How to Fix Boot Issues in Windows 10 Using a USB Drive

Are you experiencing boot problems with your Windows 10 computer? Whether it's due to corrupted system files, a recent update, or other issues, resolving boot issues is crucial to getting your system back up and running smoothly. Fortunately, with the help of a bootable USB drive and some troubleshooting steps, you can often fix these issues without the need for advanced technical knowledge. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of fixing boot problems in Windows 10 using a USB drive.

Preparing a Bootable USB Drive

Before you can begin troubleshooting your computer's boot issues, you'll need to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 installation files. Here's how to do it:

  • Insert a blank USB drive: Make sure you have a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity. Insert it into a working computer.
  • Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool.
  • Create the bootable USB drive: Run the Media Creation Tool and follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 installation files.

Fixing Boot Issues

With your bootable USB drive ready, you can now proceed to fix the boot issues on your Windows 10 computer:

  • Access BIOS/UEFI Settings: Restart your computer and access the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F12, ESC, or Del).
  • Change Boot Order: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, set the USB drive as the first boot device in the boot priority list.
  • Save Changes and Exit: Save the changes made to the boot order settings and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
  • Boot from USB: Restart your computer, and it should boot from the USB drive automatically. If not, access the boot menu and select the USB drive.
  • Access Windows Recovery Environment: When the Windows Setup screen appears, select "Repair your computer" and then "Troubleshoot".
  • Attempt Startup Repair: Choose "Startup Repair" from the Advanced options menu and follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and repair any startup issues.
  • Other Repair Options: If Startup Repair doesn't resolve the issue, you can try other troubleshooting options such as System Restore or Command Prompt.

Conclusion

Dealing with boot issues in Windows 10 can be frustrating, but with the help of a bootable USB drive and the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve these issues on your own. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to diagnose and fix the most common boot problems, getting your system back up and running smoothly in no time.