How to Start Windows 11/10 in Clean Boot State-Mode.

Author: Konstantinos Tsoukalas , Last updated: January 14th, 2025

In this article, we'll explain what a clean boot is, when to use it, and show you step-by-step how to perform a clean boot on Windows 10/11.

The Clean Boot State (aka "Clean Boot Mode") of Windows is a diagnostic mode that starts your system with only the basic services and programs required to operate. Starting Windows in clean boot mode helps you determine if a third-party program or service is interfering with your system's performance or causing problems.

How Clean Boot Mode works?
During clean boot, Windows starts with only the basic drivers and services required for basic operation. This allows you to determine whether the problem is caused by a third-party program or service or is due to the Windows operating system.

Why Is a Clean Boot Useful?
A clean boot is particularly useful to troubleshot problems like:

High CPU, memory, or disk usage caused by background processes.
Situations where the system becomes unresponsive, slow or unstable.
A system device is not working properly.

How to Perform a Clean boot in Windows 11/10 to Diagnose Problems.

To start your PC in clean boot state:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open the 'Run' command box.
2. In run command box, type "msconfig" press Enter to open the System Configuration utility.

3. Select the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click Disable all to turn off all non-Microsoft services. When done, click Apply.

4. Now select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.

5. In Task Manager, select each Enabled startup program and click Disable (or right-click on it and click Disable).

6. When done, close Task Manager and click OK on System Configuration utility.

7. Finally, click Restart to reboot your PC in Clean Boot state.

What to do after Windows enters in Clean Boot mode?

After starting Windows in clean boot state, check if the problem persists. Then according the result do the following:

If the problem persists and is not resolved, then it is most likely caused by a malfunction of your Windows operating system or hardware. In this case, try to repair or reinstall Windows first and if the problem remains check your hardware.
If the problem is resolved in clean boot state, then it is caused by a third-party app or service. In this case, do the following:

1. Open the System Configuration utility (msconfig.exe) again and enable all disable services and startup apps gradually* to find out which of them causes the problem.

* Note: This means to re-enable services and startup programs one by one, restarting your PC after each change until you find the problematic application or service.

2. Once you find which service or application is causing the problem, keep it disabled if you don't need it, or uninstall and reinstall it.

Conclusion

A Clean Boot State is a powerful yet simple method to diagnose and resolve software-related issues in Windows. By temporarily disabling third-party services and startup programs, it allows you to isolate the root cause of performance problems, application crashes, or system errors. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to perform a clean boot and restore your PC’s functionality.

That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.

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Konstantinos Tsoukalas

Konstantinos is the founder and administrator of Wintips.org. Since 1995 he works and provides IT support as a computer and network expert to individuals and large companies. He is specialized in solving problems related to Windows or other Microsoft products (Windows Server, Office, Microsoft 365, etc.).

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