How to Fix a Windows 10 PC That Needs Repair

If your Windows 10 PC is showing signs that it needs repair, such as failing to boot or error messages, you can try the following methods to troubleshoot and fix the issue. This guide will walk you through several steps that may help resolve your Windows 10 problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Startup Repair

To start, you can initiate a Startup Repair through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Restart your PC and interrupt the boot process three times as it starts loading Windows to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair from the WinRE menu. Follow the on-screen prompts. Windows will attempt to diagnose and fix startup issues automatically.

2. System Restore

If Startup Repair doesn’t work, consider restoring your system to a previous point where it was functioning correctly.

Access the Recovery Environment as described above. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. Follow the prompts to select a restore point and restore your system.

3. Command Prompt

For more advanced troubleshooting, you can use the Command Prompt.

Access the Recovery Environment. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt. Use the following commands in the Command Prompt: To check for disk errors and fix them: chkdsk /f /r C: To rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store: bootrec /rebuildbcd To fix the Master Boot Record (MBR): bootrec /fixmbr To fix the boot loader: bootrec /fixboot

4. Reset This PC

If none of the above methods work, you can reset your PC. This will reinstall Windows 10 but will allow you to choose whether to keep your files or to remove everything.

Access the Recovery Environment. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. Choose whether to keep your files or remove everything and follow the prompts.

5. Reinstall Windows 10

As a final measure, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. You will need a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 installation media.

Create the installation media using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Boot from the USB drive and follow the installation prompts.

Additional Tips

Backup Important Data: Before proceeding with any repairs or resetting, it is highly recommended to back up your important data if possible. Check Hardware: Sometimes hardware issues, such as a failing hard drive or RAM problems, can cause issues. Make sure to check your hardware if software solutions don’t resolve the problem. If you continue to experience issues, it may be helpful to consult a professional technician.