How to perform clean boot in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista?

What is a clean boot?

Clean boot is a troubleshooting method that starts Windows with a minimal set of startup programs and drivers and helps in identifying the application or background service that is causing an issue.

By performing a clean boot, users can effectively address the issues, as it helps in diagnosing issues caused by non-Microsoft products that might be causing software conflicts. A clean boot helps in the easy start-up of an operating system by only loading essential files and programs while disabling all non-essential programs and services that usually run during startup. Hence, during a clean boot, only the Microsoft services are made to run. Below, you can find the step-by-step instructions on how to perform a clean boot in Windows.

Steps to perform clean boot in Windows devices

• How to clean boot Windows 11?

• How to clean boot Windows 10 and 8?

• How to clean boot Windows 7 and Vista?

• Restoring systems after a clean boot

How to clean boot Windows 11?

Follow the steps below to clean boot Windows 11 systems:

1. Press the Windows + R key to open the Run box
2. Type msconfig and click OK
3. From the System Configuration window, click on Services
4. Click on Hide all Microsoft Services and Disable all the selected services

5. Next, click on Startup and Open Task Manager

6. Select each of the applications with the Status as Enabled and Disable them

7. Close the Task Manager and in the System Configuration window, click OK and restart the system

 

Steps to perform clean boot in Windows 8 and Windows 10 devices

These steps will guide you on how to clean boot Windows 10 and 8 devices:

1. Press the Windows + R key to open the Run box.
2. Type msconfig and click OK.
3. On the General tab, click Selective startup.
4. Clear the Load startup items check box.
5. Click the Services tab.
6. Select the Hide all Microsoft services check box (at the bottom).
7. Click Disable all.
8. Click the Startup tab.
9. Click Open Task Manager.
10. On the Startup tab, right-click each enabled startup item and select Disable.
11. Click OK.
12. Click Restart.

After completing your troubleshooting, restore your system by doing the following:

1. Press the Windows + R key to open the Run box.
2. Type msconfig and click OK.
3. On the General tab, select Normal startup.
4. Click the Services tab.
5. Clear the Hide all Microsoft services check box.
6. Click Enable all.
7. Click the Startup tab.
8. Click Open Task Manager and enable all of your startup programs.
9. Click OK.
10. Click Restart.

Ensure you enable all Microsoft services when you are done troubleshooting, and re-enable all programs in the Startup tab, or you may lose certain OS functions (ex. internet connection) and some applications may not get loaded during startup.

Steps to clean boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista

These steps will guide you on how to clean boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

1. Click Start and type msconfig in the search box.
2. Press Enter.
3. On the General tab, click Selective startup.
4. Clear the Load startup items check box.
5. Click the Services tab.
6. Select the Hide all Microsoft services check box (at the bottom).
7. Click Disable all.
8. Click OK.
9. Click Restart.

Restoring systems after a clean boot

After completing your troubleshooting, restore your system by doing the following:

1. Click Start and type msconfig in the search box.
2. Press Enter.
3. On the General tab, select Normal startup.
4. Click OK.
5. Click Yes when asked to restart your computer.

FAQs

What does a clean boot do?

A clean boot starts Windows with only essential systems services and drivers, while disabling all the non-essential programs and applications that usually launch during system startup. This helps you identify the source of the problem by detecting if any background programs are causing conflicts.

Is it safe to do a clean boot?

Yes, performing a clean boot is safe and widely used diagnostic procedure to troubleshoot issues on your computer.

What is clean boot vs normal boot?

Normal boot is a standard way of starting your computer with all standard system services, drivers, and applications for regular usage. Whereas, clean boot starts the computer with only essential system services aiming to troubleshoot issues related to software conflicts.

Does a clean boot erase everything?

No, a clean boot does not erase any of your files, programs, or personal data. It is a diagnostic procedure that temporarily disables non-essential startup programs and third-party services.