How to fix broken startup screen

lin l 0 Reputation points
2026-09-12T02:26:43.2233333+00:00

So my laptop won’t startup no matter what I do, after I deleted Microsoft from registry editor accidentally my laptop wasn’t the same and now all i’m getting is error messages? what can I do because nothing is helping my case i’m keep getting an recovery screen and then after an startup screen

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Recovery and backup
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  1. EmilyS726 264.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-12T03:03:55.3+00:00

    Since this started right after something was accidentally deleted from the registry, the first thing I would try is System Restore.

    From the Recovery screen, go to:

    Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. Choose a restore point from before the registry change.

    If there is no restore point, or System Restore fails, try: Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Keep my files

    If you are given the choice, I would use Cloud download rather than Local reinstall, since we do not know exactly what was deleted or damaged.

    A reset should hopefully rebuild Windows and the registry, but there is no guarantee it will work if the recovery environment itself was also damaged.

    If Reset this PC also fails, the next step would be to create a Windows 10 installation USB from another computer and reinstall Windows.

    I would not start running "bootrec" or "chkdsk" commands recommended by the AI answer unless the Recovery screen is showing a specific boot, BCD, or disk-related error. Those commands do not restore registry entries that were deleted.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-12T02:26:59.2766667+00:00

    Since the issue started after an accidental registry change and the PC now loops into Recovery/startup errors, use Windows Recovery Environment and try the least disruptive options first.

    1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
      • Turn the laptop off.
      • Turn it on and let it fail to start.
      • After two failed boot attempts, Windows should enter WinRE automatically.
    2. Run Startup Repair.
      • In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart.
      • This tool can repair startup problems such as corrupted system files, boot configuration data, MBR issues, incompatible drivers, and registry errors.
      • If prompted, enter the BitLocker recovery key.
    3. If Startup Repair does not fix it, use System Restore.
      • In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
      • Choose a restore point from before the registry change.
      • This is the recommended way to undo unknown registry damage.
    4. If the Recovery screen mentions BCD or boot errors, open Command Prompt in WinRE.
      • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
      • Run these commands one at a time:
    bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
    • Restart and check whether Windows starts.
    1. If disk corruption is suspected, run a disk check from Command Prompt in WinRE:
    chkdsk /f /r
    1. If Windows still will not start, use Startup Settings to try Safe Mode.
      • In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
      • After restart, choose a Safe Mode option.
      • If Safe Mode works, the problem is less likely to be basic boot failure and more likely related to drivers, services, or the registry change.
    2. If none of the above works, use a restore/reset option carefully.
      • Recovery options can result in data loss.
      • Back up important files first if possible.
      • If a reset is needed, choose the option that keeps personal files.

    Important:

    • Avoid manual registry hive replacement unless a restore point or standard recovery option has already failed.
    • Registry repair steps can be risky, and incorrect changes can make startup problems worse.
    • If the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key may be required in WinRE.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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