Windows 11 Not Starting: How to Fix

Windows 11 failing to start is a reasonably common issue that can occur due to various reasons like system file corruption, driver conflicts, malware infection etc. Thankfully, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try to diagnose and resolve the problem. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to fix Windows 11 not starting and get your PC booting properly again.

Key Takeaways: August 5, 2023

Boot into Safe Mode
Use System Restore

Run SFC and DISM scans
Fix boot issues using Automatic Repair
Refresh or reset your PC

Check for malware infection
Update drivers
Rollback recent changes

What Causes Windows 11 Not to Start?

There can be several reasons why your Windows 11 fails to boot normally. Here are some of the most common causes:

Corrupt system files – Critical OS files like bootloader components or registry hives getting corrupted can prevent Windows from starting.
Driver conflicts – Faulty, outdated or incompatible drivers can cause start-up issues.

Hardware failure – Defective RAM, storage drives or other hardware components can lead to boot problems.
Power issues – Improper shutdown, empty CMOS battery etc. can also cause start-up failure.
Malware infection – Viruses, rootkits or malware that tamper with system files can block Windows from loading.

Software issues – Recent changes like updates, new installations or configuration changes may sometimes trigger boot problems.

Fix 1: Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode

The first thing to try when Windows 11 won’t boot is starting it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode loads only the essential drivers and services, avoiding any third party conflicts. Follow these steps to boot into Safe Mode:

Force restart your PC by pressing the power button for 10 seconds.

On the next boot screen, press and hold the Shift key to bring up the recovery options.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
On the Startup Settings screen, press 5 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode.

If Windows starts normally in Safe Mode, it indicates an issue with a third-party driver or software. Use Safe Mode to uninstall recently added drivers, applications or roll back updates.

Fix 2: Restore System to Earlier Point

The System Restore utility rolls back system files and settings to an earlier restore point. Follow these steps to revert to a previous state:

Boot into Safe Mode using the steps above.

Open the Start menu, search for Create a restore point and select it.
In the System Properties window, click System Restore.
Choose a restore point prior to when the issue started and click Next.

Confirm the restore and restart your PC.

This will undo recent system changes that may be causing start-up failure.

Fix 3: Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can prevent Windows from loading. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to scan for and replace corrupt files:

Type Command Prompt in Start and run it as Administrator.
To run SFC, enter sfc /scannow and press Enter.
For DISM scan, use DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

Restart your PC once the scans complete.

These inbuilt tools will repair damaged system files if any are found.

Fix 4: Fix Boot Issues via Automatic Repair

The Automatic Repair mode in Windows 11 can diagnose and fix common boot problems. Follow these steps:

On the Windows boot screen, select Advanced options.
Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Automatic Repair.
Select your account and enter your password if prompted.

Automatic Repair will diagnose issues and attempt repairs.
Once completed, restart your PC.

This automated recovery tool can fix boot issues by rebuilding BCD or repairing EFI boot files.

Fix 5: Refresh or Reset Windows

If system file corruption is extensive, you may have to refresh or reset Windows.

Refresh reinstalls Windows while retaining your data and settings.
Reset erases everything and reinstalls Windows from scratch.

Refresh or reset using these steps:

Boot to Advanced options in the Windows boot menu.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

Choose either the Refresh Windows or Reset Windows options.
Follow the on-screen directions to complete the process.

This will give you a fresh Windows installation while retaining or removing your data as per choice.

Fix 6: Check for Malware

Malicious software like viruses and rootkits can tamper with boot files leading to start failures. Scan your system with a good antivirus suite like Windows Defender to remove any infections. You can also use the offline scanner tool for deeper scanning.

Fix 7: Update Outdated or Faulty Drivers

Driver issues are a common source of Windows 11 boot problems. Follow these steps:

Access Safe Mode with networking support to connect online.

Go to Device Manager and check for any devices with yellow exclamation marks.
Right-click such devices and select Update Driver. Search automatically for updates.
For faulty drivers, uninstall them and restart Windows to reinstall the correct versions.

Updating faulty drivers or those marked for Windows updates can resolve any conflicts.

Fix 8: Roll Back Recent Changes

If Windows 11 stopped booting after a particular change, rolling it back may resolve the issue:

For software updates – Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Uninstall Updates. Target recent problematic updates.

For driver updates – Similarly uninstall updated drivers in Device Manager.
For new installs – Uninstall any newly added applications or binaries.
For configuration changes – Use System Restore to undo system alterations.

Rolling back such changes can reverse any damage caused by them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries related to Windows 11 failing to boot:

What should I do if Windows 11 boots to a blue screen?

A blue screen or stop error points to critical OS errors. Note down the displayed stop code starting with 0x and troubleshoot the issue accordingly. Start by running SFC and DISM scans.

Why does Windows 11 roll back to previous build on reboot?

If a recent Windows Update is faulty, your PC may rollback the changes and revert to an older build. Uninstall the problematic update from Settings.

How to fix Windows 11 stuck on spinning dots?

The spinning dots at startup imply Windows is failing to load. Attempt Safe Mode to isolate the issue. Check for corrupt system files, malware, driver conflicts etc.

What to do when Windows 11 is stuck on the logo screen?

Startup issues like this can arise from bootloader corruption. Start by running Automatic Repair to fix boot files and configurations. Also scan for malware infecting the boot partition.

Why does Windows 11 fail to boot after BIOS update?

BIOS updates can sometimes change configurations leading to boot failures. Restore default BIOS settings or flash the older BIOS version in recovery mode.

Conclusion

Boot issues in Windows 11 can stem from varied causes ranging from system file errors to driver conflicts and malware infections. By methodically applying the correct troubleshooting steps, you can identify and rectify the underlying problem. Safe Mode, SFC scan, System Restore and Automatic Repair are some of the most effective options for diagnosing and fixing a wide range of start-up failures. With the right fixes, you can get your Windows 11 installation booting normally again.