If you cannot start Windows in normal mode, you can boot up in Safe Mode and then use System Restore to revert the PC to a time when it could start without errors. This Windows built-in feature can restore your computer to a stable state without having to reinstall the operating system should data corruption occur. It backs up all system and registry files that are essential to running Windows and allows you to repair the device by restoring Windows to a previous configuration state called “restore point” without affecting any of your personal files.
ⓘ Note: To perform the System Restore, you must be logged on to Windows as an administrator.
To use System Restore, follow these steps:
In Windows 10 and Windows 11
- Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
- Click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner, type System Restore and click on Create a Restore Point.
- Click on the System Restore button.
- Click Next, follow the wizard steps, and you should be able to boot up the system in normal mode.
In Windows 8 and Windows 8.1
- Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
- From the Windows Start screen, locate Control Panel (for example, you can start typing “Control Panel” directly in the Start search bar) and then click its icon.
- Select Recovery and then Open System Restore.
- Follow the wizard steps and you should be able to boot up the system in normal mode.
In Windows 7
- Restart the computer in Safe Mode.
- Follow this path from the Windows Start menu: > > > .
- Follow the wizard steps and you should be able to boot up the system in normal mode.