PC Did Not Start Correctly Error: Fixes

The “Your PC did not start correctly� error is a Windows recovery screen that appears when the system fails to boot normally, often after a crash, power outage, or interrupted update. The fix usually involves using the Advanced Startup Options to run automatic repair, uninstall recent updates, or restore the system to an earlier point.

Why This Error Appears

Windows shows this blue or black screen when the boot process is interrupted before the operating system fully loads. Common triggers include:

An unexpected power loss during a Windows update
A corrupted system file or driver
Recently installed software or hardware that conflicts with boot
A failing hard drive or SSD with bad sectors
Incorrectly configured boot settings or a damaged Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The screen typically offers two buttons: Restart and Advanced options. Choosing Restart sometimes lets Windows boot normally on the next attempt, but if the problem persists, you need the advanced tools.

How the Recovery Environment Works

When Windows detects a boot failure twice in a row, it automatically enters the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This is a separate, minimal operating system stored on a hidden partition or the installation media. From here you can access troubleshooting tools without loading the full OS. The most useful tools are:

Startup Repair – scans for common boot problems and tries to fix them automatically.
System Restore – reverts your PC to a saved restore point, undoing recent system changes.
Command Prompt – allows manual fixes like rebuilding the BCD or checking disk errors.
Uninstall Updates – removes the most recent quality or feature update that might have caused the issue.

Step-by-Step Fixes to Try

Work through these in order, restarting your PC after each attempt.

Restart from the error screen. Click Restart and see if Windows boots. Sometimes a one-time glitch clears itself.
Run Startup Repair. Go to Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Wait for the process to finish (may take 10–30 minutes).
Uninstall the latest update. In the same Advanced options menu, choose Uninstall Updates and pick either the latest quality update or feature update. This is especially effective if the error started right after an update.
Use System Restore. Select System Restore and pick a restore point from before the problem began. This keeps your personal files but removes recently installed apps and drivers.
Run Command Prompt checks. Open Command Prompt from Advanced options and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
- sfc /scannow – checks and repairs system files
- chkdsk C: /f – scans the hard drive for errors (replace C: with your Windows drive letter)
- bootrec /rebuildbcd – rebuilds the boot configuration data
Reset or reinstall Windows. As a last resort, use Reset this PC from Advanced options. Choose “Keep my files� to preserve personal data but reinstall Windows, or “Remove everything� for a clean install.

Common Misconceptions

Many users believe the error means their hard drive is dead, but that’s rarely the case. A corrupt driver or a bad update is the most common culprit. Also, repeatedly pressing the power button to force shutdown does not help; it can actually make the problem worse by interrupting the repair process. Another misconception is that you must reinstall Windows immediately – in most cases, the advanced startup tools fix the issue without a full reinstall.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have tried all the steps above and the error persists, the problem may be hardware-related. Signs that point to a failing drive include clicking noises, extremely slow startup, or the error appearing with increasing frequency. In that case, back up your data immediately if you can access the drive via a USB adapter, and consider taking the PC to a reputable repair shop. Do not attempt to open the drive or perform physical repairs yourself – that can destroy data permanently.

Preventing the Error in the Future

While you can’t prevent every crash, you can reduce the chances of this error:

Keep Windows updated, but install updates when your PC is plugged into a stable power source.
Use a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to avoid power outages during boot.
Regularly create restore points manually before installing new software or drivers.
Run sfc /scannow and chkdsk periodically to catch file corruption early.
Ensure your hard drive has enough free space – Windows needs room for temporary boot files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I run Startup Repair?
No. Startup Repair only attempts to fix boot files and does not touch your personal documents, photos, or other user data. However, it’s always wise to back up important files regularly, especially if you suspect drive issues.

Why does the error appear after every restart?
If Windows fails to boot twice consecutively, it automatically enters recovery mode. If the underlying issue isn’t fixed, the cycle repeats. Try the uninstall updates option or System Restore first, as these address the most common causes.

Can I boot from a USB drive to fix this?
Yes. If you have a Windows installation USB, you can boot from it and select “Repair your computer� instead of “Install now.� This gives you access to the same Advanced options tools, even if the recovery partition is damaged.

What is the difference between “Keep my files� and “Remove everything� in Reset this PC?
“Keep my files� reinstalls Windows while preserving your personal files in the Users folder, but it removes installed apps and drivers. “Remove everything� wipes the entire drive, including your files, and gives you a completely fresh system. Use the latter only if you have backups.

Is this error caused by a virus?
While malware can corrupt system files, the error is far more commonly caused by interrupted updates, driver conflicts, or power failures. If you suspect malware, run a full antivirus scan from Safe Mode or using a bootable rescue disk.

How long should Startup Repair take?
It typically takes 10 to 30 minutes. If it runs for over an hour with no progress, it may be stuck; you can safely restart and try a different fix like System Restore or Command Prompt checks.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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