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How to solve startup nsh?

Published in Boot Error Resolution 6 mins read

The startup.nsh error typically indicates an issue with your system's boot process, often solvable by adjusting BIOS/UEFI settings or ensuring proper boot device recognition.

What is startup.nsh?

When your computer boots, it executes firmware code to initialize hardware and then attempts to load an operating system. Modern systems use UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), which often includes a UEFI Shell. The startup.nsh file is a script that the UEFI Shell might try to execute automatically at boot. If your system is unexpectedly dropping into the UEFI Shell and showing this error, it usually means it couldn't find a valid bootable operating system or a configured boot path.

Common Causes of the startup.nsh Error

This error frequently points to underlying issues preventing your system from booting directly into your operating system. Some common causes include:

  • Incorrect Boot Order: The system is trying to boot from a non-bootable device (like a USB stick without an OS, or an unformatted drive) before your main hard drive.
  • Missing or Unrecognized Boot Device: Your hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) containing the operating system is not being detected by the motherboard.
  • Corrupted Boot Files: Essential operating system boot files might be damaged or missing.
  • BIOS/UEFI Configuration Errors: Settings within your system's firmware, such as boot mode (UEFI vs. Legacy/CSM) or secure boot, might be misconfigured.
  • Loose Cables: The data or power cables connected to your hard drive might be loose or faulty.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Resolve startup.nsh

Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix the startup.nsh error:

1. Exit the UEFI Shell Prompt

If you're presented with a shell prompt (e.g., Shell>, FS0:>, FS1:>), your first step is often to exit it to see if the system can find another boot option or to access BIOS/UEFI settings.

  • Action: At the shell prompt, type exit and then press Enter.
  • Insight: This command tells the UEFI Shell to cease execution and often returns control to the firmware, which might then proceed to the next boot option or the BIOS/UEFI setup menu.

2. Skip the startup.nsh Script Execution

Sometimes, the system attempts to run startup.nsh but would proceed to boot correctly if it just skipped that script.

  • Action: If a startup.nsh window or prompt appears, press the ESC key within one second to bypass its execution.
  • Insight: This quick action can sometimes allow the system to proceed with its default boot sequence, potentially loading your operating system if the startup.nsh file itself isn't critical or is misconfigured.

3. Restore BIOS/UEFI Defaults

Misconfigured BIOS/UEFI settings are a frequent cause of boot issues. Restoring defaults can often resolve these by setting everything back to a known working state.

  • Action:
    1. Reboot your PC. As it starts, repeatedly press the designated key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup (commonly Del, F2, F10, or F12 – check your motherboard manual if unsure).
    2. Once in the BIOS/UEFI interface, navigate to the Exit or Save & Exit section.
    3. Look for an option like Load Optimized Defaults, Load Setup Defaults, Restore Defaults, or Load Factory Defaults. Select this option.
    4. Confirm your choice, then select Save Changes and Exit.
  • Insight: This action resets various settings, including boot order, drive configurations, and more, which can often resolve conflicts preventing proper boot.

4. Verify Hard Drive/SSD Recognition

Your computer cannot boot from an operating system if it doesn't even detect the drive it's installed on.

  • Action:
    1. Enter your PC's BIOS/UEFI setup (as described in step 3).
    2. Navigate to sections like Storage, Boot, SATA Configuration, or Main to see a list of detected drives.
    3. Ensure that your hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) where your operating system is installed is listed and recognized by the motherboard.
  • Insight: If your drive is not listed, it could indicate a loose cable, a faulty drive, or a problem with the SATA/NVMe port on your motherboard. Power down your PC, check all cables to the drive (power and data), and re-seat them firmly.

5. Adjust Boot Order

Even if your drive is detected, the system might be trying to boot from another non-bootable device first.

  • Action:
    1. Access your BIOS/UEFI setup.
    2. Go to the Boot section or Boot Priority menu.
    3. Ensure that your primary hard drive or SSD (e.g., "Windows Boot Manager" or the name of your drive) is set as the first boot option.
    4. If you have other devices like USB drives or network boot options, ensure they are lower in priority or disabled if not needed.
    5. Save changes and exit.
  • Insight: This ensures your PC looks for the operating system on the correct drive before attempting other options that might lead back to the UEFI Shell.

6. Check for UEFI/Legacy Boot Mode Compatibility

Sometimes, the boot mode (UEFI or Legacy/CSM) can cause issues if it doesn't match how your operating system was installed.

  • Action:
    1. In BIOS/UEFI, look for settings related to Boot Mode, CSM (Compatibility Support Module), or UEFI/Legacy.
    2. If your OS was installed in UEFI mode, ensure UEFI is selected and CSM is disabled. If your OS was installed in Legacy mode, ensure Legacy or CSM is enabled.
    3. Note: Changing this setting might temporarily prevent your system from booting if it doesn't match your OS installation. You may need to experiment.
  • Insight: An OS installed in one mode won't boot if the firmware is set to the other, often leading to a shell prompt or boot failure.

7. Advanced Troubleshooting (If all else fails)

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, consider these more advanced options:

  • Check SATA Controller Mode: In BIOS/UEFI, under Storage or SATA Configuration, ensure the SATA controller mode is set correctly (e.g., AHCI for most modern systems, or RAID if you have a RAID setup).
  • Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD): For Windows users, if boot files are corrupted, you might need to use a Windows installation media (USB or DVD) to access the Recovery Environment and use commands like bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, and bootrec /rebuildbcd.
  • Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware: As a last resort, updating your motherboard's firmware can sometimes resolve obscure compatibility or boot issues, but this is an advanced process with risks and should only be done if other solutions fail. Always follow your motherboard manufacturer's instructions precisely.

By systematically working through these steps, you can diagnose and resolve the startup.nsh error and get your system booting correctly again.

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