How to Fix a Windows 10 Computer That Won't Boot

If your Windows 10 computer won't start, you're not alone. This issue is common, but there are several methods you can use to get your PC up and running again. Here are five simple steps to troubleshoot and fix your Windows 10 boot problems.

1. Check the Power Supply

First, ensure your computer is receiving power. For laptops, check that the battery is charged or try plugging in the power adapter. For desktops, make sure the power cable is securely connected and the outlet is working.

How to Fix a Windows 10 Computer That Won't Boot

2. Disconnect External Devices

External devices like USB drives, printers, or external hard drives can sometimes cause boot issues. Disconnect all external devices and try restarting your computer.

3. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only the essential drivers and services, which can help diagnose the problem. Here's how to boot into Safe Mode:

Turn off your computer.
Turn it on and repeatedly press the F8 key until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
Select "Safe Mode" and press Enter.

If your computer boots in Safe Mode, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue from there.

4. Run the Windows 10 Command Prompt

Using the Command Prompt can help fix boot issues. Here’s how:

Turn off your computer.
Turn it on and press F11 or the ESC key when the manufacturer logo appears to enter the Recovery Environment.
Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
Type bootrec /fixmbr and press Enter, then type bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter.

After these commands complete, restart your computer.

5. Use a Bootable Disk

Creating a bootable disk can help repair your system. Here’s how:

Download a Windows 10 ISO file and create a bootable USB drive.
Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it.
Enter the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key (like F2, F12, DEL) during startup.
Set the USB drive as the primary boot device and save the changes.
Boot from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to repair your Windows installation.

Additional Tips to Prevent Boot Issues

Keep BIOS and drivers updated: Regularly update your BIOS and device drivers to prevent compatibility issues.
Uninstall problematic updates: If you recently installed a Windows update and are facing boot issues, you might need to uninstall the update.
Create System Restore Points: Regularly create system restore points to easily revert your computer to a previous state if something goes wrong.
Use Antivirus Software: Ensure your antivirus software is up to date to protect against malware that can cause boot problems.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a computer that won’t boot can be frustrating, but these steps can help you troubleshoot and fix the issue. If all else fails, consider seeking help from a professional technician. By following these methods, you can increase your chances of getting your Windows 10 computer back up and running smoothly.