What is a Clean Boot?
Clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. The method finds the background program behind a conflict, for example a crash after an update or an app that fails to start.
Microsoft states that Safe Mode differs, because a clean environment gives greater control to isolate the source of a problem. Windows looks normal, and only the extra startup items are off.
How do You Perform a Clean Boot?
Sign in with an administrator account first. These steps match the Microsoft guide for Windows 11, and Windows 10 uses the same System Configuration tool.
- Search for msconfig and open System Configuration.
- Select the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Select Disable all, then select Apply.
- Select the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
- In the Startup apps list, disable every enabled item. Note the items you disable.
- Close Task Manager and select OK in System Configuration.
- Restart the PC. Windows starts in the clean boot environment.
How do You Clean Boot Windows 7 and 8?
Windows 7 and 8 use msconfig too. In Windows 7, open the General tab, select Selective startup and clear Load startup items. Then open Services, check Hide all Microsoft services, select Disable all and restart.
In Windows 8, the Startup tab opens Task Manager, where you disable items one by one.
What do You do After the Restart?
Test the problem that made you start. If the problem is gone, a disabled program caused it. Enable the programs again in small groups and restart after every group until the problem returns.
Outlook closing at startup or freezing? A startup program can be the cause. Read why Outlook crashes on opening the calendar.
How do You Return to Normal Startup?
- Open System Configuration from search.
- On the General tab, select Normal startup.
- On the Services tab, clear Hide all Microsoft services and select Enable all.
- On the Startup tab, open Task Manager and enable the items you noted.
- Select OK and restart when prompted.
What should You Know Before You Start?
- The PC can lose some functions until you reset it.
- Network policy settings on a work PC can block these steps.
- Microsoft advises using System Configuration for boot options only with guidance from a support engineer.
- If Windows cannot start, these steps do not work. After several failed restarts, Windows opens the Recovery Environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Method do?
It starts Windows with only essential drivers and startup programs, so you can find which program causes a problem.
What is the Difference From Safe Mode?
Safe Mode loads a minimal Windows. A clean environment starts normal Windows without extra startup items and gives more control to isolate a problem.
Do You Need an Administrator Account?
Yes. Microsoft requires an administrator sign in for these steps.
How do You Open System Configuration?
Search for msconfig in the Windows search box and open System Configuration.
How do You Return to Normal Startup?
Select Normal startup on the General tab, enable all services and re-enable your startup items in Task Manager.
Can Network Policy Block the Steps?
Yes. Microsoft notes that network policy settings on a connected PC can block the steps.
What if Windows will Not Start?
The steps need a working Windows. After several failed restarts, Windows opens the Recovery Environment.
Author's Verdict
Use the method when a program conflict is the likely cause and Safe Mode is too limited.
Record every item you disable so the reset takes minutes.
Key Takeaways
- The steps need an administrator account.
- Hide Microsoft services, disable the rest and restart.
- Reset to normal startup after the test.
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