How to automatically repair problems in Windows

From time to time, users experience issues with Microsoft Windows, such as problems upon startup, slow performance, or error messages. Luckily, most versions of Windows have a built-in tool called Startup Repair or Automatic Repair that fixes these issues without reformatting.

To proceed, select your version of Windows from the list below, review your options, and follow the instructions.

Windows 11

Startup Repair - This option is for when your PC is having issues on startup. To access it, follow the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key, type Change advanced startup options, and press Enter.
2. In the Recovery window, click the Restart now button for the Advanced startup option.
3. On the new screen, select Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and then Startup Repair.
4. Select your account and enter the appropriate password (if one is set).

Reset this PC - This option is your best bet for "refreshing" Windows, while still being able to keep your files.

1. Press the Windows key, type Reset this PC, and press Enter.
2. In the Recovery window, click the Reset PC button for the Reset this PC option.
3. In the window, select the Keep my files option.

Windows 10

Startup Repair - This option is for when your PC is having issues on startup. To access it, follow the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key, type Change advanced startup options, and press Enter.
2. Click the Recovery tab.
3. On the right side under Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.
4. On the new screen, select Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and then Startup Repair.
5. Select your account and enter the appropriate password (if one is set).

Reset this PC - This option is your best bet for "refreshing" Windows, while still being able to keep your files.

1. Press the Windows key, type Reset this PC, and press Enter.
2. Click the Recovery tab.
3. On the right side under Reset this PC, click the Get started button.
4. In the window, select Keep my files.

Windows 8

Startup Repair - This option is for when your PC is having issues at startup. To access it, follow the steps below.

1. Press the Windows key, type Change PC settings, and press Enter.
2. On the left side of the PC Settings window, select Update and Recovery, and then Recovery.
3. On the right side under Advanced startup, click the Restart now button.
4. On the new screen, select Troubleshoot, Advanced options, and then Startup Repair.
5. Select your account and enter the appropriate password (if one is set).

Reset this PC - This option is your best bet for "refreshing" Windows while still being able to keep your files.

1. Press the Windows key, type Change PC settings, and press Enter.
2. On the left side of the PC Settings window, select General.
3. On the lower right side of the window, select Refresh Your PC Without Affecting Your Files.
4. Click the Get Started button, and click Next.
5. If prompted, insert whatever media you used to install Windows 8.
6. Click the Refresh button.

Windows Vista and 7

Startup Repair - This option is for when your PC is having issues on startup. To access it, follow the steps below.

1. Insert your Windows 7 or Vista disc into your optical drive.
2. Restart or power on your computer and watch for the Press any key to boot from CD or DVD message.
3. Press any key to force Windows to boot from the disc.
4. Choose your language settings, and click Next.
5. Select Repair your computer.
6. Select the operating system you want to repair and click Next.

System Restore - Unlike the newer versions of Windows, Vista and 7 do not have a "refreshing" option. The next best thing is to run System Restore. Use this option for problems not relating to Windows starting up.

1. Click Start.
2. In the Start search box, type System Restore and press Enter.
3. After processing, a window appears with two buttons at the bottom. Click Next.
4. The following screen usually suggests a recent restore point and your last critical update. If you know the date your problem started, check the box next to Show more restore points.
5. Select the appropriate restore point and click Next.
6. Confirm your restore point and click Finish.

Windows XP

Repair Install - This process is used to "refresh" Windows while still being able to keep your files.

1. Insert your Windows XP disc in the optical drive.
2. Restart or power on your computer and watch for the Press any key to boot from CD or DVD message.
3. Press any key to force Windows to boot from the disc.
4. After the necessary drivers and files load, press Enter to set up Windows XP.
5. Read through the End-User License Agreement and press F8.
6. Select which version of Windows you want to repair (there is usually only one) and press R.
7. Wait through several screens as Windows deletes and installs the necessary files.
8. You should now see a Regional and Language Options window. Click Next.
9. Name your computer, click Next, and wait for it to boot up.
10. On the Welcome to Microsoft Windows screen, click Next.
11. Choose whether or not you want to register, and click Next.
12. Type the username for each user you want to have access, and click Next twice.