Windows Won't Start or Boot

Common symptoms

• Black screen on startup
• Windows logo appears but doesn't proceed
• Automatic repair loop
• Blue screen during boot

Possible causes

• Corrupted system files
• Hardware failure
• Recent Windows updates
• Malware infection

Step-by-step solution

1. Try Safe Mode

   Attempt to boot Windows in Safe Mode

   Power on computer
   Press F8 repeatedly during startup
   Select "Safe Mode" from menu

   Note: If F8 doesn't work, try holding Shift while clicking Restart

2. Use Startup Repair

   Let Windows automatically fix startup problems

   Boot from Windows installation media
   Select "Repair your computer"
   Choose "Troubleshoot" > "Startup Repair"

   Note: You may need to create a Windows recovery USB drive

3. Run System File Checker

   Scan and repair corrupted system files

   Boot to Advanced Startup Options
   Open Command Prompt
   Type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter

   Note: This can take 30-60 minutes to complete

4. Restore from System Restore Point

   Revert Windows to a previous working state

   Boot to Advanced Startup Options
   Choose "System Restore"
   Select a restore point before the problem started
   Follow the wizard

   Note: This won't affect personal files but may remove recently installed programs

5. Check Hardware Connections

   Ensure all hardware is properly connected

   Power off computer completely
   Unplug power cable
   Reseat RAM modules
   Check all cable connections
   Remove unnecessary USB devices

   Warning: Only do this if comfortable working inside a computer

Alternative solutions

• Try booting from a different drive if available
• Use Windows Memory Diagnostic to test RAM
• Reset BIOS settings to defaults

When to seek professional help

• Hardware replacement needed
• Data recovery required before fixes
• Multiple repair attempts have failed