Troubleshooting Windows 11 Boot Failures: A Comprehensive Guide

When your Windows 11 computer refuses to start, it can be a perplexing ordeal. The reasons behind this can be as varied as software conflicts, corrupted files, problematic drivers, malware intrusions, hardware glitches, or even unexpected power interruptions. It’s a scenario that can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure of how to proceed.

To address these booting challenges while preserving your data, one of the go-to solutions is utilizing the System Restore feature. This powerful function allows your PC to roll back to a previous state when it operated seamlessly, before the emergence of the current problem. It’s particularly valuable when issues arise after recent system changes or updates.

However, there may be instances when your Windows 11 PC is in such a dire state that you can’t access the operating system to perform the usual restore process. In such cases, you might wonder if there’s still hope. The answer is yes.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of using the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to restore your Windows 11 PC, even when it’s unable to boot into the operating system. We’ll explore why your computer might refuse to boot when using a system restore point and provide you with practical methods to overcome this challenge.

So, without further delay, let’s delve into the intricate world of troubleshooting Windows 11 boot issues and learn how to perform a system restore in even the most challenging scenarios.

Resolving the “Computer Won’t Boot When Using System Restore Point” Issue in Windows 10

Have you ever updated your Windows 10 system only to find it refusing to boot afterward, accompanied by the dreaded “Stop error (0xc000021a)” message? If so, you’re not alone. This frustrating scenario can leave you staring at a non-responsive computer screen instead of your Windows desktop.

So, why does this happen? According to Microsoft, it’s a recognized issue stemming from a mismatch between your computer’s current driver version and the restored catalog file. But what does this mean exactly? Let’s delve into the details.

When you initiate a system restore in Windows, it goes through a complex process. First, it stages the restoration of files currently in use. Then, it saves this configuration in the registry and schedules the restoration of catalog files and driver .sys files for the next reboot. However, here’s the catch: Windows loads your existing drivers before replacing them with the restored versions. This is where the trouble begins. As the computer restarts, it encounters a roadblock – the driver version and the restored catalog file don’t match, leading to the “won’t boot” conundrum.

In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind this issue in more depth and provide you with solutions to get your Windows 10 system back up and running smoothly. Let’s jump in.

Resolving Windows 11 Boot Issues with System Restore

Encountering boot issues on your Windows 11 PC can be a frustrating experience, but fear not – we’ve got you covered with two effective methods to perform a System Restore even when your PC refuses to boot into the operating system. Take a moment to explore both approaches, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Method 1: Disable Driver Signature Enforcement

If you’re wondering how to perform a system restore from boot, you can attempt disabling driver signature enforcement if your computer won’t boot, allowing the interrupted restoration to proceed. Here are the detailed steps to perform a system restore from startup:

Step 1: Access Windows Recovery Environment
To begin, access the Windows Recovery Environment. You can achieve this by either restarting your computer twice or by using a hardware restart.

Step 2: Navigate to Startup Settings
While in the recovery environment, follow this path: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > More recovery options > Startup settings. Afterward, click “Restart now.”

Step 3: Choose “Disable Driver Signature Enforcement”
Upon restarting, you’ll be presented with a list of startup settings. From this list, select “Disable driver signature enforcement” by either pressing the F7 key or the number key 7.

Step 4: Wait for the Restart Process
Wait patiently until the startup process is complete. During this restart, Windows will seamlessly resume the interrupted restoration.

By disabling driver signature enforcement, you enable Windows to continue the system restore process, helping you resolve boot-related issues effectively.

Method 2: Performing System Restore from Windows Recovery Environment

Step 1: Boot into Windows Recovery Environment
Begin by turning on your computer. When the initial screen appears, press the F11 key to initiate Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Please note that the key to accessing WinRE may vary among computers. On some systems, you might need to use a different key, such as F9 or F12.

Step 2: Try Force Restart (if the shortcut key doesn’t work)
If the shortcut key didn’t trigger WinRE on your computer, attempt a force restart instead.

