windows can sometimes be attacked by viruses or other malware and can damage or affect the computer.

Here are how to check for viruses on your computer

Step 1: Go to your computer start menu and type “Update & Security,”

Step 2: Then click the “Windows Security” shortcut to open it.

Step 3: You can also go to your computer to Settings and click on Update & Security

Step 4: Then select Windows Security =and click on it

Step 5: Then select Open Windows Security.

Step 6: Then click on “virus and threat protection”

Step 7: Select scan to scan your computer for viruses.

Step 8: Windows security will perform a scan and give you the results.

Step 9: If it found any virus is found, it will offer you an option to remove the virus automatically.

Solution 5: Boot Your Windows into the last known good configuration

When your computer Windows won’t boot, restoring your computer to the last known good configuration will help to solve the problem.

Here are Steps to restore your computer into the last known good configuration.

Step 1: Shut Down  your computer completely and make sure it has come to a complete halt.

Step 2: Then press the power button on your computer and wait for the screen with the manufacturer’s logo to finish.

Step 3: While the manufacturer’s logo is on the screen, your system is undergoing a self-test known as POST. This process helps your computer to identify connected hardware and brings it to a functional state.

Step 4: When the logo on your computer screen goes away, tap the F8 key on your computer continuously.

Step 5: If Windows loading shows on your computer screen, it means you did not tap the F8 key early enough, therefore, you need to go back to the above Step

Step 6: An “Advanced Boot Options.” will appear on your screen and It may appear very different from older or newer versions of Windows.

Solution 6 –Perform a Startup Repair

Is your computer Windows won’t boot up correctly? The Windows Startup Repair Tool can be used to solve the problem. Performing a startup repair will allow you to be able to successfully boot into Windows without issues.

Here are the Steps for performing a startup repair

Step 1: You need to first hold the Shift key on your computer down at the Windows sign-in screen

Step 2: Then press the Power button at the same time.

Step 3: Continue holding the Shift key, then select restart and click on it.

Step 4: When your computer restarts, many options will be displayed on your computer screen.

Step 5: Select the Troubleshoot. Option and click on it.

Step 6: Then go to advanced options and click on it.

Step 7: Select startup repair in the advanced options menu.

Step 8: You need to choose an account from the startup repair menu

Step 9: In this stage, you are going to need an account with Administrator privileges in order to continue.

Step 10: After it is granted, enter the password, select Continue, and click on it.

Step 11: You need to wait for some time as your Windows Startup Repair Tool runs.

Step 12: After your Windows Startup Repair Tool completed running, restart your computer.

Solution 7 – Fix with BootRec Command

Here are Steps to solve your Windows not booting problem with BootRec Command.

Step 1: You need to first start the computer.

Step 2: Then press a key when you are prompted.

Step 3: After that, select a language, a time, a currency, a keyboard, or an input method, and then click on next.

Step 4: Select repair your computer and click on it

Step 5: Then you need to choose the operating system that you want to repair, and click on next.

Step 6: It will take you to the system recovery options dialog box where you will click on the command prompt.

Step 7: Then type Bootrec.exe, then you select enter and click on it.

Solution 8 – Disable Automatic Restart

The Steps to disable automatic restart are given below.

Step 1: Go to your computer start menu and select the control panel

Step 2: Then select System and Security.

Step 3: Then click on the System.

Step 4: Select the Advanced System Settings and from the panel on the left side of your computer screen and click on it

Step 5: A startup and recovery section will be displayed on your screen near the bottom of the new windows; you need to click on settings.

Step 6: Remove the check-mark by selecting the box next to Automatically Restart.

Step 7: Then you need to click on Ok to save all the changes

Step 8: And select another Ok on the System Properties Windows.

Solution 9 – Run Msconfig

There are different method to run Msconfig and they includes the following

1. Run Command

Step 1: You can use the keyboard shortcut and the run window will open.

Step 2: In the text box, write MSConfig and then click on enter

Step 3: You can also click on OK and the MsConfig window will open.

Step 4: You can also open the Run window from the shortcuts menu in the bottom left corner.

Step 5: To that, right-click on the start button

Step 6: You will see the same options menu, along with some additions.

Step 7: Additionally, you can use the Search charm to search for “MSConfig” and it will find the command.

2. Command prompt

The command prompt is also a very easy way to run MSConfig. You only need to open the Command Prompt, and then enter a simple command, and you can start running the MSConfig.
Here are the Steps on how to go about it

Step 1: You need to first go to search then type cmd

Step 2: Then right-click on the command prompt then you needs to run it as Administrator.

Step 3: Then enter the command that appear on your computer screen and press enter

Step 4: And the MsConfig will start.

