Fixing the Issue: Windows Did Not Load Correctly

Step 1: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

Rebuilding the BCD can often resolve boot issues caused by corruption or misconfiguration.

1.1 Create a Bootable Drive

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
2. Insert a USB drive with a minimum of 8GB storage.
3. Run the Media Creation Tool and accept the terms. Proceed with the process.
4. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) and hit Next.
5. Choose your language, edition, and architecture, then click Next.
6. Select USB flash drive as your media type.
7. Allow the tool to finish the process.

1.2 Rebuild BCD

1. Plug the bootable USB drive into your computer.
2. Press the Windows key and then select the Power button, followed by Restart to enter Advanced Startup.
3. Choose Troubleshoot from the options presented.
4. Next, access Advanced options.
5. Select Command Prompt.
6. In the command window, input: bootrec /rebuildbcd and press Enter .

Pro Tip: If instructed, run the additional commands to properly rebuild BCD.

Step 2: Execute Essential Troubleshooters

Use built-in troubleshooters to diagnose and fix issues related to hardware and software.

2.1 Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter

1. Open the Run box by pressing Windows + R, type cmd, and select to run as administrator.
2. Input msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and hit Enter.
3. Follow the prompts to scan for hardware issues.
4. Once complete, check for any outstanding updates.

2.2 Run the Power Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot, then select Other troubleshooters.
3. Locate Power and click the Run button.
4. Follow any instructions provided by Windows to resolve detected issues.

2.3 Run the RAM Health Test

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type in MdSched and press Enter.
3. Opt for a restart or check for problems during your next boot.

Step 3: Carry Out DISM and SFC Scans

Running these scans can fix system files that may be corrupt.

1. Launch Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
2. Input: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth and hit Enter.
3. Follow this with: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Step 4: Execute CHKDSK Utility

CHKDSK can find and repair file system errors that may prevent booting.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Enter the command: chkdsk /f and press Enter.

Pro Tip: Consider utilizing specialized tools for deeper hard drive diagnostics.

Step 5: Conduct a Clean Boot

A clean boot can determine if background processes are causing issues.

1. Open System Configuration by typing msconfig in the search bar.
2. In the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Click Disable all and apply changes.
4. Go to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all enabled items in the Task Manager’s Startup tab and restart your PC.

Step 6: Initiate Startup Repair

This can fix issues preventing Windows from starting correctly.

1. Boot into Safe Mode from the Advanced options.
2. Select Troubleshoot followed by Advanced options.
3. Choose the Startup Repair option to initiate the repair process.

Step 7: Perform a System Restore

Restoring your system can revert changes that may have led to the error.

1. Open Control Panel and select Large icons from the View by dropdown.
2. Click on Recovery and then Open System Restore.
3. Select Choose a different restore point and click Next.
4. Identify the restore point and finalize the restore process.

What causes the ‘It Looks Like Windows Didn’t Load Correctly’ error?

Can I prevent this error?