In this guide we explain how to start the startup repair in Windows 11 if you have problems starting the computer.
Having trouble starting your Windows 11 machine ? So, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we compile the main solutions that you have at your disposal to recover access to a computer. This is a guide in which we teach you how to boot startup repair in Windows 11 step by step .
First of all, we are going to explain how to start automatic startup repair in Windows 11 . This allows you to solve problems without having to do anything. On the other hand, we cite effective commands to recover access to your computer, solving startup errors and the system itself. Finally, we provide additional information for you to format and reinstall Windows 11 if necessary.
Index of contents
- Startup repair in Windows 11, when is it necessary?
- Startup repair in Windows 11: do it step by step on your computer
- Startup repair in Windows 11 automatic
- Repair system boot with CMD
- Reinstall Windows 11 from scratch
Startup repair in Windows 11, when is it necessary?
Knowing the methods to undertake Startup Repair in Windows 11 is crucial if you no longer have access to the system. Typically, an error message appears during the first few seconds of boot. There are several reasons why a computer will fail to load the operating system correctly:
- Problems in the BCD configuration. It is the file that contains the boot configuration. If it gets corrupted, the computer may not be able to start the operating system normally. Sometimes the error code 0xC000000F is displayed .
- Errors in WINLOAD.EXE. Executable file that is responsible for finding the active partition where the operating system is located. A bug in this program results in the impossibility of starting Windows.
In general, both reasons are the most common when there are failures to boot the operating system. Does this mean that all is lost? No, you can still regain access to your PC thanks to some tools built into Windows. Let’s see how they work.
Startup repair in Windows 11: do it step by step on your computer
Next, we are going to know the most effective methods to recover access to a PC. Or what is the same, apply a startup repair in Windows 11 .
Startup repair in Windows 11 automatic
This method is suitable in those cases where you do not have an installation media , that is, a bootable USB to install Windows 11. Our advice is that you follow the steps in the guide Create bootable Windows 11 USB: fast and effective methods to always have one at hand. However, if you no longer have time because you have lost access to your computer and you do not have another PC, follow the steps proposed here.
The first thing you should do is restart your computer about 3-4 times during the boot process. This will trigger the operating system alarms, which will take you to the recovery menu. In the event that the message Automatic repair could not repair your PC appears , click on Advanced Options .
Next, click on Startup Repair .
The process may take a few minutes. Wait for it to finish and check that you have regained access to the computer. Otherwise, try one of the suggested workarounds.
Repair system boot with CMD
From the Windows recovery environment you can access a CMD window . If you are using a bootable USB, wait for the installation wizard to start and click Repair your computer first . In both cases, after accessing the Advanced Options menu , tap on Command Prompt .
A window similar to the CMD you know in Windows 11 will appear on the screen. Run the following commands to recover the operating system startup:
BOOTREC /FixMbr
Overwrites the master boot record on the system partition, replacing the one currently on your drive. Check if it worked by restarting your computer and waiting for the startup to complete.
BOOTREC /FixBoot
When the above command doesn’t work, it writes a new boot sector . The normal thing is that with one or the other the startup problems in Windows 11 are solved.
If this does not happen, there may be a bug in the operating system itself. Go back to CMD from the recovery environment or with a bootable USB. So, run the CHKDSK command .
chkdsk : /f /r
Finally, you can resort to the SFC command to check the integrity of the system files.
SFC /scannow
All of them can be run from the CMD of the recovery environment or with the bootable USB that you have available to install Windows.
Reinstall Windows 11 from scratch
Unfortunately, sometimes the problem persists, even after launching automatic Windows 11 Startup Repair or the commands included here. The most drastic solution is to completely reinstall the operating system. It is important to remember that this is a process that deletes all your files , so it is crucial that you make a backup beforehand. If you have already synced the valuable information to the cloud, then all your data is safe.
