How to Repair Windows 10?

Repairing Windows 10 involves a range of methods designed to address various issues, from minor software glitches to critical startup failures. The most effective approach depends on the specific problem you're encountering, with solutions ranging from automated fixes to full system resets.

1. Utilizing Startup Repair for Boot Issues

When Windows 10 fails to start correctly, Startup Repair is often the first and most effective solution. This automated tool diagnoses and fixes common boot problems that prevent your operating system from loading.

Steps to Perform Startup Repair:

Access Windows Search by clicking the search icon or pressing Win + S.
Type "Advanced Startup Options" and select "Change advanced startup options" from the search results.
In the "Advanced startup" section, click the "Restart now" button. Your computer will then restart into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
Once in WinRE, navigate through the options presented:
- Select "Troubleshoot".
- Choose "Advanced options".
- Click on "Startup Repair".
Follow the on-screen prompts. You may need to select your user account and enter its password to proceed.
The repair process will then scan your computer for issues preventing Windows from loading and attempt to fix them automatically.

For more information on Windows 10 recovery options, including Startup Repair, visit the Microsoft Support page.

2. Restoring System Files with SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can lead to instability, crashes, and various errors. Windows 10 provides two powerful command-line tools to address this: System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).

Using System File Checker (SFC):

Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing "cmd" into Windows Search, right-clicking "Command Prompt," and selecting "Run as administrator."
In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
This command will scan all protected system files for corruption and replace them with correct versions from the system cache. The process may take some time to complete.

Learn more about using the SFC tool from Microsoft's documentation.

Using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM):

If SFC fails to repair files, or if Windows is too unstable, DISM can repair the Windows image itself, which SFC relies upon.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator (as described above).
Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
This command will use Windows Update to provide files needed to fix corruptions. Ensure you have an active internet connection. This process can also take a while to complete.

For detailed information on DISM, refer to Microsoft Docs.

3. Reverting Changes with System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your computer's system files, installed applications, Windows Registry, and system settings to a previous point in time, called a restore point. This is useful for undoing recent changes (like a driver update or software installation) that might have caused issues, without affecting your personal documents.

Steps to Use System Restore:

Access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) using the same method as for Startup Repair (go to Advanced Startup Options and Restart now).
From WinRE, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "System Restore."
Follow the wizard, select a recommended restore point or choose a different one, and then click Next and Finish to begin the restoration.

Find out more about creating and using restore points on Microsoft Support.

4. Resetting Your PC

If other repair methods fail, Reset this PC is a more drastic but often effective solution. It reinstalls Windows 10 while giving you the option to keep or remove your personal files. This can resolve deep-seated software problems or performance issues.

Options for Resetting Your PC:

Go to Settings (Win + I).
Navigate to Update & Security > Recovery.
Under the "Reset this PC" section, click "Get started."
You will be presented with two main options:
- Keep my files: This option removes installed apps and settings but preserves your personal files. It then reinstalls Windows.
- Remove everything: This option completely wipes all your personal files, installed apps, and settings, effectively performing a clean reinstall of Windows. This is ideal if you're selling the PC or dealing with severe corruption or malware.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

For a comprehensive guide on resetting your Windows 10 PC, visit the Microsoft Support page.

5. Performing a Clean Installation (Last Resort)

A clean installation is the most comprehensive way to repair Windows 10, essentially starting fresh with a brand new operating system. This should be considered a last resort when all other repair options have failed, as it involves formatting your primary drive and reinstalling Windows from scratch.

Key Considerations for a Clean Installation:

Backup everything: All data on the installation drive will be erased, so ensure you have backups of important files.
Create bootable media: You'll need a USB drive (at least 8GB) with the Windows 10 installation media, typically created using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
Reinstall drivers and software: After installation, you'll need to reinstall all your device drivers and applications.

6. Troubleshooting with Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. This environment is crucial for diagnosing problems, uninstalling problematic software, or running antivirus scans when Windows behaves erratically or fails to load correctly in normal mode.

How to Enter Safe Mode:

Access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) (go to Advanced Startup Options and Restart now).
Select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" > "Restart."
After the restart, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode, or 5 or F5 to start in Safe Mode with Networking.

Learn more about starting your PC in Safe Mode from Microsoft Support.

Overview of Common Problems and Solutions

The table below summarizes typical Windows 10 issues and the most appropriate repair methods.

Problem Symptom	Recommended Repair Method(s)	Description
Windows won't boot / Startup errors	Startup Repair, System Restore, Safe Mode	Addresses critical issues preventing the operating system from loading.
Slow performance / Frequent crashes	SFC, DISM, System Restore, Reset this PC (Keep my files)	Fixes underlying system corruption or reverts to a stable state.
Corrupted system files / Blue Screen errors	SFC, DISM	Repairs integrity of core Windows files, crucial for system stability.
Driver conflicts / Software incompatibility	Safe Mode, System Restore, Update/Rollback Drivers	Allows for diagnosing and resolving issues in a minimalist environment or undoing recent changes.
Persistent malware / Severe system damage	Reset this PC (Remove everything), Clean Installation	Drastic measures to completely refresh or reinstall the operating system, eliminating deep-seated problems.