Windows 10 Not Booting? Here's How to Fix It - Helping Quill

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Windows 10 Not Booting? Here's How to Fix It!


Is your Windows 10 not booting? Don't worry - you're not alone. Many users face this problem where their computer does not boot properly. Whether it's due to a bad hard drive, software conflicts, or other reasons, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the Windows 10 not booting problem easily.

In this guide, we will tell you simple and practical solutions to solve such problems:

  • Windows 10 won’t boot
  • PC not booting to Windows
  • Hard drive won’t boot Windows 10
  • Computer won’t boot Windows 10
Let’s get started with the basics first.

1. Check Hardware Connections


A common reason for Windows 10 not booting is due to a loose or bad hardware connection. Start by making sure the power supply is properly connected and working. Inspect all internal cables, especially those connected to the hard drive and motherboard, to make sure they are securely connected.

Additionally, disconnect any unnecessary external devices such as USB drives, printers, or external hard disks, as they may interfere with the boot process.Sometimes, a simple reconnection can fix the problem. Here's how to make sure everything is connected correctly:

  • Check the Power Supply: Make sure the power cord is plugged in and the power switch is on.
  • Inspect Cables: Check the cables connecting the hard drive and the motherboard. Loose cables can prevent your computer from detecting the hard drive.
  • Remove External Devices: Sometimes, USB drives or external devices interfere with booting. Disconnect all devices except the keyboard and mouse.
If your Windows 10 doesn't boot after checking the hardware, go to the next step.

2. Boot into Safe Mode

If your Windows 10 won’t boot, starting the system in safe mode may help identify the problem. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, allows you to fix the problem of Windows 10 not booting without the intervention of third-party programs or drivers. To access Safe Mode, restart your PC and press F8 or Shift + F8 repeatedly during startup. From the Advanced Boot Options menu, select Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode, you can check for corrupted drivers, uninstall problematic software, or run system diagnostics. If the system boots successfully, then the problem of Windows 10 not booting is related to a driver or recent software change.

Steps to Boot into Safe Mode:

  • Turn off your PC and then turn it on.
  • As it starts, press F8 or Shift + F8 repeatedly to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu.
  • Select Safe Mode and press Enter.

If Windows boots in Safe Mode, it means there’s likely a driver or software conflict causing the issue.

3. Use Automatic Repair

When your Windows 10 will not boot, the built-in Automatic Repair tool can diagnose and fix common startup issues. This tool automatically detects problems like corrupted system files, boot configuration errors, or driver conflicts. To use it, turn off your PC, then turn it back on while pressing F8 or Shift + F8 to access the Advanced Boot Options. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair. The tool will scan for issues and attempt to repair them automatically. This is often a quick and efficient solution to fix Windows 10 not booting issues without the need for manual troubleshooting.

How to Use Automatic Repair:

  • Turn off your computer.
  • Turn it back on and immediately press F8 or Shift + F8.
  • Select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
  • Let Windows diagnose and fix any startup issues.

4. Check for Boot Order in BIOS

If your computer won’t boot Windows 10, the BIOS may not be set to boot from the correct device.

How to Check Boot Order:

  • Restart your PC and press Del, F2, or F12 (depending on your PC) to enter BIOS settings.
  • Go to the Boot tab.
  • Make sure your hard drive is set as the first boot device.
  • Save changes and exit BIOS.
This ensures that your hard drive won’t boot Windows 10 due to incorrect settings.

5. Run CHKDSK to Repair Hard Drive Errors

A corrupted hard drive can cause your PC not booting to Windows. The CHKDSK (Check Disk) tool can scan and repair errors on your hard drive.

Steps to Run CHKDSK:

  • Boot your PC using a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD.
  • Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
  • Type the following command and press Enter:
  • chkdsk C: /f /r
  • Let the tool scan and repair any errors.

6. Fix the Master Boot Record (MBR)

If your Windows 10 won’t boot, the Master Boot Record (MBR) may be damaged.

How to Fix MBR:

  1. Boot from a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD.
  2. Go to Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.
Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Restart your PC and check if it boots.

7. Perform a System Restore

If your PC not booting to Windows is caused by a recent change, a System Restore can help revert your computer to a previous state.

Steps for System Restore:

  • Boot from a Windows 10 installation USB or DVD.
  • Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > System Restore.
  • Choose a restore point from before the issue occurred.
  • Let Windows restore your system and restart.

8. Reinstall Windows 10

If none of the above methods work and your Windows 10 will not boot, reinstalling Windows might be the best solution.

How to Reinstall Windows 10:

  • Create a Windows 10 installation USB using another computer.
  • Insert the USB into your PC and boot from it.
  • Select Install Windows and follow the on-screen instructions.
  • Choose the option to keep your files or perform a clean install.

Common Reasons Why Windows 10 Won’t Boot


  • Corrupted System Files: Important files needed for booting may be missing or damaged.
  • Hardware Failure: Issues with the hard drive, RAM, or motherboard can stop Windows from booting.
  • Driver Conflicts: Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent Windows from starting.
  • Power Issues: A faulty power supply can also cause your PC not to boot.

Prevent Future Boot Problems

To avoid boot problems in the future:
  • Regularly update Windows and drivers.
  • Back up important files to an external drive or cloud.
  • Use reliable antivirus software to prevent malware.
  • Keep your hardware components clean and free of dust.

Final Thoughts

When your Windows 10 won't boot, it can be a stressful experience. However, with the right steps, you can fix Windows 10 not booting issue and get your computer back up and running. Whether it's a simple Safe Mode boot or a complete Windows reinstall, these solutions will help you fix common Windows 10 not booting problems.

Remember to keep your system updated and backed up to minimize future issues. If you’ve tried everything and your PC not booting to Windows still persists, it might be time to seek professional help.


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