How to Repair the Startup Screen on Windows 11 - 2025 Ultimate Fix

Introduction: My First Run-In with a Stuck Startup Screen

I still remember the sinking feeling I got when my Windows 11 laptop showed nothing but a spinning circle after the latest cumulative update. Everything had worked perfectly the night before. I had only closed the lid. And now? My workday was ruined. No desktop. No Safe Mode. Just... waiting.

In this article, I’m sharing everything I learned while fixing it, techniques from Microsoft, wisdom from Reddit, fixes from top YouTubers, and tricks that worked for me. If you’re stuck on the Windows 11 startup screen in 2025, you’re in the right place.

What Causes Windows 11 Startup Screen Problems

Unsuccessful Windows Updates
Driver issues (especially graphics or storage drivers)
Corrupted boot configuration (BCD)
Faulty system files or registry errors
Incorrect BIOS or UEFI settings
Damaged SSD/HDD or poor sector alignment

Let’s walk through the ways you can fix each of these without losing your files.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Force Boot into Windows Recovery Environment

To start the fix, interrupt the boot process three times. This will launch the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Steps:

Power on the PC
As soon as you see the logo, hold down the power button to force shut down
Repeat 3 times
On the 4th time, you should see Preparing Automatic Repair

2. Use Startup Repair

In the Windows Recovery screen:

Click Advanced Options
Then click Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Repair

3. Boot into Safe Mode

Sometimes, startup issues are caused by broken drivers or services. Safe Mode lets you bypass most of these.

Steps:

From the same Advanced Options screen, select Startup Settings
Click Restart
Press 4 or F4 for Safe Mode

Once inside, uninstall recent updates or drivers.

4. Roll Back or Uninstall Updates

Navigate to:

Settings → Windows Update → Update History → Uninstall Updates
Choose the latest Quality Update and uninstall

5. Restore System Using System Restore

System Restore rolls back your PC to a previously saved working state.

In WinRE:

Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore
Select a restore point
Let it complete

Command Line Fixes (SFC, DISM, CHKDSK, BOOTREC)

sfc /scannow

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd chkdsk /f /r

These commands repair corrupted system files, fix the boot record, scan your system for errors, and rebuild the boot configuration database (BCD).

BIOS/UEFI Boot Troubleshooting (Brand-Specific)

ASUS

Tap F2 or Del to enter BIOS
Disable Fast Boot and Secure Boot
Ensure Boot Device is your SSD

Dell

Tap F12 during boot
Choose Diagnostics
Then enter BIOS and reconfigure Boot Order

HP

Tap ESC or F10
Check UEFI boot settings
Enable Legacy Support only if required

Backup and Recover Your Files

If all else fails, use a Linux Live USB to boot your PC and recover your data before a clean install. You can also remove the SSD and connect it externally to another computer.

Prevention Tips

Use Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image for full disk backups
Always create a restore point before major updates
Use Windows Sandbox to test new drivers
Avoid installing drivers from unofficial sources

FAQs

Q1. Can startup issues damage my files?

Rarely. Usually, your files are untouched.

Q2. What if System Restore doesn’t show any restore points?

It might not have been enabled. Consider enabling it after recovery.

Q3. Will resetting Windows delete my files?

Only if you choose the "Remove everything" option.

Final Thoughts

Startup issues can be terrifying, but you’re not helpless. Using this guide, I’ve helped dozens of people, friends, family, and even clients, rescue their PCs without a clean install. Trust the process, follow each method in sequence, and don’t hesitate to repeat steps if needed. You got this!

How do I repair the startup screen on Windows 11?