How to Run Startup Repair in Windows 11

Startup Repair is a built-in Windows 11 tool that scans for problems that stop your PC from booting, such as damaged boot files or misconfigured startup settings, and tries to fix them automatically. If your computer is stuck on a loading screen, restarts in a loop, or shows errors before Windows loads, Startup Repair is one of the first things to try. It doesn’t delete your personal files.

Before You Start

• Unplug extra devices. USB drives, external disks, and docking stations can sometimes interfere with booting. Disconnect everything except the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
• Have your password ready. Startup Repair may ask you to sign in with an administrator account.
• Find your BitLocker recovery key. If your drive is encrypted, the recovery environment may ask for it. You can find it at aka.ms/myrecoverykey when signed in with your Microsoft account on another device.
• Plug in your laptop. Repairs can take a while, so connect the charger.

How to Reach the Recovery Environment

Startup Repair lives in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). How you get there depends on whether Windows still starts.

If Windows 11 starts

1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now, then confirm.

Shortcut: hold Shift while clicking Restart in the Start menu’s power options.

If Windows 11 won’t start

Windows usually opens the recovery environment automatically after two or three failed boot attempts. If it doesn’t, turn the PC on, and as soon as the Windows logo appears, hold the power button to force it off. Repeat this two more times. On the next start, you should see Preparing Automatic Repair, followed by an Automatic Repair screen. Click Advanced options.

From installation media

If neither works, boot from a Windows 11 USB installation drive, choose your language, and click Repair your computer instead of Install now. See how to create a Windows 11 bootable USB.

How to Run Startup Repair

Step 1: Choose Troubleshoot

On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Open Advanced options

Click Advanced options.

Step 3: Click Startup Repair

Select Startup Repair. If asked, choose your account and enter its password.

Step 4: Let it run

Windows diagnoses your PC and attempts repairs. This can take a few minutes or longer. Don’t turn off the computer during the process.

Step 5: Restart

When it finishes, your PC restarts. If the repair worked, Windows loads normally.

If Startup Repair Can’t Fix Your PC

You may see “Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC.” A log file is saved at C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt, which can help identify the cause. Then try these options from the same Advanced options menu:

• Uninstall Updates: Remove the latest quality or feature update if problems started after an update.
• System Restore: Roll Windows back to a restore point from before the problem began, without affecting personal files.
• Startup Settings: Restart into Safe Mode to remove a problem driver or app. See how to start Windows 11 in Safe Mode.
• Command Prompt: Advanced users can run sfc /scannow, chkdsk C: /f, or boot repair commands such as bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, and bootrec /rebuildbcd.
• Reset this PC: As a last resort, reinstall Windows while choosing whether to keep your files.

When to Use Startup Repair

• Your PC gets stuck on the logo or a spinning dots screen.
• You see errors such as “Boot device not found” or a missing boot configuration.
• A power failure or forced shutdown happened during an update.

Startup Repair can’t fix failing hardware. If your drive isn’t detected in BIOS or makes clicking sounds, the problem may be physical.

Startup Repair lives inside WinRE, so if you can’t reach it yet, start with the five ways to enter recovery mode in Windows 11 and 10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Startup Repair delete files?

No. It repairs startup files and settings without touching your documents, photos, or apps.

How long does Startup Repair take?

Usually a few minutes, but it can take longer on slow drives or when it checks the disk. If it seems stuck for hours, restart and try another option.

Can I run Startup Repair on Windows 10?

Yes. The steps are nearly identical; on Windows 10, Advanced startup is under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Summary

To run Startup Repair in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now, or force the recovery environment by interrupting startup three times. Then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair and let it finish. If it fails, try uninstalling updates, System Restore, Safe Mode, or Reset this PC.