A clean boot in Windows starts your computer with minimal drivers and startup programs, allowing you to isolate and resolve software conflicts. This process can help diagnose performance issues, startup problems, or conflicts with newly installed applications.
What is a Clean Boot?
A clean boot is a diagnostic startup procedure that loads Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This state helps identify software conflicts and troubleshoot various system issues by eliminating potential interference from third-party applications and services.
When to Use Clean Boot
- Troubleshooting slow system performance
- Resolving application conflicts
- Diagnosing startup issues
- Testing newly installed software
Performing a Clean Boot in Windows 10 and 11
Step 1: Sign in to Windows using an administrator account.
Step 2: Open the System Configuration utility:
- Press
Windows key + Rto open the Run dialog - Type
msconfigand press Enter
Step 3: In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Services tab:
- Check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services”
- Click “Disable all”
Step 4: Switch to the Startup tab:
- Click “Open Task Manager”
- In Task Manager, disable all startup items
Step 5: Close Task Manager and return to System Configuration:
- Click “Apply” and then “OK”
- Restart your computer when prompted
Your system will now start in a clean boot state, allowing you to troubleshoot issues more effectively.
Identifying the Problematic Software
After performing a clean boot, test your system to see if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, you can start enabling services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit:
Step 1: Re-open System Configuration (msconfig)
Step 2: Enable half of the services:
- In the Services tab, enable half of the non-Microsoft services
- Restart the computer and check if the issue reoccurs
Step 3: If the problem doesn’t return, enable half of the remaining services and repeat the process
Step 4: Once you identify the problematic service, you can research solutions specific to that software or consider uninstalling it
Returning to Normal Startup
After troubleshooting, restore your system to its normal startup configuration:
Step 1: Open System Configuration (msconfig)
Step 2: On the General tab, select “Normal startup”
Step 3: Go to the Services tab:
- Uncheck “Hide all Microsoft services”
- Click “Enable all”
Step 4: In the Startup tab, open Task Manager and re-enable desired startup items
Step 5: Click “Apply” and “OK”, then restart your computer
Tips for a Successful Clean Boot
- Create a system restore point before performing a clean boot
- Keep track of which services and startup items you disable
- Be cautious when disabling security software; temporarily enable it if you need to access the internet during troubleshooting
- If you’re unsure about a service, research it online before disabling
Alternative Troubleshooting Methods
If a clean boot doesn’t resolve your issue, consider these alternatives:
- Safe Mode: Starts Windows with even fewer drivers and services
- System Restore: Reverts system files and settings to a previous state
- Windows Update: Ensures your system has the latest patches and fixes
Clean booting is a powerful troubleshooting tool that can help resolve many Windows issues. By systematically isolating software conflicts, you can maintain a smoother, more reliable computing experience.