How to Run Startup Repair in Windows 11 (Simple Guide)

Encountering boot issues on your Windows 11 PC can be frustrating, whether a black screen, an endless loading loop, or a system that refuses to start.

Fortunately, Windows 11 has a powerful built-in tool called Startup Repair, designed to diagnose and fix common problems that prevent your system from launching correctly.

This guide will walk you through running Startup Repair on Windows 11, ensuring you can get your computer back up and running with minimal hassle.

Startup Repair is ideal for resolving issues like corrupted system files, damaged boot configurations, or missing drivers that disrupt the startup process.

Whether you’re a tech novice or an experienced user, this article provides straightforward, actionable steps to help you troubleshoot effectively. Let’s explore accessing and using this tool to restore your Windows 11 system.

How to Run Startup Repair in Windows 11

Depending on whether your PC can boot to the desktop, there are multiple ways to access Startup Repair. Below are the most effective methods.

Method 1: From the Settings App (If You Can Boot to Desktop)

If your system still loads Windows 11, this is the most straightforward approach:

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I on your keyboard to launch the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Recovery: Go to System > Recovery in the menu.
3. Access Advanced Startup: Under “Recovery options,” find Advanced startup and click Restart now.
4. Enter WinRE: Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Select Troubleshoot.
5. Choose Startup Repair: Click Advanced options, then select Startup Repair.
6. Follow Prompts: The tool will ask for your admin account. Select it, enter your password if prompted, and let it scan and repair your system.

Once complete, your PC will restart. If successful, it should boot normally.

Method 2: Force Boot into WinRE (If Windows Won’t Start)

If your PC refuses to load Windows, you can trigger the recovery environment manually:

1. Power Cycle Your PC: Turn on your computer, then press and hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown as soon as the Windows logo appears.
2. Repeat Twice: Perform this step two more times (three shutdowns total). Windows should detect the issue on the third boot and launch the Automatic Repair screen.
3. Select Advanced Options: When the “Automatic Repair” screen appears, click Advanced options.
4. Run Startup Repair: Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. The tool will begin diagnosing and fixing boot issues.

This method is handy when you can’t access the desktop but don’t have installation media.

Method 3: Using Windows 11 Installation Media

For severe boot failures, a bootable USB or DVD provides a reliable way to access Startup Repair:

1. Insert Media: Plug in your Windows 11 USB or DVD. Restart your PC.
2. Boot from Media: Enter your BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del during startup) and set the USB/DVD as the first boot device.
3. Start Setup: When the Windows Setup screen loads, click Next, then select Repair your computer at the bottom left.
4. Access Startup Repair: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

This approach ensures you can repair your system even if it’s unresponsive. For BIOS setup help, check your manufacturer’s support page or Microsoft’s boot guide.

Final Thoughts

Running Startup Repair in Windows 11 is a straightforward yet powerful way to tackle boot problems without losing your data. Whether you access it through Settings, force a recovery boot, or use installation media, this tool can often restore your system quickly. If it doesn’t work, additional recovery options like Safe Mode or System Restore are just a click away in the Windows Recovery Environment.