Booting

Booting a computer is the process of setting up a computer’s operating system. After the system is fully loaded, the computer can run applications and specific services.

When encountering specific system errors, users can opt to boot Windows differently.

Performing a clean boot allows the system to load with a minimum set of apps and services. This allows the user to see if a program running in the background is creating system conflicts.

There are different ways of performing a clean boot. You can choose between the automatic booting options or performing a manual clean boot.

How to access the Advanced booting options menu

Windows offers a variety of ways to automatically boot the system. There are 3 ways to access and choose the Advanced booting options.

1. Reboot from the Windows Settings

  1. Press the Start button > open Settings
  2. Go to Update & Security > Recovery
  3. Under the Advanced startup option, click Restart now
  4. Wait for the computer to restart
  5. In the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options
  6. Go to the Startup settings > choose Restart
  7. After the computer restarts, you will be prompted the booting options.

2. Boot from the Microsoft sign-in screen

  1. Press the Start button > keep the Shift key pressed and click the Power button
  2. Select Restart
  3. In the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options
  4. Go to the Startup settings > choose Restart
  5. After the computer restarts, you will be prompted the booting options.

3. Boot the system from the Windows Recovery Environment

  1. While the computer is on, keep the Power button pressed until the PC shuts down
  2. Turn the PC back on
  3. When you see that Windows is loading, keep the Power button pressed until the PC shuts down
  4. Turn the PC on again
  5. Keep the Power button pressed until the PC shuts down again while Windows is restarting
  6. Press the Power button to turn the computer back on again
  7. After the computer fully restarts, it will open winRE.

Choose the booting option from winRE:

  1. In the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options
  2. Go to the Startup settings > choose Restart
  3. After the computer restarts, you will be prompted the booting options.

Automatic booting options

Booting optionDescription
Enable low-resolution video modeRuns using the lowest resolution available and the lowest refresh rate.
Enable debugging modeOffers certain debugging tools used by IT professionals.
Enable boot loggingProvides a list with all the installed drivers during startup, can be used for troubleshooting.
Enable Safe modeRuns Windows using only the crucial programs and services.
Disable driver signature enforcementEnables inauthentic drivers to be installed.
Disable early-launch anti-malware protectionEnables malicious tagged drivers to be installed.
Disable automatic restart on system failureUsed to stop repetitive system restarts upon detecting system system failure.

How to perform a clean boot (manually)

  1. Sign in using a profile with administrator privilege
  2. Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard > type msconfig and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window
  3. Open the Services tab > check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services 
  4. Click Disable all
  5. Go to the Startup tab > click Open Task Manager
  6. Open the Startup tab in the Task Manager window > select and Disable each program
  7. Close the opened windows and restart your computer.

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