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Fix Windows Failed to Start: A Recent Hardware or Software Change Might Be the Cause

If you encounter the error message stating, "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause," it typically indicates that a new hardware or software installation could be responsible. To identify the root cause, troubleshooting is crucial. Below are some common reasons for this issue:

  • Corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data)
  • Damaged System Files
  • Loose or Faulty SATA/IDE Cable
  • Conflicting Third-party Software
  • Malware or Virus Infection

The error will persist upon reboot, trapping you in a continuous reboot loop. To get your Windows back up and running, follow the comprehensive troubleshooting methods outlined below.

Fix Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

Method 1: Run Startup/Automatic Repair

  1. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD or Recovery Disc and restart your PC.
  2. When prompted to "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD," press any key.
  3. Select your language preferences, and click Next. Then, click on Repair your computer.
  4. On the "Choose an option" screen, click Troubleshoot.
  5. Click on the Advanced options screen, and select Automatic Repair or Startup Repair.
  6. Wait for the repair to complete, then restart and check if the issue is resolved.

Also Read: How to fix Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC.

Method 2: Boot into Last Known Good Configuration

  1. Restart your Windows 10.
  2. Enter BIOS setup and configure your PC to boot from CD/DVD.
  3. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD and restart your PC.
  4. When prompted, press any key to continue.
  5. Select your language preferences, and click Next. Then choose Repair your computer.
  6. On the Troubleshooting screen, click Advanced options and then Command Prompt.
  7. Type C: and hit enter.
  8. Enter the command: 
    BCDEDIT /SET {DEFAULT} BOOTMENUPOLICY LEGACY
  9. Close Command Prompt and click continue to restart Windows.
  10. On the Boot Options screen, select Last Known Good Configuration (Advanced).

Method 3: Perform a System Restore

  1. Input the Windows installation media or Recovery Drive and select your language preferences, then click Next.
  2. Click on Repair your computer.
  3. Choose Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced options.
  4. Select System Restore and follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  5. Restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 4: Run SFC and CHKDSK

  1. Access the command prompt from the installation disk using the previous method.
  2. Enter the following commands:
    3. sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
  3. Exit the command prompt and restart your PC.

Method 5: Rebuild BCD Configuration

  1. Open the command prompt again using the Windows installation disk.
  2. Enter the following commands one by one:
    3. bootrec.exe /FixMbr
bootrec.exe /FixBoot
bootrec.exe /RebuildBcd
  3. If the command fails, use:
    4. bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
c:
cd boot
attrib bcd -s -h -r
ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old
bootrec /RebuildBcd

Exit the command prompt and restart Windows.

Method 6: Set Correct Boot Order

  1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete or F1 or F2 key to enter BIOS setup.
  2. Select the Boot tab.
  3. Ensure the Hard Disk or SSD is set as the top priority in the Boot order.
  4. Press F10 to save changes and exit.
Recommended:

Ultimately, you have hopefully managed to Fix Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. If you have further questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave your comments below.

(38) Comments

  1. Liam123 -

    Anyone else experienced this after a Windows update? I'm curious if that's a common issue.

  2. Mike123 -

    I had the same issue after installing a new printer. Followed the steps described here and it worked perfectly

  3. Mia Thompson -

    Just wanted to say THANK YOU for this post! I was about to give up, but now I'm hopeful

  4. Emma Watson -

    This is so frustrating! I upgraded my RAM last week, and now I'm stuck on a blue screen. Is there a way to revert the changes?

  5. Benjamin N. -

    Could you provide more examples of software changes that typically cause this error? That would help a lot

  6. Jack W. -

    For those who are wondering, be careful with driver updates. They can sometimes cause these issues too

  7. Lily F. -

    This feels like a never-ending battle with technology. Can't we catch a break

  8. Jasmine W. -

    I had a similar issue after changing my graphics card. The steps here really helped!

  9. Felix the Feline -

    OMG, you guys! I just saved my computer using these tips. Happy dance!

  10. Ava Good -

    This made me smile. The last time I faced this, it turned out to be a loose cable. Double-check those connections, people

  11. Charlie the Techie -

    You should always back up your data before any hardware change! Lesson learned the hard way

  12. John Doe -

    Thanks for this guide! I recently did a hardware upgrade and now my Windows won't start. I appreciate any help I can get!

  13. David Brown -

    I appreciate the detailed steps. After trying them, my PC is back to life! Kudos

  14. Daisy L. -

    Thank you for this informative piece! I can now restore my laptop after trying your solutions

  15. Oliver T. -

    This happens all the time with my old PC. A reboot usually seems to fix it temporarily, though

  16. Oscar B. -

    What a lifesaver! I didn't expect a software change could lead to such chaos. Thanks for sharing!

  17. Victoria H. -

    Don't lose hope! Sometimes a simple BIOS reset can do wonders. Just remember to back up

  18. Taylor J. -

    I love your sense of humor in this post! It made reading about tech issues much lighter

  19. Logan W. -

    Why does it feel like Windows needs a PhD to operate sometimes? 😂

  20. Grace Lee -

    Thank you for the troubleshooting tips! I managed to fix my issue with your help, very much appreciated

  21. Leo J. -

    I think the best way is to check recently installed programs and uninstall any suspicious ones.

  22. Noah M. -

    Great article! Followed your steps, and I’m back up and running! You’re awesome!

  23. Emily R. -

    Your guide saved me hours of headache! Thank you for making it so easy to follow

  24. Freddie P. -

    I think hardware issues are often blamed for software changes. They can be so interlinked!

  25. Cooper the Cat -

    Isn't it funny how technology can betray us? Just when you think everything is perfect, boom! Windows fails to start.

  26. Sunny D -

    Anyone else find it absurd that we have to deal with these issues in 2023? It's frustrating.

  27. Alex K. -

    Can you explain more about how to check hardware changes? I'm not very tech-savvy

  28. Sophia H. -

    Has anyone tried using Recovery Options? I'm stuck and unsure what to do next

  29. Charlotte A -

    I wish I had found this article sooner. I lost so much time trying random fixes

  30. Riley O. -

    Anyone else find it ironic that the more tech we have, the more problems we face? It's a cycle

  31. Sam Gamer -

    I’ve had my share of system failures, all due to hardware changes. Staying cautious now

  32. Stella T. -

    Is there a common reason for this error? I’ve seen it pop up too many times.

  33. Chloe K. -

    Ugh, I can't believe this happened right before my deadline. Any quick fixes that might help

  34. Hannah G. -

    I hope Microsoft addresses these problems soon. Too many issues lately

  35. Sarah S. -

    I tried everything, but my laptop is still showing the error. Can someone suggest a reliable tech support service

  36. Harry P. -

    I was so stressed, but following your guide made it simple. Now I feel like a tech genius!

  37. Lisa Green -

    Such an insightful article! I loved how you explained the reasons behind the error. Very helpful

  38. Finn S. -

    This article is so timely! My sister just faced this issue yesterday. Sharing this with her!

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