How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows and Why It Matters

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What Is Clean Boot on a Windows PC

A clean boot in Windows is a troubleshooting technique that helps you identify software conflicts causing issues with your computer. Moreover, it lets you start your Windows device with the essential system services and drivers loaded.

It temporarily disables all non-essential programs and startup items to achieve that state. This creates a bare-bones environment, isolating the potential culprit behind your problem.

How to Perform a Clean Boot on Windows 11

Follow the simple instructions below to perform a clean boot on your Windows device:

Step 1:PressWindows+Son your keyboard, typeSystem Configuration, and hitEnter. In the pop-up window, selectYes.

Step 2:Head to theServicestab, check the box next toHide all Microsoft services, and click theDisable allbutton.

Step 3:Navigate to theStartuptab and click theOpen Task Manageroption.

Step 4:Under theStatussection, check all the enabled applications. Now, right-click on them and chooseDisable.

Note:Make sure each of those apps is disabled.

Step 5:Close theTask Manageronce done.

Step 6:Return to the System Configuration window and clickApplyandOK.

Step 7:Finally, restart your Windows device.

Disabling services and startup apps can affect specific software or hardware functionality. If you encounter issues after disabling items, you may need to re-enable them selectively. When in a clean environment, check if the problem persists.

If your device works well in a minimal environment, go ahead and enable all the apps one by one; this will help you find the app causing this issue. Here’s how to do so:

Step 1:Launch the Task Manager by pressingCtrl+Shift+Escon your keyboard. ChooseYeswhen prompted.

Step 2:Head to theStartup apps, right-click on each app, and selectEnable.

Step 3:Restart your device each time you enable an app and check if the issue arises.

Step 4:Repeating this process will help you find the culprit behind the troubles on your device.

What Windows PC Issues Can a Clean Boot Fix?

Now that you’re well aware of what a clean boot does, let’s check when you should use it:

Also Read:How to fix Blue Screen of Death when PC is idle on Windows 11.

FAQs

  1. Are clean boot and Windows recovery the same?

No, a clean boot and Windows recovery are not the same. Windows recovery returns the operating system to a prior state. In contrast, a clean boot is a troubleshooting technique in Windows that boots the system with a minimal set of drivers.

  1. Does a clean boot erase everything?

No, a clean boot does not completely erase your computer’s contents. It focuses on disabling non-essential startup programs and services to identify and troubleshoot potential software conflicts.

  1. Is a clean boot safe?

Yes, a clean boot is safe. It is a diagnostic procedure recommended by Microsoft to troubleshoot and identify issues with third-party software or drivers causing problems on your system.

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Last updated on 27 August, 2024

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