How to Fix "PC Did Not Start Correctly" | 8 Solutions?

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 19, 2024

Have you ever come across the "Your PC did not start correctly" error message when starting up your computer? Here's a real-life scenario from the computer issues forum Super User:

No need to panic. This issue is quite common, and our comprehensive tools will provide multiple practical solutions to assist you in resolving this computer startup issue. Follow along and learn the step-by-step guides.

How to Fix "Your PC Didn't Start Correctly" - 8 Methods

In this section, you'll find a step-by-step guide with pictures for each solution.

Here are the translations of the given language snippets into English:
1. Method 1: Use Boot Repair with Partition Master
2. Method 2: Run Windows Startup Repair
3. Method 3: Repair MBR (Master Boot Record)
4. Method 4: Check System Files
5. Method 5: Rebuild BCD (Boot Configuration Data)
6. Method 6: Boot into Safe Mode
7. Method 7: Perform a System Restore
8. Method 8: Remove Recently Installed Windows Updates

If restarting your computer doesn't solve the issue, you can immediately try the following eight methods. Don't forget to share with other users in need once the problem is successfully resolved:

Way 1: Apply Boot Repair using Tool - Partition Master

We highly recommend using the Partition Master Professional tool for a seamless experience in addressing various startup repair issues, such as Windows startup repair not functioning and encountering a black screen after installing Windows 10. Its user-friendly interface, swift solutions, and comprehensive features make it an indispensable tool in your troubleshooting arsenal.

Here's a comprehensive guide on how to use Partition Master tools to fix boot issues:

Step 1. After connecting the external drive/USB to your computer, launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, then go to "Bootable Media" and click "Create Bootable Media."

Step 2. Choose an available USB drive or CD/DVD and click "Create." You can also burn the Windows ISO file to the storage media.

Step 3. Connect the created bootable drive to the new computer and restart it by pressing and holding F2 or Del to enter BIOS. Then, set the WinPE bootable drive as the boot disk and press F10 to exit.

Step 4. Restart your computer and enter the WinPE interface. Next, open the Partition Master tool and click on "Boot Repair" under the "Toolkit" option.

Step 5: Select the system you want to repair and click "Repair."

Click "Repair".

Step 6. Wait a moment, and you will receive an alert that the system has been successfully repaired. Click "OK" to complete the boot repair process.

Allow me to showcase some noble attributes of this software that are pertinent to the "Your PC did not start correctly" error:

Translate the following into English:
• Fix RunDll Error on Startup
• Resolve "can't find boot device" error in Windows 10/8/7
• Perform Windows 10 Boot Repair
• Solve 'Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically' in Windows 10/8/7/Vista
• Troubleshoot Windows 11 Boot Loop

Quickly install this tool to keep your computer free from annoying boot issues:

Method 2: Run Windows Startup Repair

Windows Startup Repair is a feature available in Microsoft Windows operating systems designed to diagnose and resolve issues that prevent a computer from starting up properly, such as corrupted system files or configuration errors. If your computer fails to boot correctly and repeatedly returns to the same Automatic Repair screen, run the Startup Repair tool once.

Here's what you should do:

Step 1. Select "Advanced options" on the "Your PC did not start correctly" screen.

Your PC didn't start correctly. Would you like to automatically repair it?

Step 2. Select the "Startup Repair" option and wait for it to detect and repair the startup problem.

Startup Repair

Step 3. Click "Restart" when the process is completed.

If this tool doesn't work, you might see a warning message (Startup Repair cannot repair this computer automatically). Follow the solution it suggests to fix this error, or try the practical tips below:

How to Fix Windows 11 Startup Repair Not Working | 7 Tips

If you're encountering the issue where Windows 11 Startup Repair is not working, this article will guide you through effective solutions.

Way 3: Repair MBR

The Windows system and boot files are stored in the first sector of the system disk, known as the Master Boot Record (MBR). If this MBR becomes damaged or corrupted, you won't be able to successfully boot into the Windows system. In such a scenario, rebuilding the MBR is a suitable solution. The versatile tool, Partition Master Professional, can perfectly fulfill your needs in this regard:

Step 1. Create a WinPE bootable disk

Here are the translations for the given languages:
• Launch tools Partition Master, and click "Bootable Media" on the toolbar. Select "Create bootable media".
• Click "Next" to complete the process.
Note: I've assumed the software name is tools Partition Master, as it's a popular partition management tool. If the actual software name is different, please provide the correct one.

