Fix Windows Failed to Start: A Recent Hardware or Software Change Might Be the Cause

If you encounter the error message stating, "Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause," it typically indicates that a new hardware or software installation could be responsible. To identify the root cause, troubleshooting is crucial. Below are some common reasons for this issue:

• Corrupted BCD (Boot Configuration Data)
• Damaged System Files
• Loose or Faulty SATA/IDE Cable
• Conflicting Third-party Software
• Malware or Virus Infection

The error will persist upon reboot, trapping you in a continuous reboot loop. To get your Windows back up and running, follow the comprehensive troubleshooting methods outlined below.

Fix Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause.

Method 1: Run Startup/Automatic Repair

1. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD or Recovery Disc and restart your PC.
2. When prompted to "Press any key to boot from CD or DVD," press any key.
3. Select your language preferences, and click Next. Then, click on Repair your computer.
4. On the "Choose an option" screen, click Troubleshoot.
5. Click on the Advanced options screen, and select Automatic Repair or Startup Repair.
6. Wait for the repair to complete, then restart and check if the issue is resolved.

Also Read: How to fix Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC.

Method 2: Boot into Last Known Good Configuration

1. Restart your Windows 10.
2. Enter BIOS setup and configure your PC to boot from CD/DVD.
3. Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD and restart your PC.
4. When prompted, press any key to continue.
5. Select your language preferences, and click Next. Then choose Repair your computer.
6. On the Troubleshooting screen, click Advanced options and then Command Prompt.
7. Type C: and hit enter.
8. Enter the command:

   BCDEDIT /SET {DEFAULT} BOOTMENUPOLICY LEGACY

9. Close Command Prompt and click continue to restart Windows.
10. On the Boot Options screen, select Last Known Good Configuration (Advanced).

Method 3: Perform a System Restore

1. Input the Windows installation media or Recovery Drive and select your language preferences, then click Next.
2. Click on Repair your computer.
3. Choose Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced options.
4. Select System Restore and follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
5. Restart your PC to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 4: Run SFC and CHKDSK

1. Access the command prompt from the installation disk using the previous method.
2. Enter the following commands:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
        

3. Exit the command prompt and restart your PC.

Method 5: Rebuild BCD Configuration

1. Open the command prompt again using the Windows installation disk.
2. Enter the following commands one by one:

bootrec.exe /FixMbr
bootrec.exe /FixBoot
bootrec.exe /RebuildBcd
        

3. If the command fails, use:

bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
c:
cd boot
attrib bcd -s -h -r
ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old
bootrec /RebuildBcd
        

Exit the command prompt and restart Windows.

Method 6: Set Correct Boot Order

1. Restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete or F1 or F2 key to enter BIOS setup.
2. Select the Boot tab.
3. Ensure the Hard Disk or SSD is set as the top priority in the Boot order.
4. Press F10 to save changes and exit.

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Ultimately, you have hopefully managed to Fix Windows failed to start. A recent hardware or software change might be the cause. If you have further questions or need assistance, please feel free to leave your comments below.