How to perform a clean boot in Windows 11?

Windows computer behaving strangely? Are you experiencing slowdowns, unexpected errors, or programs that won't launch? A clean boot might be the solution to identify the source of the problem and restore optimal performance.

This comprehensive guide, suitable for both beginners and experienced users , explains in detail how to perform a clean boot in Windows 11. We will cover the steps to follow, the available options, and the precautions to take for a safe and efficient experience.

Why perform a minimal startup?

Clean Boot is a powerful diagnostic tool that allows you to start Windows 11 with a minimal set of services and programs . By temporarily disabling non-essential elements, it is possible to:

• Identify the software or services causing conflicts and malfunctions.
• Resolve performance issues such as slowdowns, freezes, or excessive memory usage.
• Uninstalling problematic programs that cannot be removed in normal mode.
• Repair system errors and file corruption.

Step 1: Access the system configuration utility

1. Press the Windows + R to open the Run .
2. Type msconfig in the text box and press Enter or OK .
3. System Configuration utility opens.

Step 2: Disable non-essential services

• In the system configuration utility, go to the Services .
• Check the "Hide all Microsoft services" . This will only show third-party services installed on your computer.

• Click the Disable all to disable all non-Microsoft services.
• If you are aware of a specific service that is causing problems, you can disable it individually by unchecking its box.

Step 3: Manage startup programs

• In the system configuration utility, go to the Startup .
• You will see a list of programs that launch automatically when Windows 11 starts.
• Select a program that you do not want to launch at startup and click the Disable .

• Repeat this process for all programs you wish to disable.

Step 4: Restart your computer in minimal mode

• Click the OK in the system configuration utility.
• A message prompts you to restart your computer. Click on Restart .
• Your computer will restart in minimal mode.

Step 5: Identify the source of the problem

• Once your computer has restarted in minimal mode, observe its behavior.
• If the problem you were experiencing has disappeared, it means that it was caused by one of the services or programs being disabled.
• To identify the culprit, reactivate the services and programs one by one by following the steps above.
• After each reactivation, restart your computer and observe its behavior.

• The service or program causing the problem will reappear. You can then uninstall or update it to fix the issue.

Step 6: Stop the minimal boot process

• Once you have identified and resolved the problem, it is important to return to a normal Windows 11 startup.
• Open the system configuration utility as described in step 1.
• Go to the Services and check the box Hide all Microsoft services .

• Click the Activate all to reactivate all non-Microsoft services.
• Go to the Startup and select the programs you want to launch automatically at startup.
• Click the Activate for each program.

• Click OK and restart your computer.