When the "Windows Cannot Start" error occurs, it is usually due to software or driver issues during startup. Solutions include: 1. Check for recent software or driver updates, and try to enter safe mode to uninstall the latest updates or drivers; 2. Use Windows installation media to enter the recovery environment and run the startup repair tool; 3. Run the bootrec and sfc commands through the command prompt to repair the boot and system files; 4. Finally, consider using the system restore or reset this computer function to restore the system. If there is no recovery driver, you can create it from another computer and it is recommended to back up files regularly in case problems occur.

When you see the error "Windows could not start because of a problem," it usually means something went wrong during the boot process — often related to a recent software or driver change. The good news is that this isn't always a major hardware failure. In most cases, you can fix it with a few standard troubleshooting steps.

Check for recent software or driver updates

One of the most common causes of this error is a problematic driver or system update. Windows may try to apply a change that conflicts with your hardware or other installed software, and it can't recover on its own.

• If you see the error right after an update, try booting into Safe Mode.
• If Safe Mode works, uninstall the most recent update or driver.
• You can do this through Settings > Update & Security > View update history > Uninstall updates or through Device Manager for drivers.

If you're not sure what changed, start by removing any updates or drivers installed in the last few days.

Use Startup Repair from recovery media

If Windows can't start normally, you'll need to use a recovery environment to fix it. This usually means having a Windows installation USB drive or DVD handy.

Here's what to do:

• Insert the installation media and restart your PC.
• Press any key when prompted to boot from the media.
• Choose your language and click Repair your computer .
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair .

This tool scans your system for boot-related issues and tries to fix them automatically. It's not perfect, but it works in many cases — especially if the problem is a corrupted boot configuration.

Repair system files using Command Prompt

If Startup Repair doesn't work, you can try manually repairing system files using the Command Prompt in the recovery environment.

Steps:

• From the same Troubleshoot > Advanced Options menu, choose Command Prompt .
• Run the following commands one by one:

   bootrec /fixmbr
  bootrec /fixboot
  bootrec /rebuildbcd
  sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

These commands help fix boot sector issues and scan for missing or corrupted system files.

Make sure to run them in order and wait for each to finish before typing the next. If you get errors, note them down — they can help identify what's really wrong.

Consider system restore or reset

If all else fails, you might need to restore your system to a previous state or reset it completely.

• System Restore can roll your system files back to a time before the issue started (without deleting your personal files).
• Reset this PC is more drastic — it reinstalls Windows and can either keep your files or remove everything.

To try this:

• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore or Reset this PC .
• You'll need your Microsoft account credentials if you use one.

This is a last-resort option, but it often resolves deep system issues that other tools can't fix.

If you don't have a recovery drive, you can create one from another Windows PC. It's also a good idea to back up your files regularly — especially before major updates.

Basically that's it.

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