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How to Fix Windows 10 Startup Repair Not Working: Step-by-Step Solutions

Windows 10 Startup Repair is a useful tool designed to fix common problems that prevent your computer from booting properly. However, sometimes this tool itself may fail to work, leaving you stuck on a loading screen or error message. This can be frustrating, especially if you need your PC to run smoothly.

Don’t worry — there are several simple methods you can try to resolve the issue when Startup Repair is not working. These steps range from basic checks to more advanced troubleshooting techniques.

This guide will walk you through each step in a clear and easy-to-understand way. Whether you are a beginner or have some technical knowledge, you will find helpful instructions to get your Windows 10 system up and running again.

Let’s begin by making sure some quick prerequisites are in place before diving into the solutions.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Ensure your PC has power: Sometimes, a simple power interruption can cause startup issues. Make sure your laptop is charged or your desktop is properly plugged in.
  • Remove all external devices: Unplug USB drives, external hard disks, printers, and other peripherals. These can sometimes interfere with the boot process.
  • Check for error messages: Note any specific error codes or messages shown during Startup Repair failure. These can help with targeted troubleshooting.
  • Have a Windows 10 installation media ready: A USB or DVD with Windows 10 setup can help with advanced repair steps.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Try Startup Repair Again

Sometimes, simply restarting your computer can fix temporary glitches. Follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the power button until the PC turns off completely.
  2. Wait for about 30 seconds, then press the power button to turn it back on.
  3. Windows should automatically try Startup Repair if it detects a problem.
  4. If Startup Repair runs but fails, note any error messages.

Why this helps: A reboot clears temporary system errors that might prevent Startup Repair from working properly.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the basic drivers and services. This can help bypass problematic software causing the startup issue.

  1. Turn off your PC by pressing the power button.
  2. Turn it back on, and as soon as Windows starts to load, press and hold the power button to force another shutdown.
  3. Repeat this 2-3 times until you see the “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen.
  4. Choose Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then click Restart.
  5. When your PC restarts, press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, try to uninstall any recently installed programs or drivers that might be causing issues.

Why this helps: Safe Mode prevents unnecessary programs from running, making it easier to fix startup problems.

Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can prevent startup repair from working. Windows has built-in tools to scan and repair system files.

  1. Boot into Safe Mode with Command Prompt (follow Step 2 until “Startup Settings,” then press 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt).
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This command will scan all protected system files and repair any corrupted files it finds.

  1. After the SFC scan completes, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These DISM commands check the health of your Windows image and repair any issues.

Why this helps: Fixing corrupted system files can restore the normal functioning of Startup Repair and Windows.

Step 4: Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot Configuration

Sometimes the boot configuration data (BCD) is damaged, causing startup repair to fail. You can rebuild it using Command Prompt.

  1. Boot from Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD).
  2. When the setup screen appears, click on Repair your computer at the bottom left.
  3. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  4. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

If you receive “Access denied” on bootrec /fixboot, try these commands first:

diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list partition
select partition 1
active
exit
bootrec /fixboot

Why this helps: These commands repair the boot sector and rebuild the boot configuration, which is critical for Windows to start.

Step 5: Disable Automatic Startup Repair

If Startup Repair keeps looping without success, disabling it temporarily might help to boot into Windows.

  1. Access Command Prompt via installation media or recovery environment.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No

This command disables the automatic startup repair feature.

Note: Remember to re-enable it later by replacing No with Yes.

Step 6: Restore Your System Using System Restore

If you have a restore point created before the problem started, you can revert your system to that state.

  1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (from installation media or after forced shutdowns).
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and restore your system.

Why this helps: System Restore can undo recent changes that caused startup repair to fail.

Step 7: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10

If none of the above methods work, resetting or reinstalling Windows 10 may be necessary.

  1. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment.
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  3. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.
  4. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.

Alternative: You can perform a clean installation using Windows 10 installation media, but this will erase all data.

FAQs

Why does Startup Repair sometimes fail?

Startup Repair can fail if there are serious hardware issues, corrupted system files, or damaged boot records that it cannot fix automatically.

Can I use Startup Repair without installation media?

Yes, Windows tries to run Startup Repair automatically. However, installation media gives you access to more tools if automatic repair fails.

Will resetting my PC delete my files?

You have the option to reset while keeping your personal files, but apps and settings will be removed.

Is Safe Mode difficult to access?

No, Safe Mode can be accessed through forced shutdowns or through the Advanced Startup Options menu.

How long does Startup Repair usually take?

It varies but typically takes 15-30 minutes. If it takes much longer or loops continuously, there may be a deeper issue.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above solutions and Startup Repair still does not work, it may indicate a hardware problem such as a failing hard drive or memory issue.

Consider running hardware diagnostics provided by your PC manufacturer or using third-party tools to check disk health.

For more advanced help, visit the official Microsoft support page: Windows 10 Recovery Options.

In extreme cases, professional repair services might be required to fix hardware failures or perform data recovery.

Conclusion

Startup Repair not working on Windows 10 can be a frustrating obstacle, but by following these step-by-step solutions, you can often resolve the issue without losing your data. Start with simple restarts and Safe Mode, move on to system file repairs and boot record fixes, and finally consider system restore or reset if necessary.

Remember to always back up important data regularly and keep your system updated to reduce the risk of startup problems. With patience and the right approach, you can get your Windows 10 PC back to normal operation.

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