Are you experiencing slow startup, crashes, or software conflicts on your Windows 11 PC? Performing a clean boot can help you identify and troubleshoot issues by starting Windows with only essential services and drivers. It’s a safe diagnostic technique recommended by Microsoft to isolate problems caused by third-party applications or services.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform a clean boot in Windows 11, step by step, so you can troubleshoot effectively and get your system running smoothly.
What Is a Clean Boot?
A clean boot is a startup mode that loads Windows with only essential drivers and system services. Unlike Safe Mode, which limits functionality, a clean boot allows you to run your computer normally but without third-party software or startup programs that could cause issues.
Why Perform a Clean Boot?
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Diagnose software conflicts that slow down your PC.
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Fix startup errors or crashes caused by third-party programs.
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Identify problematic services or apps without uninstalling them immediately.
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Troubleshoot performance issues like freezing or high CPU usage.
Important Notes Before You Start
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You must have administrator privileges to perform a clean boot.
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Your computer will start with minimal drivers and services, so some programs may not work temporarily.
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Remember to restart normally after troubleshooting to return to your regular setup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 11
Step 1: Open System Configuration (msconfig)
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Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
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Type:
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Press Enter. This opens the System Configuration window.
Step 2: Select Selective Startup
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In the General tab, choose Selective startup.
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Uncheck Load startup items.
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Ensure Load system services and Use original boot configuration are checked.
Step 3: Disable Third-Party Services
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Go to the Services tab.
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Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services (important to avoid disabling essential Windows services).
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Click Disable all to turn off remaining third-party services.
Step 4: Disable Startup Programs
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Go to the Startup tab in System Configuration.
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Click Open Task Manager.
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In Task Manager’s Startup tab, right-click any third-party program and select Disable.
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Close Task Manager once done.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
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Click OK in the System Configuration window.
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Restart your PC.
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Windows will now start in clean boot mode with minimal services and startup programs.
How to Identify the Problem
Once in clean boot mode:
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Check if the issue persists (slow startup, crashes, or freezing).
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If the problem is gone, it is likely caused by a third-party service or startup program.
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Enable services and startup items one by one or in small groups:
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Open System Configuration → Services or Startup tab → Enable a few items → Restart → Test.
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Repeat until the problematic program or service is identified.
How to Return to Normal Startup
After troubleshooting:
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Open System Configuration again (Windows + R → msconfig).
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In the General tab, select Normal startup.
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Go to the Services tab and re-enable all necessary services.
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Re-enable your startup programs via Task Manager if needed.
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Click OK and restart your computer.
Tips for a Successful Clean Boot
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Document changes: Keep track of which services or programs you disable.
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Test after each change: Avoid enabling multiple items at once to pinpoint the culprit.
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Check for updates: Sometimes issues are caused by outdated drivers or software.
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Backup important data: Always a good practice before performing system tweaks.
Common Issues During Clean Boot
1. Windows Won’t Start Normally
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Ensure you selected Normal startup when returning to normal mode.
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Restart in Safe Mode if needed to correct any misconfigurations.
2. Some Programs Don’t Work
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This is expected in clean boot mode because third-party services and startup items are disabled.
3. Issue Persists Even After Clean Boot
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The problem may be hardware-related or involve core Windows components. Consider running diagnostics or seeking professional help.
Conclusion
Performing a clean boot in Windows 11 is a safe and effective way to troubleshoot software conflicts and startup issues. By disabling third-party services and startup programs, you can isolate the cause of problems without affecting your essential Windows components. Always remember to return to normal startup after troubleshooting to restore full functionality.
FAQs
1. Is clean boot the same as Safe Mode?
No. Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers and no network by default, while clean boot allows normal operation with essential system services only.
2. Will clean boot delete my files?
No, it only disables third-party services and startup items temporarily.
3. Do I need administrator privileges?
Yes, admin access is required to perform a clean boot.
4. Can I perform a clean boot without disabling Microsoft services?
Yes, but it may not isolate the problem effectively. It’s recommended to hide Microsoft services first.
5. How long should I stay in clean boot mode?
Only as long as needed to identify and troubleshoot issues. Typically, a few restarts are sufficient.