Fix Your PC Did Not Start Correctly in windows 10
Fix Your PC Did Not Start Correctly in windows 10

The “Your PC did not start correctly” error usually appears after a system crash, sudden power failure, or when Windows fails to load critical startup files. It means that your system was unable to boot properly due to issues in the Windows startup process. There are several possible reasons behind this, including recent hardware upgrades, newly installed or updated drivers, corrupted system files, or incomplete Windows updates. If it’s the first time you see this error, try to restart your PC Sometimes, a normal reboot can fix temporary glitches. However, if the issue keeps recurring, it’s likely a deeper system problem that requires manual troubleshooting. Here are all the possible fixes to resolve the “Your PC did not start correctly” issue on a Windows PC.

Why does Windows PC not Start Correctly?

A PC may fail to start correctly due to interruptions in the boot process, corrupted startup files, or driver conflicts. Sometimes, even a recent Windows update or power outage can prevent your operating system from loading as expected. Again, Hardware issues such as loose cables, damaged storage drives, or faulty RAM modules can also lead to startup failure.

  • Corrupted or Missing System Files – If essential Windows boot files are damaged or missing, the system cannot load properly.
  • Interrupted Windows Update – Power loss or forced shutdown during updates can corrupt the boot configuration.
  • Faulty Drivers – A newly installed or incompatible driver may prevent Windows from starting normally.
  • Hardware Failure – Issues with RAM, hard drive, SSD, or even a loose cable can trigger startup errors.
  • Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD) – Damaged boot records can stop Windows from locating the OS.
  • Malware or Virus Infection – Certain malware attacks modify system files or boot records, leading to startup failure.
  • Third-party Software Conflicts – Incompatible system utilities or antivirus programs can interfere with the boot sequence.

Fix Your pc did not start correctly error

Disconnect external devices and Restart Your PC

Sometimes, external peripherals can interrupt the boot process or create temporary glitches that trigger the Windows Automatic Repair loop, resulting in the “Your PC did not start correctly” error.

Let’s start with a simple yet effective step — disconnect all external devices and restart Windows.

  • Disconnect all external devices, including USB drives, printers, external hard disks, webcams, and game controllers.
  • On the error screen, click Restart to reboot your computer.
  • Wait for Windows to start normally.

If your system boots successfully, Reconnect peripherals one by one to identify which device caused the issue.

Disconnect External Devices

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with only the essential drivers and services required to start the system. This helps identify whether third-party drivers, apps, or recent changes are causing the error.

  • On the error screen, go to Advanced options

your pc did not start correctly

  • Next, click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options

Troubleshoot

  • On the Advanced options window, click on Startup Settings, then Restart.

Startup setting on advanced options

  • Once your system restarts, press F4 (or 4) to boot into Safe Mode.

safe mode Windows

  • Once your PC starts in safe mode, try uninstall recently installed drivers, programs, or updates that may be causing the issue.
  • While in Safe Mode, you can also perform System File Checker (SFC) and DISM scans to repair corrupt system files that might prevent your PC start normally.

Now restart your PC normally and check if this helps fix the startup error.

Run Windows Startup Repair

The Startup Repair tool automatically scans and fixes boot issues that prevent Windows from starting correctly.

  • Again, from the error screen, select Advanced options,
  • Click on Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and select the Startup Repair option.

Advanced options

  • Choose your Windows user account and enter your password.
  • Windows will attempt to diagnose and repair startup issues.
  • When the process completes, restart your PC and check if it boots normally.

Windows Startup Repair

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a driver update, new software, or Windows patch, you can use System Restore to roll back your PC to a previous working state.

  • Go to Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

System Restore in Advanced options

  • Select your user account and click Next.
  • Choose a restore point created before the issue appeared.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

Repair Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) contains essential boot information. If it’s corrupted, Windows may fail to start. Rebuilding the BCD can fix the issue.

  • From the Advanced Options screen, open Command Prompt.
  • Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Fix MBR and Rebuild BCD

Note: If bootrec /fixboot returns “Access Denied,” run this command first: bootsect /nt60 SYS Then try the above commands again.

Once complete, type exit and restart your computer.

Repair Corrupted System Files (Using SFC and DISM)

Corrupted or missing system files often cause startup problems. You can fix these using the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools.

  • From the Advanced Options menu, open Command Prompt.
  • Type the sfc /scannow command and press Enter
  • Wait for the scan to complete, it will automatically repair any damaged system files.
  • Then, run the DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command to scan and fix Windows image corruption
  • After the process finishes, close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Disable Automatic Repair Loop

If your PC keeps showing the same error and automatically restarts into repair mode, you can disable the Automatic Repair loop to stop it from repeating.

  • From Advanced Options, open Command Prompt.
  • Type the command bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No and press Enter
  • Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

This disables the automatic repair cycle, allowing Windows to boot manually for further troubleshooting.

If none of the software methods work, it’s time to check for possible hardware-related issues.

  • Open BIOS/UEFI and ensure your hard drive or SSD is detected.
  • Run built-in hardware diagnostics (often available in BIOS).
  • Reseat or replace your RAM modules.
  • Check all power and data cables for loose connections.
  • If your storage device is failing, consider replacing it and reinstalling Windows.

FAQs: Your PC Did Not Start Correctly” Error

1. What causes the “Your PC did not start correctly” error?
Common causes include corrupted system files, incomplete updates, driver conflicts, or hardware problems like a failing SSD or bad RAM.

2. Will these methods delete my data?
No. Most solutions here are safe and non-destructive, but always back up your files when possible.

3. Can malware cause this error?
Yes, malware that modifies system or boot records can trigger startup issues. Running a full scan afterward is recommended.

4. What if Startup Repair doesn’t fix it?
Try rebuilding the BCD, performing System Restore, or booting into Safe Mode to uninstall faulty drivers or updates.

5. How do I prevent this error in the future?
Keep your system drivers and Windows updates current, avoid sudden power-offs, and disconnect unnecessary devices during startup.

Also, Read

Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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