How Do I Fix Windows Error Recovery Screen [6 Causes]
Error Recovery is a common Windows error that occurs when booting Windows 7 through Windows 11. The user is dealt an error message about Windows failing to boot, with several standard recovery options to choose from to fix and start their computer.
Let’s explore the Windows Recovery feature, the main causes of the error, and how you can fix it with Windows repair tools.
What is Windows Recovery?
Windows recovery is an in-built operating system feature to help you troubleshoot and repair issues that may prevent Windows from starting or functioning properly.
There are different ways to access Windows recovery, depending on your version of Windows. You may be forced to choose an option during Windows Error Recovery.
On Windows 10, the option to help you repair corrupt Windows system files was introduced. It will look to access an installation disk or drive for fresh versions of these files. Other options to repair Windows without boot media include:
- System Restore – Revert to a previous stable version of your system.
- System Image Recovery – Use a saved system image to go back to a previous state.
- Command Prompt – Use the command prompt to apply fixes.
- Uninstall Updates – Remove corrupt Windows updates that may cause Error Recovery.
You can also:
- Start Windows as Normal
- Boot in Safe Mode
If the underlying problem isn’t fixed and you attempt to boot as normal, your system can get stuck in a recovery loop.
In Safe Mode, third-party tools like Fortect can also diagnose and repair damaged Windows files in order to solve Windows Error Recovery without making significant changes to your system or losing data.
6 Causes of Windows Error Recovery
There are many reasons why Windows Error Recovery can occur, but they mostly fall under:
- Missing or damaged Windows system files
- Hardware issues
- Software issues
- Corrupt Windows Registry
- Corrupt Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
- Viruses and Malware
Depending on the cause, you may need to replace or remove hardware, reinstall or remove software, or repair the Windows system. Let’s take a closer look at the causes and why they disrupt Windows’ ability to boot properly.
1. Hardware issues
Most computer hardware needs to function correctly for Windows to boot. The most common hardware issues are old failing hardware that needs to be replaced or new hardware that is incompatible or installed incorrectly.
2. Software issues
It is rarer for software to cause Windows Error Recovery, but it’s not unheard of. It can happen if the software was interrupted and failed to install properly, was poorly programmed, or contains malware.
3. Missing or damaged Windows system files
One of the most common causes is within the operating system itself. When Windows starts up, it loads a number of system files and drivers that are necessary for the computer to function properly.
If any of these files are missing or corrupted, Windows may fail to start or exhibit other unexpected behavior.
4. Corrupt Windows Registry
When a computer starts up, the Windows boot loader reads configuration information from the registry to determine which drivers and services to load, as well as how to configure hardware devices and system settings.
If the registry is corrupt or damaged, the boot loader may not be able to read the necessary information, causing the boot process to fail.
5. Corrupt Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
Similarly, BCD contains boot-related configuration settings and options that are also vital to starting Windows. If BCD is missing or corrupt, Windows can fail to boot completely because the boot loader will not be able to read the necessary configuration information.
6. Viruses and malware
If your PC is infected with viruses or malware, this can damage all areas of the Windows system and cause Windows Error Recovery. Sometimes, even if you manage to remove the threat, the damage is already done, and Windows must be repaired.
How do I get out of the recovery loop?
Windows provides several options to get out of a recovery loop itself. The options available to you will depend on your version of Windows and whether you have recovery media, such as a bootable copy of Windows on a disc or removable drive.
1. Startup Repair
Startup Repair works by scanning the system for common startup problems and attempting to repair them automatically. It can fix issues related to the Boot Configuration Data and other Windows system files.
To access Startup Repair, you must boot your computer from a Windows installation media or recovery drive. Then, you can choose the option to repair your computer and select Startup Repair. The tool will then scan the system for problems and attempt to repair them automatically.
2. Remove or replace malfunctioning hardware
If Windows Error Recovery is happening because of hardware, consider whether you have recently installed a new component, or an aging component might be failing. Removing or replacing these can fix the problem instantly.
Remember, not all hardware is compatible with your version of Windows or other components.
3. System Restore
The System Restore option allows you to revert your computer to a previous state when it was working properly and could boot. This fixes issues related to software, drivers, system files, and the registry that can cause boot problems.
For this to work, you will need to have previously configured System Restore and have a restore point to revert back to.
To create a restore point, click the start menu, search Restore, and click Create a restore point.
During a Windows Error Recovery loop, select the System Restore option and choose a restore point before the problem occurred.
4. System Image Recovery
A system image is a like-for-like copy of your PC, including the operating system, applications, settings, and all your files from when the image was generated.
Unlike system restore, you do not keep your files or any other current aspect when reverting to an image. However, you are more likely to fix the boot error. This is also a good way to move your Windows system over to a new hard drive.
Like System Restore, making a system image is a precautionary measure and not something you can create once the system is damaged.
Click the Start menu, search Backup, and select Backup settings. You can then select your desired drive to backup and the external drive to send it to.
During Windows Error Recovery, make sure this drive is connected and choose it during the System Image Recovery option.
5. Uninstall updates
Uninstalling Windows updates could fix a Windows recovery loop if the updates caused the problem in the first place.
While they are designed to improve the functionality, performance, and security of the operating system, installation can fail and cause problems.
Furthermore, an update may not be compatible with the hardware or software on your computer, leading to boot problems.
You will find the Uninstall Updates option under Advanced Options during recovery. Here you can choose between the latest Quality update or the latest Feature update.
Quality updates are more regular and less likely to trigger problems, while a Feature update provides significant changes to the operating system. If these go wrong, it’s more likely to stop your PC from starting.
6. Use Command Prompt
The Command Prompt applet gives you access to vital repair tools when your system won’t boot, and other options aren’t working. Clicking this option will open a window to enter direct commands. For Windows Error recovery loops, the following can help:
Run System File Checker (SFC) scan: The SFC scan can check for and repair corrupted system files that may be causing the boot problem. To run an SFC scan from the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Run Check Disk (CHKDSK) scan: The CHKDSK scan can check for and repair file system errors on the hard drive, which can also cause boot problems. To run a CHKDSK scan from the Command Prompt, type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter. This will start the scan and repair process on the C drive.
Rebuild BCD: If the BCD is damaged or missing, it can cause boot problems. To rebuild the BCD from the Command Prompt, type bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter. This will scan for Windows installations and rebuild the BCD.
7. Boot in Safe Mode
Booting in Safe Mode may be able to give you access to Windows with only vital drivers and services running. This lets you fix some errors manually before trying to boot as normal.
You might choose to remove recent software installations or driver updates, scan for malware, or fix disk errors. With networking enabled, you can also access the internet to find fixes.
Safe Mode will also let you safely access the device manager to check for obvious hardware problems.
Using Fortect to get out of a recovery loop
Fortect is an excellent tool for fixing Windows without losing data or making big changes to your system. During Windows Error Recovery, simply boot in Safe Mode and then launch Fortect when Windows loads.
- Download and install Fortect then follow these steps:
Firstly, perform a system scan, which will analyze your PC and find all the issues wrong with Windows. This includes malware, broken registry entries, missing DLLs and other Windows system files, and even malfunctioning software.
Many of these issues can cause the operating system to stop booting as normal, so going through the repair process can quickly fix things.
Fortect will replace and repair corrupt system files from its vast database without needing bootable recovery media. So, if you’ve lost your Windows disc or drive, Fortect is a viable solution.
Windows Error Recovery is the operating system’s way of resolving issues that prevent your computer from starting up correctly. However, if the issue persists after attempting the available recovery options, using software like Fortect can be more effective.
