Encountering issues on Windows computers is quite common. If these issues are while updating Windows, running programs, or involve sudden unexpected changes to the system, there is a possibility that a background process is interfering. These issues can be resolved by troubleshooting your system in the Clean Boot state.
What is the Clean Boot state?
The Clean Boot state is a state where third-party programs and associated services don’t launch at startup itself. In this state, Microsoft services are active, but third-party services won’t be activated until you activate their parent program manually. This will help you isolate the problematic program.
The procedure to troubleshoot your system in the Clean Boot state is as follows:
Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
In the Run window, type the command MSCONFIG and hit Enter to open the System Configuration window.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check the checkbox associated with Hide all Microsoft Services.
If any other service is checked, click on Disable all.
Click on Apply and then on OK.
Click on Restart to reboot the system in the Clean Boot state.
Once your system has rebooted in the Clean Boot state, no third-party program will launch at startup. Now, you can isolate which program was problematic.
I am Karan Khanna, a technology enthusiast and Windows geek. Prior to starting my own channel, I worked with TheWindowsClub. I have previously worked as a vendor employee for Microsoft (on Unisys’s payroll) and helped top Microsoft employees with their technical issues.