How to Repair Windows Boot Issues Using Command Prompt and Recovery Tools

Windows boot problems can be frustrating, especially when your system refuses to start properly. Fortunately, you can fix many boot-related issues using built-in Windows recovery tools and the Command Prompt. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to repair Windows boot issues without reinstalling your operating system.

Common Symptoms of Windows Boot Issues

Before diving into repairs, here are some common signs that indicate a Windows boot problem:

Black screen with blinking cursor
“Operating System Not Found” error
Boot loop or automatic restart
Windows logo freezes during startup
Missing or corrupt system files

If you’re facing any of these problems, follow the instructions below to use the Command Prompt to fix Windows startup errors.

Step 1: Access Advanced Startup Options

To access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), follow one of these methods:

If Windows Won’t Boot:
Turn on your PC and turn it off forcefully once it shows the logo. Repeat 2-3 times. This should trigger WinRE.
If Windows Is Booting:
Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu.

Once you reach the Advanced Startup screen, click:

Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt

Step 2: Run Boot Repair Commands in Command Prompt

Once the Command Prompt window opens, run the following commands one by one. These are commonly used to fix corrupted boot records and repair startup files.

1. Rebuild BCD (Boot Configuration Data)

bootrec /rebuildbcd

This scans for installed Windows installations and lets you add them to the BCD.

2. Repair MBR (Master Boot Record)

bootrec /fixmbr

This command repairs the MBR without overwriting the existing partition table.

3. Write a New Boot Sector

bootrec /fixboot

Useful for replacing a corrupted or missing boot sector.

Step 3: Check and Repair System Files

Run System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to scan and fix damaged system files:

SFC Scan:

sfc /scannow

DISM Scan:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands help repair corrupted Windows files that may prevent normal boot.

Step 4: Use Startup Repair Tool (GUI Method)

If command-line methods don’t solve the issue, go back to:

Advanced Options > Startup Repair

This automated tool scans and attempts to fix startup problems on Windows without user intervention.

Step 5: Restore System Using System Restore (Optional)

If your system was working earlier, you can try:

Advanced Options > System Restore

Choose a previous restore point to roll back system changes that might have broken the boot process.

Bonus Tip: Check Disk for Errors

Sometimes hard disk issues cause boot failure. Use the CHKDSK command:

chkdsk C: /f /r

This checks for bad sectors and attempts recovery, which can resolve hidden file system errors.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to repair Windows boot issues using Command Prompt is essential for troubleshooting your own system without expensive tech help. These tools are powerful, but they must be used carefully. Always back up important data before making system changes.

Key Takeaways:

Use bootrec to rebuild the boot configuration.
Run sfc and dism to repair system files.
Don’t ignore the Startup Repair and System Restore options.

By following this guide, you can fix common Windows boot errors and get back to productivity faster—no tech support required.

````Retro-futurism````

Friday, May 30, 2025