Step 3: Force Restart Process
To force restart, start by shutting down your PC or powering it off completely. Then, press the power button to turn it back on. As soon as you see Windows beginning to load, press and hold the power button to forcefully shut down your PC.

Step 4: Repeat the Process
Repeat the force restart process at least twice. On the third restart, allow the system to boot up normally. You’ll notice a message at the bottom of the screen saying ‘Preparing Automatic Repair,’ as depicted in the screenshot below.

Step 5: Access Automatic Repair
Once you reach the ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’ screen, click the ‘Advanced options’ button. This action will lead you to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), where you can access additional recovery features.

Step 6: Choose ‘Troubleshoot’
Inside WinRE, click the ‘Troubleshoot’ option.

Step 7: Navigate to ‘Advanced options’
On the next screen, select ‘Advanced options.’

Step 8: Select ‘System Restore’
From the list of advanced options, choose ‘System Restore.’

Step 9: Begin the System Restore Process
When you reach the first screen of the System Restore window, if you’re presented with the choice between ‘Recommended restore’ and ‘Choose a different restore point,’ opt for ‘Choose a different restore point.’ If you don’t see this choice, simply click ‘Next’ to proceed.

Step 10: Choose a Restore Point
Next, select the most recent restore point and click ‘Next.’ Optionally, you can click ‘Scan for affected programs’ to check for any applications that will be uninstalled during the restoration.

Step 11: Initiate the Restore
Click ‘Finish’ to initiate the system restore process.

Step 12: Handling System Restore Failures
In case System Restore fails to restore your computer and you receive a ‘System Restore did not complete successfully’ error message, click the ‘Run System Restore’ button to reopen the System Restore program. This time, opt for a different restore point (if available) and attempt the process again.

Should System Restore fail again, you can return to the Advanced Options within the recovery mode. From there, explore other troubleshooting methods, including uninstalling Windows updates, performing startup repair, running SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans, and other troubleshooting techniques to resolve the issue with your computer.

What to Do If Your Computer Still Won’t Boot

If your computer refuses to boot even after attempting a restart recovery, you may want to consider using a system image to restore the system. This method is effective and doesn’t pose any issues.

To perform a system image restore, you must have at least one system image backup accessible on the computer you wish to restore. If you find yourself unable to boot your computer into the recovery environment, there are alternative approaches:

Option 1: Create a Recovery Drive
You can create a recovery drive on a computer with identical hardware as the one you want to restore. This recovery drive can be used to initiate the system image restoration process.

Option 2: Utilize a Windows Installation DVD
Alternatively, you can use a Windows installation DVD directly if you have one available. This method is especially helpful when you don’t have access to a recovery environment.

A crucial point to note is that you cannot mix Windows versions. In other words, you can only use a Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 disc to restore the corresponding version of the Windows system. Ensuring compatibility between the system image and the restoration environment is essential for a successful recovery.

Method 3: Performing System Restore Using System Image Recovery

It’s important to note that a system image restore reinstates everything contained in the backup, with no option to selectively restore individual files.

To perform a system image restore, follow these steps:

Step 1: Boot from External Media
Connect the prepared USB drive or CD/DVD to your computer, which should contain the system image.
To boot from the removable device, press a specific key (e.g., ESC, F2, etc.) during startup.

Step 2: Access Recovery Options
Windows will load the necessary files from the drive or disc. When the “Install Windows” screen appears, click “Repair your computer” to access recovery options.

Step 3: Choose System Image Recovery
Click on “Troubleshoot,” followed by “Advanced options,” and then select “System Image Recovery.”

Step 4: Log In
Log in using an account with administrator privileges.

Step 5: Select System Image
Click “Next” to restore your computer with the latest system image backup. If you wish to restore from an older backup, click “Select a system image,” and then proceed with “Next.” You can also choose a backup from a shared folder over the network by clicking on the “Advanced option.”

