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.

Learn how to optimize system performance by managing startup applications in Windows.

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.

There are different ways to remove apps and programs, so if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can try another location. Note that some apps and programs are built into Windows and can't be uninstalled. You can try to repair a program first, if it's just not running correctly.

System Configuration is a system utility that allows you to troubleshoot issues with Windows startup. It provides options to customize the startup process, including the ability to enable or disable software, control startup services, and access other advanced system settings.

Windows 11 might shut down or restart unexpectedly when a serious problem occurs, causing you to briefly see an error message, such as “Your device ran into a problem and needs to restart.” Windows 11 will then restart automatically.

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.

Learn how to run System File Checker in Windows to check if your computer has problems with files.

First, you'll need to download the troubleshooter. Download troubleshooter. If you see the File Download box when you start downloading, select Run or Open. The troubleshooter provides steps for you to follow. If a program isn't listed in the uninstall options, you'll be asked for that program's product code.

To return your computer to a normal startup, follow the steps in the section, Reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting. If the installation or uninstallation still fails, that means this issue is not caused by interference from a service or an app.