Automatic Repair: Your PC did not start correctly
Most likely cause: Corrupted system files or boot configuration data
Try first: Restart and let Automatic Repair run once more
Likely causes
- Corrupted system files or boot configuration datamost likely
- Failing hard drive or disk errorspossible
- Recent Windows update or driver change that broke the boot processpossible
- Malware or third-party software interfering with startupless likely
How to fix it
Restart and let Automatic Repair run once moreSafe
Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn the PC off, unplug any USB drives or new hardware, then turn it on and let Automatic Repair try again.
Run Startup RepairSafe
On the blue screen choose Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair and let it finish.
Use System RestoreChanges settings
In Advanced options choose System Restore and pick a restore point from before the problem started. Your personal files are not affected, but apps and drivers installed after that point are removed.
Uninstall the latest Windows updateChanges settings
If the problem began after an update, choose Advanced options > Uninstall Updates and remove the latest quality update first.
Check the disk for errorsDangerous
In Advanced options open Command Prompt. In recovery the Windows drive is not always C:, so first run bcdedit | find "osdevice" or dir C:\ to confirm the letter, then run chkdsk on that drive.
chkdsk C: /f /r⚠ On a failing drive, chkdsk /r can make things worse: back up important files first (or copy them off with a recovery USB). It can take hours; do not turn the PC off while it runs.
Repair system files offlineDangerous
From the recovery Command Prompt, run System File Checker against the offline Windows install (replace C: with your Windows drive letter).
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows⚠ Back up important files first if you can. Make sure the drive letters match your Windows install.
Reset this PC and keep your filesDangerous
Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files reinstalls Windows. Personal files are kept, but installed apps and settings are removed.
⚠ Back up important files first (for example by removing the drive or using a recovery USB), because a reset can fail partway.
If that didn't fix it
Boot from a Windows installation USB, choose Repair your computer, and try Startup Repair, System Restore and the Command Prompt steps from there.
When to see a technician
If you cannot reach the recovery menu, see no drives listed, or risk losing important data, take the PC to a technician.
Quick answers
- What does Automatic Repair: Your PC did not start correctly mean?
- Windows detected a startup problem and tried to fix it automatically, but the repair failed so the PC cannot boot into Windows normally.
- What causes Automatic Repair: Your PC did not start correctly?
- Corrupted system files or boot configuration data. (most likely) Failing hard drive or disk errors. (possible) Recent Windows update or driver change that broke the boot process. (possible) Malware or third-party software interfering with startup. (less likely)
- How do I fix Automatic Repair: Your PC did not start correctly?
- Try these in order, safest first: 1. Restart and let Automatic Repair run once more. 2. Run Startup Repair. 3. Use System Restore. 4. Uninstall the latest Windows update. 5. Check the disk for errors. 6. Repair system files offline. 7. Reset this PC and keep your files.
- What if that didn't fix it?
- Boot from a Windows installation USB, choose Repair your computer, and try Startup Repair, System Restore and the Command Prompt steps from there.
- When should I see a technician?
- If you cannot reach the recovery menu, see no drives listed, or risk losing important data, take the PC to a technician.