How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows
A clean boot is a troubleshooting technique used to resolve system issues by disabling all non-essential services and drivers. This method can help identify and fix problems that are caused by third-party software or hardware. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to perform a clean boot in Windows.
What is a Clean Boot?
A clean boot is a Windows feature that allows you to disable all non-essential services and drivers, thereby reducing the number of processes running on your system. This can help improve system performance, reduce memory usage, and resolve issues caused by third-party software or hardware.
Why Perform a Clean Boot?
Performing a clean boot can help you:
- Resolve issues caused by third-party software or hardware
- Improve system performance and reduce memory usage
- Fix problems related to driver conflicts
- Enhance system stability and security
Preparation
Before performing a clean boot, make sure you have the following:
- A backup of your system files and settings
- A list of all installed drivers and services
- A list of all installed applications and software
Step 1: Disable All Non-Essential Services
To disable all non-essential services, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type "services.msc" and press Enter
- In the Services window, look for any services that are not essential to your system (e.g., Windows Search, Windows Defender, etc.)
- Right-click on each service and select "Disable"
- Click "OK" to confirm
Step 2: Disable All Non-Essential Drivers
To disable all non-essential drivers, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type "devmgmt.msc" and press Enter
- In the Device Manager window, look for any drivers that are not essential to your system (e.g., Intel Graphics, Realtek Audio, etc.)
- Right-click on each driver and select "Disable device"
- Click "OK" to confirm
Step 3: Disable All Non-Essential Applications
To disable all non-essential applications, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type "appwiz.cpl" and press Enter
- In the App Windows Control Panel window, look for any applications that are not essential to your system (e.g., Adobe Flash, Java, etc.)
- Right-click on each application and select "Uninstall"
- Click "OK" to confirm
Step 4: Disable All Non-Essential Services and Drivers
To disable all non-essential services and drivers, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
- Type "services.msc" and press Enter
- In the Services window, look for any services that are not essential to your system (e.g., Windows Search, Windows Defender, etc.)
- Right-click on each service and select "Disable"
- Click "OK" to confirm
- Repeat the same process for all non-essential drivers
Step 5: Restart Your System
After disabling all non-essential services and drivers, restart your system to see if any issues have been resolved.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you are experiencing issues after performing a clean boot, try disabling all non-essential services and drivers again
- If you are still experiencing issues, try disabling all non-essential applications and services
- If you are experiencing issues related to driver conflicts, try disabling all non-essential drivers and then re-enabling them one by one
Conclusion
Performing a clean boot is a simple and effective way to resolve system issues and improve system performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can perform a clean boot and resolve issues caused by third-party software or hardware. Remember to always backup your system files and settings before performing a clean boot, and to restart your system after disabling all non-essential services and drivers.
Table: List of Non-Essential Services and Drivers
| Service | Driver | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Search | Windows Search Driver | A search engine that indexes your system for search results |
| Windows Defender | Windows Defender Driver | A security software that scans for malware and viruses |
| Intel Graphics | Intel Graphics Driver | A graphics driver that provides improved graphics performance |
| Realtek Audio | Realtek Audio Driver | A audio driver that provides improved audio performance |
| Adobe Flash | Adobe Flash Driver | A plugin that provides improved web browsing performance |
| Java | Java Driver | A plugin that provides improved system performance |
Table: List of Non-Essential Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Adobe Flash | A plugin that provides improved web browsing performance |
| Java | A plugin that provides improved system performance |
| Microsoft Office | A suite of productivity applications |
| Adobe Photoshop | A graphics editing application |
| Skype | A video conferencing application |
By following these steps and tips, you can perform a clean boot and resolve issues caused by third-party software or hardware. Remember to always backup your system files and settings before performing a clean boot, and to restart your system after disabling all non-essential services and drivers.