If Windows does not start, force it off three times during startup to open the recovery menu, or use a Windows installation USB > Repair your computer. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.
Work through these checks
0 of 7 complete01Start in Safe Mode
Microsoft recommends Safe Mode to isolate the cause, because it loads only basic drivers and services.
- In the recovery menu choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press 4 for Safe Mode or 5 for Safe Mode with Networking.
Windows starts in Safe Mode.
If it does not helpIf Safe Mode works, a third-party program or driver is the likely cause; continue with step 2. If it does not, go to step 3.
02Remove recently installed software
Microsoft says third-party software is the most common culprit and should be removed or disabled to isolate the cause.
- In Safe Mode, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, sort by install date, and uninstall programs and drivers added just before the problem started.
- Pay attention to antivirus, VPN, system tweaking, theme or sign-in customization tools.
- Restart normally.
Keep Microsoft Defender on when you remove another antivirus.
Windows starts without the stop code.
If it does not helpContact the program's maker about an update before reinstalling it.
03Uninstall the latest update or use System Restore
If the error started after an update or a software change, returning to the previous state is the fastest fix.
- In the recovery menu, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates and remove the latest quality update.
- Or choose System Restore and pick a point from before the problem.
System Restore removes apps and drivers installed after the restore point, but not personal files.
Windows starts normally.
If it does not helpPause updates for a week and install them again later.
04Repair system files
Microsoft lists mismatched system files as a cause and recommends SFC.
- In Windows or Safe Mode, open Terminal (Admin) and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow.
- If Windows does not start, run sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows from the recovery Command Prompt (check the drive letter with dir first).
SFC reports no remaining problems.
If it does not helpIf you restored the disk from a backup, check whether a newer version of the backup program is available, as Microsoft suggests.
05Scan for malware
Microsoft recommends a virus scan that also checks the Master Boot Record.
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
- Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now.
No threats are found, or they are removed.
If it does not helpIf threats were found, repeat step 4 afterwards.
06Check the Event Viewer
Microsoft recommends checking the System log for critical errors from the same time as the crash.
- Open Event Viewer (Win + R, eventvwr.msc) > Windows Logs > System.
- Look for critical errors and failed services just before the restart, and search the named program or driver.
You find the program or driver involved.
If it does not helpUpdate or remove it, and check that Windows is current (Win + R, winver, then Windows Update).
07Reset Windows if nothing else works
A reset replaces all system files when they cannot be repaired.
- Back up your files, if necessary by connecting the disk to another PC.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files.
Reset this PC removes installed apps even when you keep your files.
Windows starts normally.
If it does not helpReinstall programs one at a time and watch whether the error returns.
Possible causes
- A newly installed or updated driver, service or program
- Mismatched or damaged system files, for example after a backup restore
- A Windows update that did not install completely
- Malware
- Security or system tweaking software interfering with sign-in
Useful Windows tools
These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.
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