Windows 11/10 won't start? Try these 6 fixes to get it up and running – and protect your data!

"I installed Windows 11/10 right after its release… it was running fine until two days ago. After restarting my PC, the screen shows the image and time and stops there. I can't do anything之后. Nothing I've tried works. How can I fix this?"

It's frustrating when your PC keeps crashing and won't start. As a common issue, the Windows 11/10 won't boot problem can be fixed with several solutions. We've listed some effective methods to solve this issue. Don't worry, you won't lose your data. Besides the startup repair solutions, we also offer a data migration tool to transfer your data to a safe place.

• 1 - Run Startup Repair to fix Windows 11/10 not starting
• 2 - Remove external flash drives and disks
• 3 - Fix the Windows Boot Record via Command Prompt
• 4 - Resolve issues with Windows 11/10 not starting in Safe Mode
• 5 - Check hardware connections
• 6 - Migrate data to a new computer and reset the old one

1 - Run Startup Repair to Fix Windows 11/10 Not Booting

Step 1: Boot from the Windows installation media.

Insert the Windows installation disc into your computer and boot from it.

Step 2: Click on “Repair your computer” to access the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 3. On the Choose an option screen, click on Troubleshoot.

Step 4: On the Troubleshoot screen, click Advanced options.

Step 5: Select “Startup Repair” and then choose the operating system you want to repair.

Step 6: Windows will begin the repair process, and then restart your computer.

Note: If you don't have media, you can get to the “Automatic Repair” screen by cycling power at least three times. Then go to Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

2 - Remove External Drives and Disks

If your computer is connected to a USB flash drive or other external hard drive, Windows might be set up to boot from those devices. Or there could be a conflict with a USB device. So, unplug all external storage devices before attempting to start Windows.

3 - Repair the Windows Boot Record via Command Prompt

A Master Boot Record (MBR) error is one of the main reasons why Windows won't start up. If this occurs, you may run into booting issues. To fix the problem, you can run the Command Prompt in a recovery environment.

Step 1: Insert the installation CD or bootable USB device into your computer & Boot from the installation media.

2. Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 3. Type in the command and press Enter.

Repair MBR

Repair the boot sector

Repair the BCD Boot Record

Step 4. Type exit, and then restart your computer.

4 - Fixing the Issue of Not Being Able to Boot into Safe Mode on Windows 11/10

Safe Mode is a troubleshooting option that can fix issues with your operating system. If your Windows 11/10 fails to boot, you can start in Safe Mode, which loads only the necessary drivers and startup files.

Step 1. Restart your computer.

Step 2: Press the F8 key as your computer is starting up to access the Advanced Boot Options.

Step 3: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 4: You should see several boot options; press the number 4 to select “Start in Safe Mode.”

5 - Check hardware connections

If Windows fails to boot and displays a black screen, you'll need to check that all your hardware is correctly seated in the motherboard, including your hard drive, RAM, and any PCI-E cards.

Hard drive: If the hard drive that contains the operating system isn't connected properly, your computer won't turn on. Disconnect it, reseat it, and make sure the SATA cable is connected correctly.

PCI-E card: PCI-Express devices include network interface cards, modems, sound cards, and graphics cards. You can add a GPU, WiFi card, RAID card, and more with a PCI-E slot. Please ensure that it is connected properly.

RAM (Memory Stick): A bad RAM stick can cause a black screen. Try reseating it.

6. Transfer Data to the New Computer and Reset the Old One

If none of the above five solutions work for the “Windows 11/10 won't start” issue, we recommend that you migrate all your data to another computer and reset your PC.

Process 1 - Rescue Your Data Using Todo PCTrans Tool

A reset will remove all third-party apps, games, and so on. It's best to back up your data as soon as possible on another computer. You can use a tool like Todo PCTrans, whose "Data Rescue" feature can migrate apps, files, settings, configurations, and more from one PC to another.

How to Use Todo PCTrans Tool to Rescue Your Data:

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Step 1: Remove the hard drive from your old computer.

1. Unplug the computer. If it's a laptop, remove the battery as well.
2. Open up the case of the old computer so you can access the hard drive.
3. You'll need to unscrew the outer casing to get to it.
4. Disconnect the hard drive and any cables attached to it, then pull the drive out.

Step two: Connect the hard drive to the new computer.

Multiple connectivity options:

1. USB hard drive enclosure: This special case allows you to connect your old hard drive and its casing together, then connect it to your new computer via USB.
2. USB hard drive adapter: This is a "cable" that connects one end to the hard drive and the other end to a USB port on your new computer.
3. Desktop computer: If your new computer is a desktop, you can connect the old hard drive directly as a second internal hard drive.

Step 3: Restore/migrate apps, files, and accounts from the old disk.

1. Download and run the Todo PCTrans tool. Choose "Data Transfer" mode, then click "Start."

2. Review the steps, then click “Scan.”

3. Make sure the hard drive is connected to your computer. Select the old drive you want to recover, then click “Continue.”

4. Choose the apps, files, and accounts you want to restore.

5. Wait a few seconds for the data to transfer.

Procedure 2 - Reset your computer

Step 1: Boot from the Windows 11/10 installation media.

Step 2: Go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.

Judgment

In this article, we list 6 solutions to fix the issue of "Windows 11/10 won't start". The first three methods are commonly used. If none of them work, you can use a data transfer tool to迁移 files when the system is not corrupted. Feel free to contact us via online chat or email (support@tools.com) if you have any questions.

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