Step 6: Decide on Hard Drive Formatting
Based on your requirements, decide whether to format the hard drive or not. Then, click “Next.”

Step 7: Initiate the Restore
A summary of the restoration process will be displayed on the next screen. To commence the system image restore, click “Finish.”

It’s important to be patient during a system image restore, as it typically takes a considerable amount of time. In some cases, the process may encounter errors and fail, resulting in an error message.

Method 4: Performing System Restore Using Windows 11 Installation Media

If you encounter difficulties accessing the recovery environment using the previous method, you can boot your device with Windows 11 installation media. From there, you can access the Windows Recovery Environment through the Windows setup. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB
Start by creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 operating system.

Step 2: Connect the Bootable USB
Plug in the USB device that contains the bootable Windows 11 ISO file into your PC.

Step 3: Power Off and Access Boot Menu
Power off your PC and then turn it back on. Before Windows begins to load, press the F8 key or the key specified for accessing the boot menu on your computer or motherboard. The specific key varies depending on your computer’s brand; it could be Esc, F2, F10, F9, or F12. Be sure to press or hold down this key as soon as your computer starts.

Step 4: Access the Advanced Boot Menu
You’ll be directed to the Advanced Boot Menu.

Step 5: Select “Use a Device”
Click on the “Use a Device” option from the Choose an Option screen.

Step 6: Choose Your USB Device
Select your USB device from the list provided.

Step 7: Launch Windows 11 Setup
This action will launch the Windows 11 setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation onto your PC.

By following these steps, you can use Windows 11 installation media to access the Windows Recovery Environment and perform the necessary system restore.

When System Restore Fails: Reset Your PC

If you’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options, including System Restore, and still can’t complete a system restore, your last resort is to reset your PC. Depending on the reset option you choose, it may erase all data, so proceed with caution. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Power Off and On
Start by powering off your PC completely. Then, press the power button to turn it back on.

Step 2: Trigger Automatic Repair
As soon as your operating system begins to boot, power it off again. Repeat this step at least twice. On the third attempt, you should see the “Preparing Automatic Repair” message.

Step 3: Access Automatic Repair
You’ll be directed to the Automatic Repair screen. Click on “Advanced Options.”

Step 4: Choose Reset Your PC
Next, click on “Troubleshoot.”

Select “Reset this PC.”

You’ll be given the choice to either “Keep my Files” or “Remove everything.” Choose “Keep my files” if you want to retain your personal files but remove apps and settings or select “Remove everything” for a clean Windows 11 installation.

Step 5: Decide on Installation Method
You can now choose between two installation methods: “Cloud download” or “Local reinstall.” “Cloud download” downloads Windows 11 from the cloud during the reset. “Local reinstall” uses locally stored files for the reinstallation.

Step 6: Initiate Reset
Click on “Reset” to start the process.

Step 7: Be Patient
Be patient during the reset, as it may take some time depending on your system’s performance.
If you encounter any errors during the process, consider selecting “Remove Everything” and retry.

Step 8: Completion
Once the reset is finished, you should be able to access your operating system without any further issues.

By following these steps, you can reset your PC when System Restore and other troubleshooting methods fail. Please note that resetting your PC may result in data loss, so ensure you have backups of important files if you choose to remove everything during the reset.

Conclusion: Restoring Your Windows 11 PC When It Won’t Boot

System Restore is a valuable tool for returning your computer to a previous state, resolving issues, and ensuring it runs smoothly. However, what do you do when your computer refuses to start? In such situations, you can rely on bootable media or PXE boot tools to kickstart your system and then use system image or disk image backups to restore your system.

These methods provide solutions when your Windows 11 PC encounters booting problems, allowing you to recover your system to a time when everything was functioning seamlessly. We hope this guide has been helpful in assisting you with these techniques, ensuring that you can resolve issues and enjoy a hassle-free computing experience once again.

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