Summary. When you use the Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to troubleshoot startup issues, first try the Startup Repair option in the System Recovery Options dialog box. If this does not resolve the issue, or if you have to manually troubleshoot additional issues, use the Bootrec.exe tool.

Use the Bootcfg utility in the Recovery Console to correct the Boot.ini file: Use the Windows XP CD-ROM to start your computer. When you receive the message to press R to repair Windows by using the Recovery Console, press the R key. Select the Windows installation that you want, and then type the administrator password when prompted.

Ways to install Windows 11. Windows help & learning. Learn how to change settings to enable Secure Boot if you are not able to upgrade to Windows 11 because your PC is not currently Secure Boot capable.

If the steps above don't work, you may need to reinstall Windows. For more info, see Windows 10 recovery options. Describes how to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files in Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista.

Windows 7. The Advanced Boot Options screen lets you start Windows in advanced troubleshooting modes. You can access the menu by turning on your computer and pressing the F8 key before Windows starts. Some options, such as safe mode, start Windows in a limited state, where only the bare essentials are started.

Connect a USB drive to your PC, select it, and then select Next. Select Create. Many files need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a while. If you ever need to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 11 on your PC, see Recovery options in Windows for further instructions.

Windows 10. Symptoms. When trying to boot Windows, you receive the error: An operating system wasn’t found. Try disconnecting any drives that don’t contain an operating system. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart. Resolution. A bootable USB or DVD with Windows 7 or higher is needed to bring up the Command Prompt.

Use the Startup Repair function. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Use installation media to restore your PC. Use a recovery drive to restore or recover your PC. Go back to your previous version of Windows. Restore from a system restore point. Learn about the recovery options in Windows.

Windows 7. Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020. We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. Learn more. The System Recovery Options menu contains several tools, such as Startup Repair, that can help you recover Windows from a serious error.

To change startup settings in your computer's BIOS. Learn how to create a disk that can be used to start (boot) your computer and access system recovery options.