How to perform a clean boot in Windows

Steps written for Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2.

1. 1

   Open System Configuration

   Select Search on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.

2. 2

   Hide Microsoft services

   On the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box. Only services from other companies stay in the list.

   

3. 3

   Disable the remaining services

   Select Disable all, then select Apply.

4. 4

   Open Task Manager

   On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.

   

5. 5

   Disable the startup apps

   On the Startup apps tab in Task Manager, select each item whose status is Enabled and select Disable. Write down or take a screenshot of the items you disable: you need the list to turn them back on.

   

6. 6

   Confirm the changes

   Close Task Manager. On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK.

7. 7

   Restart and test

   Restart the PC. Windows now starts in a clean boot environment: try again the thing that failed (run the app, install the update, uninstall the program).

Steps written for Windows 10 22H2.

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.

1. 1

   Open System Configuration

   In the search box on the taskbar, type msconfig and select System Configuration from the results.

2. 2

   Hide Microsoft services

   On the Services tab, select the Hide all Microsoft services check box. Only services from other companies stay in the list.

3. 3

   Disable the remaining services

   Select Disable all, then select Apply.

4. 4

   Open Task Manager

   On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select Open Task Manager.

5. 5

   Disable the startup apps

   On the Startup tab in Task Manager, select each item whose status is Enabled and select Disable. Write down or take a screenshot of the items you disable: you need the list to turn them back on.

6. 6

   Confirm the changes

   Close Task Manager. On the Startup tab of System Configuration, select OK.

7. 7

   Restart and test

   Restart the PC. Windows now starts in a clean boot environment: try again the thing that failed (run the app, install the update, uninstall the program).