Step 2. Boot the Partition Master Bootable USB

Connect the bootable USB or CD/DVD to your PC. When you restart the computer, press F2 or Del to enter the BIOS screen. Set your computer to boot from "Removable Devices" or "CD-ROM Drive". The Partition Master tool will then run automatically.

Step 3. Rebuild MBR

Click "Toolkit" and select "Rebuild MBR".

Rebuild MBR

Select the disk and the type of MBR, then click "Rebuild".

After that, you can see "MBR has been successfully rebuilt on Disk X".

Way 4. Check System Files

Another possible reason for the "Your PC did not start correctly" error is corrupted or missing system files. To fix this issue, you can run the Windows System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair issues with system files:

Step 1. Search for Command Prompt and log in as an administrator.

Step 2. Type the SFC command below and press the "Enter" key:

SFC /scannow

Step 3. Wait until the scan is complete. You might receive:

These lines translated into English are:
• The SFC program found no integrity issues.
• Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files but was unable to repair some of them.

For message 1, exit and close the CMD window. For message 2, perform a DISM scan to fix it as follows:

Related Reading: How to Run SFC and DISM in Windows 11 [ Newest Guide ]

Way 5. Rebuild BCD Translation: Method 5. Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

BCD, short for Boot Configuration Data, contains vital information and settings required for the operating system to boot correctly. Hence, if the above solutions fail to resolve your issue, you can attempt to repair the BCD:

Step 1. On the Automatic Repair blue screen error, click "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt."

Access Command Prompt in Advanced Options

Step 2. Type the following commands, then press "Enter" on the keyboard for each one:

Translate the following commands into English: ```markdown
• bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
• ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old
• Bootrec /rebuildbcd
``` Translation: ```markdown
• Backup the BCD store to C:\BCD_Backup using bcdedit
• Rename the file c:\boot\bcd to bcd.old
• Run the Bootrec utility to rebuild the BCD
```

Rebuild BCD via Command Prompt

Step 3. Type exit to close the utility, then restart your PC.

Way 6. Boot into Safe Mode

Step 1. On the "Your PC did not start correctly" error window, select "Advanced Options."

Step 2. From the menu, select "Startup Settings"

Step 3. Click "Restart," and press "F4" while rebooting to start in Safe Mode.

Boot into Safe Mode

Way 7. Perform a System Restore Translation: Method 7. Perform a System Restore

If this issue occurs after updating the Windows system, you can revert it to the previous version using the Windows System Restore feature. Please follow the comprehensive guide below:

Step 1. Choose the "System Restore" option under "Advanced Options."

System Restore

Step 2. Choose a point in time that you want to go back to and click "Next."

Choose a system restore point from the following list:

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process in the System Restore Wizard.

Restore system files and folders

Way 8. Delete Recently-Installed Windows Updates

Aside from restoring the Windows system to a previous point, you can also clean up recent Windows updates to fix startup errors caused by any Windows updates. Let's learn how to uninstall recently installed Windows updates:

Step 1. Access the "Advanced Options" menu and choose "Uninstall Updates." Select the most recent quality or feature updates from Windows, and then remove them.

Uninstall Windows Updates

Conclusion

This article outlined eight practical solutions with step-by-step guidance to address the "Your PC did not start correctly" error in Automatic Repair. By following these methods, you can rectify the issue and regain access to your Windows computer. Upon reading the above information, you might have noticed that Partition Master provides an array of useful tools to help with computer startup issues. Let it simplify your life right away!

"Frequently Asked Questions About Your PC Not Starting Correctly"

If you still have unanswered questions, refer to this FAQ section for more information.

**1. How do I fix my computer that doesn't shut down correctly?**

A reboot may be necessary if your computer is unable to shut down normally. Attempt to turn off your computer normally after the system has restarted. To access the power icon, click the Start Menu icon on your system. From the menu, choose "Restart" at this time.

2. Why didn't my computer boot correctly?

Why does Windows fail to start properly? Windows may fail to load correctly due to several reasons, such as a corrupted or missing BCD (Boot Configuration Data), compromised system integrity, faulty drivers, problematic software, and more.

?You May Also Like: How to Fix Hard Drive Not Booting [Top 6 Solutions]

3. Can BIOS cause display issues?

Yes, the BIOS on your computer could be the cause of your display issue if it works fine with another monitor. The BIOS initializes all necessary components for the computer to start up. To rectify any misconfigured settings, you can reset your BIOS settings to their last saved default configuration.