How to Run Startup Repair in Windows 10

To run Startup Repair in Windows 10, open the Windows Recovery Environment and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Windows checks for problems that stop it from starting, fixes what it can, and restarts.

If Windows still starts, get there from Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. If it won’t start, turn the PC off during startup twice, and Windows opens the recovery screen on the third try.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.

Open the recovery screen from Windows

1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.

You can also hold Shift while you select Power > Restart.

Open the recovery screen when Windows won’t start

1. Turn on the PC. As soon as the Windows or maker logo appears, press and hold the power button until it turns off.
2. Do this a second time.
3. Turn it on a third time. Windows shows Preparing Automatic Repair, then the Automatic Repair screen.
4. Select Advanced options.

No luck? Start from a Windows 10 USB drive, select your language, then select Repair your computer instead of Install now. See how to create a bootable Windows 10 USB.

Run Startup Repair

1. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot.
2. Select Advanced options.
3. Select Startup Repair.

4. If asked, choose your account and enter its password.
5. Wait while Windows diagnoses your PC. This can take several minutes. Don’t turn off the PC.

When it’s done, your PC restarts. If Windows starts normally, you’re done.

If Startup Repair can’t repair your PC

You’ll see Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC. Select Advanced options and try these in order:

1. Uninstall Updates: if the problem began after an update, remove the latest quality update.
2. System Restore: go back to a restore point from before the problem. See how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date.
3. Startup Settings: restart into Safe Mode to remove a bad driver or app. See how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode.
4. Command Prompt: type chkdsk C: /f to check the drive for errors.
5. Reset this PC: under Troubleshoot, reinstall Windows. You can keep your files, but you’ll need to reinstall apps.

The details of what Startup Repair tried are in C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt.

If Startup Repair runs every time you start

• Unplug USB drives, memory cards, and other extras, then restart.
• Check that your startup drive is first in the boot order. See how to enter BIOS or UEFI in Windows 10.
• If your drive clicks or isn’t detected, back up what you can and replace it.

Frequently asked questions

Will Startup Repair delete my files?

No. It only fixes startup settings and files. Reset this PC is the option that can remove things.

How long does Startup Repair take?

Usually a few minutes. If it seems stuck for over an hour, hold the power button to turn off the PC and try again.

Can I run Startup Repair from inside Windows?

No. It only runs in the recovery screen, before Windows loads.

To check the drive for errors, see how to run CHKDSK in Windows 10.

If Windows starts but crashes with a blue screen, see how to fix a blue screen error in Windows 10.

If Startup Repair can’t fix your PC, see how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings.

If Windows starts but still has problems, see how to repair Windows 10 without losing files.

To reach the recovery options from Windows, hold Shift while you restart. See how to restart Windows 10.

If Windows won’t start at all, you can open these tools from a Windows 10 recovery USB drive.

For other ways to open the repair tools, see how to enter recovery mode in Windows 10.

If Windows can’t reach the repair tools on its own, see how to recover Windows 10 from a USB drive.

Microsoft’s guide is Windows recovery environment. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.