Fix Windows 11 Won’t Start: Complete Repair Guide Using Built-In Tools

When Windows 11 won’t start, you might think you need expensive professional help, but Microsoft built powerful repair tools directly into Windows that can fix most startup failures without reinstalling your entire system. This guide walks you through accessing these tools and using them to diagnose and repair your computer—no technician required.

What Are Windows 11 Startup Repair Tools?

Windows 11 includes three built-in repair utilities designed specifically to fix boot failures and corrupted system files: Startup Repair (automatically diagnoses common boot problems), System File Checker or SFC (scans and repairs corrupted Windows system files), and DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management (repairs deeper Windows system image files). These tools work together to address most startup issues—from failed updates to driver conflicts to corrupted files. Current as of: Windows 11 versions 23H2, 24H2, and 25H2 (September 2025). Note: Windows 11 version 22H2 reached end of service on October 14, 2025, and no longer receives updates; if you’re on 22H2, updating to version 24H2 or 25H2 is recommended for continued security support.

Why Use These Built-In Repair Tools?

• No expensive technician fees: These tools are free and built directly into Windows, saving you potentially hundreds of dollars in professional repair costs
• Fixes most common startup failures: Corrupted system files, failed Windows updates, and driver conflicts are resolved by these tools in 70-80% of cases
• Works without reinstalling Windows: You keep all your files, programs, and settings intact—no data loss or time spent reinstalling everything
• Provides detailed diagnostics: When these tools can’t fix the problem, they give you specific error messages that point to the actual cause, helping you (or a technician) understand what’s really wrong

Things to Consider Before Starting

• Set aside 1-3 hours: Depending on which tools you use and your system speed, repairs can take 10-45 minutes per tool. SFC scans take 10-20 minutes on fast SSD systems but 45+ minutes on older hard drives. Allow extra time to avoid rushing the process
• You may need a working computer and USB drive: If Windows won’t start at all, you’ll need access to another working Windows PC and an 8GB USB drive to create recovery media
• Hardware issues won’t be fixed by these tools: If you have a failing hard drive or failing memory, these software tools can’t repair it. However, if repairs complete successfully and Windows still won’t start, that’s a sign of hardware failure requiring professional service

How to Repair Windows 11 Startup Issues - Step by Step

Step 1: Trigger Automatic Startup Repair (Easiest Option)

Restart your computer and immediately watch the screen carefully. Force restart your computer three times by holding the power button for 10 seconds during boot-up—this triggers Windows’ automatic Startup Repair without requiring keyboard commands. After the third forced restart, Windows will automatically detect the boot failure and display “Preparing automatic repair” followed by the recovery environment.

Let the automatic repair process complete fully (5-15 minutes). It will attempt to fix common boot issues automatically. If this succeeds, your computer restarts normally. If it doesn’t work, you’ll see the recovery menu—note any error messages displayed.

Step 2: Access Advanced Startup Options (If Step 1 Didn’t Work)

On the recovery menu screen (WinRE - Windows Recovery Environment), select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options. You’ll see several repair tools available.

If your computer is fully booted but won’t start correctly, you can also access this menu through Settings: click Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now. Your computer restarts into the recovery environment automatically.

Step 3: Run System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Corrupted Files

From the Advanced Options menu, select Command Prompt. This opens a command-line window where you type specific repair commands.

Type this command exactly (copy and paste if possible to avoid typos):

sfc /scannow

Press Enter and let the scan run completely without interruption. This scans every critical Windows system file:

• On fast SSD systems: 10-20 minutes
• On standard HDD systems: 20-45 minutes
• On older systems: up to 1+ hour

The scan will report if it found corrupted files and whether they were fixed. Do not interrupt this process even if it appears to freeze—it’s normal for the progress bar to pause temporarily.

Step 4: Use DISM to Repair Deeper System Image Corruption

If SFC found and fixed issues, or if you want additional repair coverage, run DISM next. In the same Command Prompt window, type:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter. DISM repairs deeper Windows system image files by checking the WinSxS component store. This command:

• Checks Windows system files against Windows Update
• Downloads replacement files for corrupted components
• Rebuilds the Windows system image automatically

Expected time: 10-45 minutes depending on system speed and number of corrupted files. It’s normal for the progress to pause for several minutes after the initial startup—don’t interrupt the process. Once complete, you’ll see a completion message.

