Disaster strikes! Windows 10 won’t load. Or maybe it starts up, but crashes. Either way, you need to fix the problem before you can use your laptop. Fortunately, there are a few ways to correct this problem that I will explain in this article.
Option 1: Use Windows Startup Repair
If Windows 10 is unable to boot up and takes you to the login screen or the desktop, your first step should be to use Startup Repair. Follow this easy guide:
- Navigate to the Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options menu. On many laptops, pressing F11 as soon as you power on will get you to the Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options. Booting off an install disk and selecting “Next” then “Repair” offers a secondary option.
- Once your computer has booted, select Troubleshoot.
- And then you’ll need to click Advanced options
- Click Startup Repair. Windows will take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes to attempt to fix the problem. It may not be able to. If you don’t actually have a Startup problem, it will also say it can’t fix the problem.
Option 2: Use Windows Restore Feature
- Complete step 1 from the previous method to get to Windows 10’s Advanced Startup Options menu.
- Click System Restore. This will make the computer reboot.
- Select your username
- Enter your password
- Select a Restore Point from the menu and follow the prompts. If you have no restore points, you cannot use this method.
Option 3: Perform a Disk Scan
Your Windows 10 problems may stem from a corrupt file. If you can boot into the operating system, even if you have to boot into safe mode, perform a file scan to check for problems.
- Type “cmd” into the main search box
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow at command prompt and press Enter. The scan will take a while and should fix any corrupted files it finds.
I hope that one of these options worked for you. If you have any questions, leave a note on our website and we will help you.
Author: Ryan Danvers
For more information and help contact Ryan on 072 601 2858.
Windows 11 Upgrade - Will it work on your lapop?
So, you’re wondering about Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It looks snazzy and has some neat features. But can your current laptop actually run it? Don’t worry, you don’t need a degree in IT to figure this out! We at abacon IT in Cape Town are here to help you understand the basics.
Upgrading your laptop to Windows 11 can give it a new lease on life. However, Windows 11 has certain system requirements. These are the minimum specifications your laptop needs to have to run the software smoothly. Think of it like needing the right ingredients for a recipe – without them, it just won’t work properly.
One of the most important parts is your laptop’s processor, often called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the “brain” of your computer. Windows 11 needs a fairly recent and capable CPU to function well.
Which Processors Work with Windows 11?
Here’s a simplified look at the processors that are generally compatible:
Intel Processors:
- Generally, Windows 11 requires an 8th-generation Intel Core processor or newer. You might see names like “Intel Core i5-8xxx” or “Intel Core i7-11xxx.” The first number after the “i” (or “i3”) usually indicates the generation. So, an “i5-8250u” is an 8th-generation processor.
- Intel also has its Pentium and Celeron processors. For Windows 11, only certain newer models are compatible.
AMD Processors:
- For AMD, Windows 11 requires Ryzen 2000 Series and newer. You’ll see names like “AMD Ryzen 5 2xxx” or “AMD Ryzen 7 5xxx”. Again, the first number after “Ryzen” indicates the series.
- AMD also has Athlon processors. Similar to Intel’s Pentium and Celeron, only specific newer Athlon models will work with Windows 11.
Important Note: This is a general guideline. There can be exceptions, so it’s always best to double-check your specific processor.
How to Find Out Which Processor Your Laptop Has
Don’t fret, Windows makes it pretty easy to see what CPU is inside your laptop:
- Right-click the Start Button: This is the Windows logo (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
- Select “System”: A new window will pop up with information about your computer.
- Look for “Processor”: You’ll find this listed under the “Device specifications” section. It will tell you the name of your processor, including the manufacturer (Intel or AMD) and the model number, which usually indicates the generation or series.
Once you have this information, you can compare it to the general lists above.
Other Important Bits for Windows 11
Besides the processor, there are a few other things Windows 11 needs:
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Consider this your laptop’s short-term memory. Windows 11 requires at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM. More is always better for smoother performance. Instead, consider 16 gigabytes (GB).
- Storage: To install Windows 11, you’ll need at least 64 GB of free space on your hard drive or SSD (Solid-State Drive). An SSD generally makes your computer much faster.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security feature. Most modern laptops have this, but it’s worth checking. You can usually find information on how to check for TPM 2.0 in your laptop’s BIOS settings (you might need to consult your laptop manufacturer’s website for instructions on accessing this).
- Graphics Card: Your graphics card needs to be compatible with DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver. Most reasonably recent graphics cards will meet this requirement.
- Display: You’ll need a screen with a resolution of at least 720p (HD).
Still Not Sure? We Can Help!
Figuring out all these technical details can be daunting. If you’re still unsure whether your laptop is ready for Windows 11, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at abacon IT in Cape Town.
Our friendly team can quickly assess your system and give you straightforward advice. We’re here to help your SME thrive with reliable IT solutions! Contact us at 072-601-2858 or email info@abacon.co.za, and we will call you back.
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