Fix Boot and Couldn’t Repair Errors on Windows With This Simple Guide

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Introduction

If you’re trying to fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows, you’ve probably seen a blue screen message saying Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC or Your PC did not start correctly. This issue often appears on Dell laptops and desktops, but it can happen on any Windows system.

Boot errors can be stressful. They stop your system from loading, and you may think your files are gone. The good news is that in many cases, simply adjusting the boot mode settings in BIOS can fix the issue instantly—especially when the system is stuck between UEFI and Legacy boot modes.

This article explains the exact steps to fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows, why this issue happens, and what to do if it continues. You’ll also get a short video script section, FAQs, internal resources, and external trusted links.



Why Windows Shows “Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC”

There are several reasons your PC might show this blue-screen error:


Why Windows Shows “Boot and Couldn’t Repair Errors”

Windows may fail to boot due to:

  • Incorrect boot mode (Legacy vs UEFI mismatch)
  • Corrupted bootloader
  • Damaged system files
  • Recent hardware changes
  • Improper shutdown
  • BIOS reset or update
  • Wrong drive selected as boot device

Most Dell PCs ship with UEFI boot mode + Secure Boot enabled. If these are changed, Windows cannot load properly. This is why your script works so well—it restores the correct boot configuration.


How to Fix Boot and Couldn’t Repair Errors on Windows (Step-by-Step)

Here is the complete article-style explanation of your script, expanded for clarity.

fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows

Step 1: Shut Down the PC Completely

Hold the power button for a few seconds until the computer turns off.
This ensures the system resets all temporary boot states.


Step 2: Start the PC and Continuously Press F12

Press the power button and immediately start tapping F12 repeatedly.

On most Dell systems, F12 opens the Boot Menu, allowing access to BIOS, diagnostics, and boot settings.

If F12 doesn’t work, try:

  • F2 (for BIOS setup)
  • ESC (on some models)

But for Dell, F12 is typically the correct key.


Step 3: Go to “Change Boot Mode Settings”

Inside the Boot Menu, you’ll see several options:

fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows
  • BIOS Setup
  • Diagnostics
  • Boot Options
  • Change Boot Mode Settings

Select Change Boot Mode Settings.

This section is important because improper boot mode is one of the most common reasons for “couldn’t repair” boot loops


Step 4: Select UEFI Boot and Turn Secure Boot On

Inside Boot Mode Settings:

  1. Choose UEFI Boot
  2. Enable Secure Boot ON
fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows

These settings ensure Windows loads using modern boot architecture.

Why these settings matter:

  • UEFI supports modern Windows installations
  • Secure Boot prevents unauthorized boot files
  • Dell systems expect UEFI + Secure Boot by default

Misconfigured settings often cause the blue screen you are trying to fix.


Step 5: Choose YES and Press Enter

When prompted:

Are you sure you want to apply these settings?

Select YES and press Enter.

This confirms your changes.


Step 6: Apply the Changes and Hit Enter Again

After confirming, press:

fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows
  • Apply Changes
  • Then press Enter

Your system will restart.

When it boots again, Windows will attempt to load using correct boot parameters, which helps fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows.


Step 7: Your Computer Should Start Successfully

In most cases, especially with Dell PCs, correcting UEFI and Secure Boot resolves the issue immediately.

If the blue screen no longer appears, the problem was caused by:

  • Boot mode corruption
  • BIOS reset
  • A forced shutdown that changed the boot state
  • Windows mismatch between Legacy and UEFI

Your PC should now load normally.


Why UEFI Boot Mode Fixes These Errors

Many new laptops and desktops install Windows using UEFI mode instead of Legacy mode. When BIOS is reset or modified, the PC may try to start in the wrong boot mode.

This causes Windows to say:

  • “Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC.”
  • “Your PC did not start correctly.”
  • “Boot device not found.”

Returning to UEFI boot mode re-aligns the system with the correct bootloader, helping you fix boot and couldn’t repair errors on Windows quickly.

Learn more about UEFI from Microsoft (DoFollow):
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/bringup/uefi


Boot Issues Commonly Seen on Dell PCs

Dell laptops often show this problem due to:

  • BIOS updates
  • Hard shutdowns
  • Mode switching during troubleshooting
  • Factory reset attempts
  • Boot order corruption

Dell also recommends using UEFI and Secure Boot for proper Windows 10 and 11 operation.


If Your PC Still Shows Boot Errors

If switching to UEFI doesn’t fix the problem, try these:

1. Run Startup Repair

Advanced Options → Troubleshoot → Startup Repair

2. Rebuild Bootloader using CMD

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

3. Check disk for corruption

chkdsk /f /r

(Internal link suggestion: /fix-pc-program-files-or-disk-issue)

4. Disconnect external USB drives

Sometimes they confuse the boot order.

5. Reset BIOS to Default

Use “Load Setup Defaults.”


Check out this Video if you have doubts


FAQs About HowFAQs About How to Fix Boot and Couldn’t Repair Errors on Windows to Fix Boot Couldn’t Repair Errors

Why does my PC say it couldn’t repair itself?

Usually because the boot mode is incorrect, the bootloader is corrupted, or system files are damaged.

Does switching to UEFI delete my files?

No. Changing boot mode does not affect your data.

Why does this issue happen mostly on Dell PCs?

Dell systems rely heavily on UEFI and Secure Boot. Any BIOS reset misconfigures this.

What if F12 doesn’t work?

No. Changing boot mode does not affect files.

Will this method fix all boot errors?

Most, but not all. Disk corruption or hardware failure may require additional steps.


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Ilyas Byahatti is the founder of HowtoFixMyPC.com and DrtechCTO - trusted tech expert who simplifies Windows issues, PC performance, infrastructure, and networking for everyday users. With more than 15 years of hands-on experience, he has helped over 20,000 people troubleshoot hardware, networking, and software problems with confidence and ease.

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