When critical Windows system files are missing or corrupted, your operating system may begin to malfunction. Common symptoms include Windows features not working properly, system errors, or Windows becoming unresponsive or freezing.

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool that can fix certain system problems that might prevent Windows from starting. It scans your computer for the problem and then tries to fix it so your computer can start correctly.

The installation file is typically named Autorun.exe or Setup.exe, but this may vary. If you're not sure, check the Readme file in the folder for instructions about how to run the installation process.

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but we recommend moving to Windows 11. Learn more. Note: Use these steps for Windows programs.

Windows provides a variety of configuration tools tailored to meet the needs of different users. These built-in tools facilitate your device's customization and monitoring, allowing you to change Windows' configuration to suit your preferences and requirements with precision.

Follow the steps in the section, How to start the Windows Installer service when system services are not loaded. Then try installing or uninstalling the app or update again. If the installation or uninstallation is successful, your issue is resolved.

To help determine the cause of the problem, a stop code, such as PAGE_FAULT_IN_NONPAGED_AREA or MEMORY_MANAGEMENT will appear at the bottom of the screen, and if available, the module name of the code that was being executed at the time the problem occurred.

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When you tried to open Device Manager or the Computer Management window, you received an error message that resembles the following: MMC cannot open the file C:\WINDOWS\system32\devmgmt.msc. This may be because the file does not exist, is not the MMC console, or was created by a later version of MMC.

To run a Control Panel tool in Windows, type the appropriate command in the Open box or at a command prompt. NOTE: If you want to run a command from a command prompt, you must do so from the Windows folder.