How to make a clean boot in Windows 11

We explain what are the steps to make a clean start in Windows 11 and rule out possible errors during the startup of the operating system.

Windows programs and services can prevent your computer from starting normally. If any of them are not working well, the PC may take a long time to boot up or show errors during the process. In that case, how do you know which software component is to blame? Doing a clean boot in Windows 11 . Read on to find out what steps you need to take.

In the following sections we will tell you everything about the  clean start in Windows 11 . First, we give you some important information that you have to know before getting down to work. Then, we show you how you can start your computer without programs or services to detect where the error is coming from. Do not miss it!

Index of contents

• Previous considerations about clean boot in Windows 11
  • Clean Boot in Windows 11 or Safe Mode
• How to apply a clean boot in Windows 11 step by step
  • Step 1: Have an administrator account
  • Step 2: Disable Windows services
  • Step 3: Disable startup apps
  • Step 4 – Restart your computer and see if the error persists

Previous considerations about clean boot in Windows 11

Clean  boot in Windows 11 is a technique that boots the system without most drivers, services, and programs. The intention of booting the operating system in this way is to detect the source of a failure.

For example, imagine that every time you start your computer, an unknown error message appears. Although it is true that it allows you to continue with the boot,  it is annoying and slows down the start-up of the computer . Thanks to clean boot in Windows 11, you will be able to determine why this error is appearing and therefore take the appropriate measures to make it go away once and for all.

Clean Boot in Windows 11 or Safe Mode

When we talk about clean boot in Windows 11 we are not referring to safe mode. Although it is true that both concepts are quite similar, safe mode is more drastic, but offers less control over boot. So that you understand the differences a bit, we talk about the characteristics of each boot method:

• Clean boot in Windows 11. Manual technique in which most drivers, programs and services are disabled. The user has control at all times of the elements that are turned off and those that are not.
• safe mode. Tool present in the Microsoft operating system that disables almost all software components. Depending on the degree chosen, the computer may not even have access to the network.

Because the clean boot is a user-initiated procedure,  access to Windows is required . That is, it is not possible to do a clean boot if the operating system does not load. In that case, you have to  repair Windows startup  or  enter safe mode .

How to apply a clean boot in Windows 11 step by step

Now you know what are the differences between clean boot in Windows 11 and safe mode. The time has come to know the indications to carry it out on your computer.

Step 1: Have an administrator account

Carrying out everything that we are going to explain below  requires administrator privileges . If your team account already has them, continue to the next section. Instead, see  how to create an administrator account in Windows if necessary. As is logical, another administrator must create your new account or change the permissions of the current one.

Step 2: Disable Windows services

Let’s start first with  Windows Services . Some of them might be causing problems during startup, and because of this, it’s best to disable them entirely. How to do it?

1. Open Windows search and type  msconfig.
2. In the results, choose  System Settings.
3. When the corresponding dialog appears, click on the  Servicestab .
4. Click the  Disable allbutton .
5. Save the changes with the  Applybutton  and close the window.

By doing this you will have disabled many basic Windows components. It is normal that the next time you restart some aspects of your PC do not work correctly. Still, don’t worry. All you have to do is turn the services back on for everything to go back to normal. But first, you have to do something else.

Step 3: Disable startup apps

Removing startup apps in Windows  is great for improving performance. However, it also allows you to rule out startup errors.

This is how you can do it:

1. Open the task manageron your computer.
2. Enter the  Startup Applicationstab .
3. Disable all startup applications. Notice that the Statuscolumn  looks like the Disabled  label  .

Up to this point, you have turned off all services and applications. What else do you have to do?

Step 4 – Restart your computer and see if the error persists

You now have your PC ready to launch the  clean boot in Windows 11 . The only thing left for you after disabling services and programs that run at boot time is to reboot .

If the fault has disappeared, it means that one of the disabled elements is the cause. Follow the instructions in  step 2 to activate Windows services again. Do it partially, marking only the first half of the list . So, restart your computer and check if the error appears. These are the possibilities:

• The error appears. One of the services in the first half of the list is to blame. Turn smaller groups of services on and off within that list and reboot each time. The idea is to isolate the service that is causing the error.
• The fault is not displayed. In this case, it means that the error is in the second half of the list. Go activating services in small groups to determine which one is giving problems.

If you have finally activated all the services and the error is not displayed, it  is probably caused by some startup application . Repeat the mentioned process, but in this case with the startup programs. Take a look at the instructions in  step 3  to reverse the situation for each application.

And you, have you had problems during startup? Has clean boot in Windows 11 helped you resolve them? Tell us about your experience below and participate in our community.