3. Go to Safe Mode with MSConfig

Step 1: Open MSConfig by using one of the methods from above

Step 2: Go to the Boot tab

Step 3: You need to check the safe boot and choose from the following options

Step 4: Alternate shell: Open your computer and go to the startup menu, then open the Command Prompt in the Safe Mode. The critical system services should be enabled and the Networking and File Explorer should be disabled.

Step 5: Active Directory repair: Open your computer and go to the startup menu, then opens File Explorer in the Safe Mode, critical system services, and Active Directory.

Step 6: Minimal: On your computer and go to the startup menu, then opens the File Explorer in the Safe Mode, with critical system services only. And make sure you disable Networking.

Step 7: Network: On your computer and go to the startup menu, then opens File Explorer in the Safe Mode, with critical system services only. Make sure you disable Networking.

Step 8: Then restart your computer

Solution 10– Reset or Refresh

Restarting or refreshing your computer will help solve the problem of Windows won’t boot up. Here are the Steps to restart or refresh your computer.

How to refresh your computer

Step 1: Open your computer menu and select settings by the right edge o the screen of your computer

Step 2: Select Update and Security and click on it

Step 3: Then select Recovery and click on it.

Step 4: Your computer will display refresh computer without affecting your files, click on it

Step 5: And select get started.

Step 6: Then follow the instructions on the screen.

How to restart your computer

Step 1: Open your computer menu and select settings by the right edge o the screen of your computer

Step 3: Select update and Security and click on it

Step 4: Then select recovery and click on it.

Step 5: Your computer will display remove everything and reinstall Windows, click on it.

Step 6: And select get started.

Step 7: Follow the instructions on the screen.

Solution 11: Use System Restore

System Restore is a Windows feature that is often used in solving different types of problems on the computer. Here are the Steps to use system restore.

Step 1: Open your computer and go to the search field in your taskbar and type system restore,

Step 2: Create a restore point will be displayed on your computer screen.

Step 3: You need to click on it.

Step 4: A system properties window will appear on your screen.

Step 5: If you have never used System Restore, all of the buttons will be grayed out except Configure.

Step 6: Make sure your available drive is highlighted, and then select Configure and click on it.

Step 7: It will take you to Restore Settings, you need to select Turn on system protection and click on OK.

Step 8: It will take you back to the System Properties windows, you need to create a new System Properties windows, therefore, select the create button and click on it

Step 9: Name your restore point in the pop-up window, and select create and click on it.

Step 10: Wait for some time and another pop-up will appear on your computer screen that says “The restore point was created successfully.”

Step 11: You need to select close and click on it.

Solution 12 –Run SFC and chkdsk

Here are Steps to run SFC and chkdsk

How to run SFC command

Step 1: Open your computer and go to the taskbar

Step 2: Right-click on the Win logo

Step 3: After the power menu will startup, trace out the command prompt in the middle and click on it.

Step 4: Write out the code sfc/scannow

Step 5: Select enter and press on it to allow it to execute its duty.

Step 6: The command will start working and it will show the status after some time.

How to run the chkdsk from your computer

Step 1: Click on your computer start button and go to the computer

Step 2: Right-click on the drive you want to check

Step 3: Select properties and click on them.

Step 4: At the Tools tab, under the Error-checking section, select check now and the clock on it.

Step 5: If it is prompted, then you have to add the administrator’s password.

Step 6: After that, run the disk check tool.

Step 7: Then click on start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I solve Windows won’t boot up problem using the Last Known Good Configuration option?

Step 1: You need to first restart your computer

Step 2: Then press on the F8 key repeatedly until the boost option is displayed on your screen

Step 3: Select the last known good configuration advanced option.

Step 4: Select enter and click on it

Step 5: Wait for some minutes for your computer to boot.

Q2: Why is my computer not booting?

Computer not booting can be caused by many reasons. It includes motherboard failure, the presence of a virus, hardware issues, and many more.

Q3: What to do when my computer monitor stops working

Step 1: First, you need to unplug the monitor from the wall.

Step 2: Then unplug the cord from the back of the monitor.

Step 3: Wait one minute and plug the monitor cord back into the Monitor

Step 4: Then you need to press the monitor power button.

Step 5: If this still does not work, try with a known-good power cord.

Q4: Why does my monitor stop working?

When you install a new program on your monitor, it can cause many problems which make it to stop working.

To solve this problem, always make sure the resolution and refresh rate are set properly.

Q5: Why is my computer startup repair taking a long time?

Your computer startup repairs may be taking a long time because it is stuck and needs to reboot. It is important to also note that when your reboot too much, your computer will only POST at a particle stage.

The bottom line

The Steps listed above will help you solve every windows won’t boost problems. And if you are still facing the same issue after trying all the Steps, you can connect to us through the comment section or the chat box. We will help you fix your windows won’t boot problems.