Windows computers are reliable, but sometimes you might face issues where your PC doesn’t start correctly, is slow to boot, or shows error messages during startup. These issues can be frustrating, but thankfully, Windows provides built-in tools and there are reliable third-party solutions to help you fix them. This guide will walk you through the most effective ways to diagnose and resolve startup issues, with a special focus on Clean Up & Repair techniques suitable for all levels of Windows users.
What Are Common Signs of Startup Problems?
Before we dive into fixes, it’s important to recognize common startup issues:
– The PC boots slowly or freezes during startup
– You see error messages or blue screens (BSOD)
– Windows goes into a ‘Repair Mode’ or loops at startup
– Programs automatically open or crash right after login
Why Do Startup Issues Happen?
Startup problems can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as:
– Too many apps launching on startup
– Corrupted system files
– Malware infections
– Outdated or malfunctioning drivers
– Disk errors or bad sectors
How Can You Use Windows Built-In Tools to Fix Startup Issues?
Windows comes with helpful tools designed to fix startup problems. Here’s how you can use them:
Startup Repair in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
If your PC won’t start at all, you can access WinRE:
1. Turn off your PC.
2. Turn it back on and as soon as you see the Windows logo, hold down the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this process two more times.
3. On the third restart, Windows should enter WinRE automatically.
4. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will try to detect and fix startup issues automatically.
System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
Corrupted system files can prevent Windows from starting correctly. Here’s how to fix them:
1. Boot into Windows or Safe Mode.
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for ‘cmd’ in the Start menu, right-click, choose ‘Run as administrator’).
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete. If it finds issues, it will attempt to fix them.
5. For more serious problems, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. This tool repairs deeper system corruption.
Task Manager: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Too many startup programs can slow down your PC or trigger errors.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the ‘Startup’ tab.
3. Review the list of programs. Right-click and select ‘Disable’ on apps you don’t need to start automatically, such as chat apps, updaters, or games.
How Can Third-Party Tools Like Glary Utilities Make This Easier?
While Windows tools are helpful, all-in-one utilities like Glary Utilities can simplify and automate much of this process, especially for beginners or those looking for convenience.
Using Glary Utilities to Clean Up and Repair Startup Issues
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and select the ‘1-Click Maintenance’ feature. This will scan for common issues including registry errors, disk problems, and temporary files that can slow down startup.
3. After the scan, click ‘Repair Problems’ to fix detected issues.
4. Go to the ‘Startup Manager’ tool in Glary Utilities. Here, you will see a clear list of all programs set to run when your PC starts.
5. Disable or delay unnecessary apps with just a click. Glary Utilities provides descriptions to help you decide what to keep or disable.
6. Try the ‘Disk Repair’ and ‘Registry Repair’ modules for more advanced fixes if startup problems persist.
Glary Utilities is especially useful because it combines all essential maintenance functions into one simple interface. This helps ensure your PC stays clean, healthy, and boots up fast without you needing to be a technical expert.
What Else Can You Do to Prevent Startup Problems?
– Keep Windows updated to avoid bugs and compatibility issues.
– Regularly scan for malware using Windows Defender or reputable third-party security tools.
– Uninstall programs you no longer use, especially those that add themselves to startup.
– Defragment your hard drive (if you use HDD) or optimize your SSD.
– Backup important files in case you need to reset or restore your system.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you try all these steps and your PC still won’t start, shows repeated blue screens, or loses data, it may be time to consult a professional or contact Microsoft support.
Summary
Fixing Windows startup issues doesn’t have to be intimidating. By using built-in tools like Startup Repair, Task Manager, and SFC, plus comprehensive utilities like Glary Utilities, you can quickly diagnose, clean up, and repair most common startup problems. Regular maintenance and smart cleanup habits can help keep your PC running smoothly every time you turn it on.