How to Fix a Computer That Won’t Boot to Windows

If you’re searching for how to fix a computer that won’t boot to Windows, you’re likely staring at a black screen, a spinning loading circle, or a frozen logo. Don’t panic—there are several proven fixes that can bring your system back to life. This guide is designed for all skill levels and focuses on step-by-step methods to get your computer to boot properly again.

Common Symptoms Before Windows Fails to Boot

Black screen with blinking cursor
Stuck on the Windows logo or spinning dots
Error messages like “INACCESSIBLE BOOT DEVICE” or “BOOTMGR is missing”
Automatic restart loops

Step 1: Disconnect External Devices

Sometimes USB drives, SD cards, or external hard drives interfere with the boot process. Shut down your PC, unplug everything except keyboard and mouse, and then power it back on.

Step 2: Try Safe Mode or Startup Repair

Restart your computer and press F8, Shift + F8, or hold Shift + Restart to enter recovery mode. Choose:

Startup Repair – Automatically fixes boot errors.
Safe Mode – Loads Windows with minimal drivers to help diagnose the issue.

Step 3: Use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Boot from a Windows installation USB or DVD. Select “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options.” Try:

System Restore – Roll back your PC to a previous working state.
Command Prompt – Run boot repair commands (see below).

Step 4: Fix Boot Configuration Using Command Prompt

In WinRE’s Command Prompt, run the following commands:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands repair the Master Boot Record (MBR), rebuild the bootloader, and detect Windows installations.

Step 5: Check Your Hard Drive Health

A failing hard drive can prevent Windows from loading. In Command Prompt, run:

chkdsk c: /f /r

This will scan your disk for errors and bad sectors. If errors are found, consider replacing the drive.

Step 6: Reset or Reinstall Windows

If nothing works, you can reset your PC without losing files. In the recovery options, go to:

Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files

Alternatively, use a USB to perform a clean Windows installation as a last resort.

Still Stuck? Here’s What to Do Next

If your computer still won’t boot to Windows after trying all steps, the issue may be hardware-related—such as a dead SSD, motherboard failure, or faulty RAM. Bring your PC to a certified technician for diagnostics. Early detection can prevent data loss.

FAQs

1. What causes Windows to fail during boot?

Corrupt boot files, faulty updates, disk errors, or damaged hardware can all interrupt the Windows boot sequence.

2. Can I recover files if Windows won’t boot?

Yes. Boot using a Linux live USB or Windows PE environment to access and back up your data.

3. How do I access Safe Mode if my PC won’t boot?

Use a Windows installation USB, select “Repair your computer,” then go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Safe Mode.

4. Will resetting Windows delete all my files?

You can choose “Keep my files” to retain personal data, but always back up important documents if possible.

5. Is it safe to run bootrec commands?

Yes. These tools are designed by Microsoft for safe bootloader repair. Be sure to follow command order exactly.

How to Fix a Computer That Won’t Boot to Windows – Full Repair Guide