Essential Windows Startup Trick That Protects Against Harmful Malware

Knowing essential troubleshooting techniques for Windows can be a lifesaver, especially when your system starts acting up unexpectedly. Recently, I encountered a frustrating issue, but with a simple startup trick, I managed to revive my computer quickly. This technique can save you time and stress, turning a potential crisis into a minor inconvenience.

The Startup Trick That Rescued My Windows PC

I’ve been fortunate with my Windows 10 PC, which has generally functioned smoothly. However, as the end of official support approaches, it seems my computer has sensed the impending changes and began to misbehave.

When my PC failed to boot normally, I remained calm and relied on Windows’ built-in recovery features. Accessing Safe Mode helped me gain the necessary control to troubleshoot and restore my system to a functional state.

Safe Mode is a stripped-down version of Windows, allowing only essential drivers and core processes to run. This provides an ideal environment for diagnosing problems, removing troublesome software, or performing malware scans.

If Safe Mode alone isn’t sufficient, booting from a USB recovery drive can be your next best step. This method circumvents your damaged Windows installation, allowing you to load a fresh version of Windows or utilize recovery tools built into the system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Booting into Safe Mode

Safe Mode remains a reliable option that has been an integral part of Windows for decades. Below are various methods to boot into Safe Mode:

Method 1: Use the Restart Shortcut

If you can still access the desktop or the login screen, utilizing the restart shortcut is the most straightforward method.

From the login screen or power settings in the Start menu, hold Shift and select Restart.
Your PC will reboot into the Windows Recovery Environment.
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
Click on Restart.
On the following screen, you can opt for either Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking.

If you’re uncertain about what is causing the issues, I recommend opting for Safe Mode without internet access.

Method 2: Utilizing System Configuration (MSConfig)

Another option, if you can access the desktop, is to use the Windows System Configuration tool, known as MSConfig. This utility allows you to manage drivers, services, and more.

Using MSConfig to enter Safe Mode in Windows 10. — NAR by Gavin

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Type msconfig and hit Enter.
In the Boot tab, check the Safe boot option.

Your computer will restart, entering Safe Mode automatically. Once in Safe Mode, it’s wise to scan for malware using reputable free antivirus tools available online.

Booting from a USB Drive: A Backup Solution

While Safe Mode is effective, there are times when your Windows installation is too damaged to repair. In such cases, a bootable USB drive can become invaluable.

Booting from a USB drive has several advantages:

It allows you to start Windows in a clean environment, helping avoid complications from a potentially corrupted system.
You can reinstall Windows, repair boot files, or access advanced recovery options.

Some USB drives even facilitate offline malware scans before Windows fully loads, making them essential tools to have at hand in case of issues.

To utilize a Microsoft installation USB to revive your computer, follow the steps below. It’s wise to prepare this bootable USB while your system is operating well, rather than scrambling when issues arise.

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Run the tool and select Create installation media for another PC.
Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB capacity and specify it as the destination.
The tool will then download Windows and make the USB bootable.

Once the Media Creation Tool has finished, you’re ready to boot from the USB.

Windows recovery advanced options startup repair.

Connect the USB drive to the problematic PC.
Restart and access your BIOS/UEFI settings (typically by pressing F2, Del, Esc, or F12 during startup).
Set the USB drive as the primary boot device. The process can differ based on your motherboard’s manufacturer; consult their documentation if needed.
Save the changes and reboot — your PC will load from the USB drive.
Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.

Allow the procedure to finish, and you should regain access to Windows. Once logged in, remember to run your antivirus or antimalware program to fix any lingering issues.

Don’t wait until your system encounters a critical failure to create a recovery USB drive. Preparing one in advance can prevent future headaches. This simple Windows startup trick has saved me from multiple potential disasters and could be your solution too. The next time your computer misbehaves, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the problem!

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