The boot cleaning process ensures that Windows operates using only those services that Microsoft provides. We launch msconfig, conceal Microsoft services, disable all others, turn off startup applications in Task Manager, and reboot. If the issue disappears, some of those that have been disabled caused it; we enable them gradually to make it come back.
When your computer hangs immediately upon logging in, an application fails on opening, or an update cannot be installed to your version of Windows, the problem is not with Windows at all. This is because there is a conflict between two applications in the background.
Checking the boot is the fastest method of doing this. The following is a guide that will take you through each step to determine this. In addition, each option and its function are explained and how to get back to default settings.
What is a clean boot?
When a clean boot launches Windows, it uses just the services that come with it, without any programs that start automatically. Neither your graphic driver settings nor your printer program or cloud sync service can launch on a clean boot.
If the problem vanishes in this situation, you will have discovered that the cause must be one of those things you turned off. It is as simple as that. You haven’t solved anything yet. You are eliminating possibilities.
Clean boot vs Safe Mode
People mix these two up all the time.
|
Clean boot |
Safe Mode |
|
|
What loads |
Windows with its normal drivers and only Microsoft services |
Windows with a minimal set of basic drivers |
|
Screen and network |
Works normally |
Low resolution, limited or no network (unless you pick Safe Mode with Networking) |
|
Best for |
Software conflicts, app crashes, failed installs |
Driver failures, malware removal, boot loops |
In case your app has problems and Windows still works well, the clean boot would be more suitable for testing. If Windows won’t even load, you should try Safe Mode.
Before you start
Take two minutes to do this. It will save you from much hassle.
- Log in as Administrator. Normal users can’t modify them. If you’re using a corporate or educational laptop, your IT support might have disabled them.
- Save your open document. Restarting your computer will be necessary.
- Make note of the security or anti-virus software you use, because the clean boot process will disable it; therefore, do not download any documents or access any unknown sites before the clean boot is completed.
- Do not change the status of Microsoft services. Remember to not deselect the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox. Disabling your own system services might lead to system corruption.
How to do a clean boot in Windows 11 and 10
The procedure is identical on both sides.
Step 1: Open System Configuration
Press Win key + R, type msconfig, then press Enter.The System Configuration window pops up.
Step 2: Choose Selective startup
Under the General tab, choose Selective Startup. Uncheck Load Startup items but keep Load system services checked.
For newer versions of Windows, the Load startup items box might be disabled. This is OK, because you will manage startup applications using Task Manager in Step 4.
Step 3: Turn off non-Microsoft services
- Click the Services tab.
- Tick Hide all Microsoft services at the bottom left. This step matters. It keeps Windows’ own services out of the list.
- Click Disable all.
In the list, there remain third-party services, including those offered by Adobe, Nvidia, Dropbox, or the company that manufactured your printer. All of them are now turned off.
Step 4: Stop startup applications from Task Manager
- After that, select the Start-up choice from the menu that pops up, and then press the Open Task Manager button.
- Right-click the apps that have Enabled and disable them.
- Close Task Manager.
Step 5: Restart your PC
Just one more time, click System Configuration and click OK followed by Restart every time that Windows prompts you to do so. You have successfully cleaned the boot of your computer.
It is quite easy to understand. It does not have any tray icons and helper applications do not pop up notifications.
What to do once you are in the clean boot
Try to recreate what went wrong. Start the same application, do the same update, or simply use your computer for ten minutes.
- The problem is no longer there because the disabled application is the source of the problem. Continue reading the next part to locate it.
- However, the issue is persistent, and this may not be due to other software. One may test the device driver, Windows update, corrupted system files (sfc /scannow using Administrative Command Prompt), or the hardware.
How can one determine the cause of the problem
Do not turn them on all at once. Rather, try to use the method called splitting. It will save you some time compared to testing items individually.
- Go back to msconfig and click on the Services tab.
- Tick the first half of the services in the list and click OK. Restart.
- Test the problem.
- In case it recurs, then it must be within this part. Disable the other part and continue.
- If it does not return, the problem lies with the other half. Activate the other half and try again.
- Keep splitting until you have one service left.
- If it is clean, make sure you do the same to the startup applications from Task Manager.
Given that there are 30 services, you would normally trace the problem after 5 to 6 restarts.
With the guilty program identified, you can upgrade, re-install, or delete it from your computer. If it is a program that you cannot do without, you can check out the web site of its developer, because such conflicts are already well-known.
How to go back to normal startup
Don’t allow your PC to be in the clean booting mode because there are some operations that won’t work in such cases.
- Windows key + R, then enter msconfig and hit Enter.
- On the General tab, choose Normal startup.
- On the Services tab, click Enable all. Untick “Hide all Microsoft services” if you want to check that nothing is left disabled.
- On the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and enable the startup apps you want back.
- Click OK and restart.
In case you find a problematic application, keep it off or remove it completely.
Common problems with a clean boot
The Disable All button is disabled. You have forgotten to check Hide all Microsoft services. Please check it first.
I am unable to log on or Windows requests a password that I have forgotten. You should use the same account you always use. Clean boot will not affect logging on.
I cannot connect to my Wi-Fi or use my printer. The Wi-Fi and printer drivers belong to the hardware company and thus are disabled during the clean boot process. They’ll be back when you start normally again.
Windows continues booting into a clean boot mode. Start msconfig, then switch to the General tab and make sure you have Normal startup checked.
I don’t know which startup application is okay to turn off. During a clean boot process, you are just disabling stuff for a little while. No deletion occurs. Everything can be enabled again.
Frequently asked questions
Is a clean boot safe?
Yes, provided that you disable only non-Microsoft startup services and programs. It affects only the startup configuration. Your files and software remain the same.
Will a clean boot delete my files?
No. It doesn’t interfere with your files, photos, or even installed applications.
How long does a clean boot take?
The whole installation process would only take five minutes. The duration required to identify the correct software would depend on 15 to 30 minutes.
Does a clean boot equal to installing a new copy of Windows?
No, since when you do a clean install, everything gets wiped out; whereas a clean boot only means changing the startup settings of the computer.
Does a clean boot speed up my PC?
It is fast but its primary objective is to solve problems and not for your everyday chores. However, if you wish to have an everlasting remedy to increase the speed of your computer, you may want to try stopping unwanted applications that start with the computer from the Task Manager.
Can I do a clean boot in Windows 7 & 8?
Yes. They are basically the same except for one thing: Startup items will be listed within msconfig rather than in Task Manager.
Final thoughts
It may take some time to get a clean boot, but there aren’t many diagnostics that will give you a definite yes or no on third-party software. Once you do it and divide the list, you will likely be able to pinpoint the problem within an hour.
When you have difficulty, let us know in the comment section what mistake you are getting and what you’ve tried. We read all of them.