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
- Press the Start button > open Settings
- Go to Update & Security > Recovery
- Under the Advanced startup option, click Restart now
- Wait for the computer to restart
- In the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options
- Go to the Startup settings > choose Restart
- After the computer restarts, you will be prompted the booting options.
2. Boot from the Microsoft sign-in screen
- Press the Start button > keep the Shift key pressed and click the Power button
- Select Restart
- In the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options
- Go to the Startup settings > choose Restart
- After the computer restarts, you will be prompted the booting options.
3. Boot the system from the Windows Recovery Environment
- While the computer is on, keep the Power button pressed until the PC shuts down
- Turn the PC back on
- When you see that Windows is loading, keep the Power button pressed until the PC shuts down
- Turn the PC on again
- Keep the Power button pressed until the PC shuts down again while Windows is restarting
- Press the Power button to turn the computer back on again
- After the computer fully restarts, it will open winRE.
Choose the booting option from winRE:
- In the Choose an option screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options
- Go to the Startup settings > choose Restart
- After the computer restarts, you will be prompted the booting options.
Automatic booting options
Booting option | Description |
---|---|
Enable low-resolution video mode | Runs using the lowest resolution available and the lowest refresh rate. |
Enable debugging mode | Offers certain debugging tools used by IT professionals. |
Enable boot logging | Provides a list with all the installed drivers during startup, can be used for troubleshooting. |
Enable Safe mode | Runs Windows using only the crucial programs and services. |
Disable driver signature enforcement | Enables inauthentic drivers to be installed. |
Disable early-launch anti-malware protection | Enables malicious tagged drivers to be installed. |
Disable automatic restart on system failure | Used to stop repetitive system restarts upon detecting system system failure. |
How to perform a clean boot (manually)
- Sign in using a profile with administrator privilege
- Press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard > type msconfig and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window
- Open the Services tab > check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services
- Click Disable all
- Go to the Startup tab > click Open Task Manager
- Open the Startup tab in the Task Manager window > select and Disable each program
- Close the opened windows and restart your computer.
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