Step 5: Restart and Test Your Computer

Exit Command Prompt by typing exit and pressing Enter. Select Continue to restart your computer normally. Allow it to boot fully and run for at least 10 minutes. Open your usual programs (web browser, email, documents, games) to verify everything works as expected.

If you see the same startup error again, move to Step 6. If everything works normally, your repair is complete—make a mental note of what caused the problem so you can prevent it in the future.

Step 6: Create a Recovery USB Drive (If Problems Persist)

If your computer still won’t start after Steps 1-5, you need to run repairs from recovery media. This requires a working Windows computer and a USB drive (8GB minimum for installation media; 16-32GB recommended if backing up system files).

On a working Windows PC:

1. Plug the USB drive into the working computer
2. Open Settings > System > Recovery
3. Scroll down and select Create a recovery drive

4. Follow the prompts to create the recovery drive (this erases the USB drive, so back up any files first)
5. Once complete, safely eject the USB drive

Step 7: Boot from Recovery USB and Run Full Diagnostics

Insert the recovery USB into the computer that won’t start. Restart the computer and immediately press the boot menu key for your specific manufacturer:

• Dell computers: Press F12
• HP computers: Press F11
• Lenovo computers: Press F12
• ASUS computers: Press F9
• Toshiba computers: Press F12
• Other manufacturers: Check your computer’s manual or manufacturer website

If you’re not sure which key to press, consult your computer manual or visit your manufacturer’s support website. Some laptops also have Fn Lock enabled by default, which may interfere with F-key access—check if Fn Lock is enabled on your keyboard.

Select your USB drive from the boot menu and press Enter. Windows recovery environment boots from the USB drive. Now repeat Steps 3-4 (SFC scan and DISM repair), which often have better access and success rates when running from recovery media.

Regional Note for International Keyboards: If function keys aren’t working on your keyboard, your keyboard layout or Fn Lock setting may be the issue. Try these alternatives:

• Disable Fn Lock (usually Fn + Esc or Fn + F1, varies by manufacturer)
• Use the boot menu key assigned for your specific computer model
• Consult your keyboard or laptop manufacturer documentation for your region

When to Stop Troubleshooting and Call a Professional

If you’ve completed all steps above and Windows still won’t start, you’re likely facing a hardware issue rather than a software problem. Hardware failures that prevent boot include:

• Hard drive failure: Common symptoms include clicking sounds during startup attempts or SMART errors
• Memory (RAM) problems: Random freezing or memory-related error codes
• Power supply issues: Computer won’t power on or randomly shuts down during boot attempts

At this point, contact a local computer repair shop or your computer manufacturer’s support line. You’ve now done all the software troubleshooting possible—a technician needs to run hardware diagnostics.

However, if Windows boots partially, shows specific error messages, or you see the same error repeatedly, document those error messages word-for-word and search for them online. Often, specific error messages lead to targeted fixes for your exact situation. Common Windows error message searches frequently yield solutions from Microsoft Support and community forums.

Prevent This Problem in the Future

Now that you’ve fixed your startup issue, keep Windows 11 healthy with these preventive steps:

Install updates when prompted: Windows updates include critical security fixes and stability improvements. Don’t postpone them—set a time that’s convenient for you and let them install fully.

Run antivirus scans monthly: Use Windows Defender (built into Windows 11) or your preferred antivirus software. A monthly scan catches infections before they corrupt system files.

Create recovery media now: While your computer works, create a recovery USB drive using Step 6 above and store it safely. You’ll have it ready if problems occur again.

Monitor hard drive health: Right-click your main drive in File Explorer > Properties > Tools > Check. Windows checks your hard drive for errors. Run this quarterly to catch potential failures early.

Set a calendar reminder: Every 3 months, spend 30 minutes maintaining your system: run Windows updates, scan for antivirus threats, check hard drive health, and back up important files. This prevents 90% of startup problems.

Using these built-in repair tools, you’ve now addressed software-based startup failures without professional help—saving time and money while keeping your files and settings intact. If you need this recovery drive again in the future, you already know which tools to use and in what order. For future prevention, stay current with Windows updates and maintain your system quarterly.