What You Should Do if Windows 10 Fails to Start

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We’re all familiar with the panic that sets in when our computers suddenly stop working. Often, the instinct is to shut it down and hope it will be fine when it turns on. But what happens when Windows 10 fails to start? 

Well, don’t panic. This is a common problem that can be easily fixed. Here are some ways to deal with Windows 10 not starting.

Built-In Startup Repair

In the case of Windows 10 failing to start, you can use its built-in startup repair option to scan and repair the damaged or missing startup system files. To do this, insert the Windows 10 installation disc or flash drive into your computer and reboot it. This will boot straight to the recovery media, where you should click “Next” then “Repair your computer.” Click “Troubleshoot,” then choose “Advanced options” and click “Startup Repair.” This will restart your computer, scanning for any system files to fix. Once it finds a problem, Windows will automatically fix it.

Check Motherboard Connections

The completely blank screen you get when Windows 10 tries to start can elicit many negative emotions. But luckily, there’s a way to fix this. If you’re confident with your tech skills, you can check the motherboard to see if everything is as it should be.

One reason behind Windows 10 failing to start might be a dislodged RAM. This could happen if you’ve knocked your PC around. If this is the case, you should take the RAM out and reconnect it correctly.

Windows 10 might also have trouble starting if the main hard drive is disconnected from the motherboard. For this, just make sure the SATA cables are connected to the PSU by pressing the wires firmly.

Another thing you should check is the PCI-E cards. If the GPU or other PCI-E devices are disconnected, then this might cause Windows 10 not to start. Simply ensure that everything is connected correctly to fix the problem.

Use Safe Mode

One way to solve a problem with your OS is to use Safe Mode. By using Safe Mode, you can have your questions answered quickly and solve the problem easily. 

When in Safe Mode, Windows 10 will start using only the necessary startup files. This means that a faulty file or program will not likely load in Safe Mode. This will make it easier for you to identify the problem.

If you’ve restarted your computer several times and failed, Windows will automatically lead you to your Boot options, where you can access Safe Mode. If, for some reason, this does not happen, you can either restart your computer and force it to shut down once Windows 10 starts to load or press F8 repeatedly while Windows tries to load to see if it will load the Boot options.

Once you’re in Boot options, you should go to “Troubleshoot,” then choose “Advanced Options,” then “Startup Settings,” and finally “Restart.” When your PC restarts, you should be able to select Safe Mode, among other options. Once in Safe Mode, you can do a few things to troubleshoot.

Conclusion

Staring at your computer screen while Windows 10 tries and fails to start can be pretty stressful. But there are some things you can do to fix the problem. You can use the built-in startup repair, check the motherboard connections, or use safe mode. And if all else fails, you can still save your computer with the help of a computer repair technician.

For computer repair in Greenwood and Indianapolis, you can count on Finchum Fixes It to get your computer back and running. We are dedicated to providing superior digital marketing and IT support services to our clients. You can trust our skilled computer and networking specialists with all of your tech needs. Get an instant quote now!

 

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