How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows

A clean boot is a handy troubleshooting technique that helps you start Windows with just the bare essentials—minimal drivers and startup programs. This method is great for identofying software conflicts that might be behind performance issues, application crashes or pesky errors.

What is a Clean Boot?

Essentially, a clean boot gets your system running with only the crucial services and programs that Windows needs. It temporarily turns off third-party applications, non-essential services and startup programs, making it easier to track down what might be causing your system issues.

You might find a clean boot particularly useful in situations like:

• Diagnosing software conflicts.
• Fixing application errors.
• Improving system performance.

Steps to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows

Step 1: Open the System Configuration Tool

1. Start by pressing Windows + R to bring up the Run dialog box.
2. Type in msconfig and hit Enter.

Step 2: Configure a Clean Boot

1. In the System Configuration window, head over to the Services tab.
2. Make sure to check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services" to keep essential Windows services running.
3. Then, click on "Disable all" to turn off all third-party services.

Step 3: Manage Startup Programs

1. Next, go to the Startup tab and click on "Open Task Manager."
2. In Task Manager, you can disable all startup programs by right-clicking on each one and selecting "Disable."
3. Once you’re done, close Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

Finally, click OK in the System Configuration window and restart your PC. Your computer will now boot up with just the essential services and programs running.

After the Clean Boot

1. Test the Issue: First, check if the problem still exists while in the clean boot state.
2. Identify the Conflict: Gradually turn on services and startup programs to pinpoint the one causing the issue.
   • Go back to System Configuration > Services to re-enable each service individually.
   • Use Task Manager to activate startup programs one at a time.
3. Restore Normal Boot:
   • Open System Configuration, choose Normal startup under the General tab, and then restart your computer.

Final Thoughts

A clean boot is a straightforward yet effective method for diagnosing and fixing software-related problems in Windows. By simplifying the system to its core components, you can identify conflicts and enhance performance without resorting to extreme measures. It’s an essential first step in troubleshooting and knowing how to execute and reverse it empowers you to keep your system running smoothly and stably.

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