WINDOW 11

Fix: Computer Won’t Boot on First Attempt – Starts Only After Reboot

5 SOLUTIONS
MAY 23, 2025

If your Windows 11 PC fails to boot on the first attempt but works after a reboot, the issue could stem from hardware, software, or firmware misconfigurations. Below are step-by-step solutions, prerequisites, and pro tips to resolve the problem.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Power Source Check

Ensure your system is plugged in and not running on a faulty battery.

External Device Cleanup

Remove USB drives, DVDs, or any bootable media.

Backup Data

Backup your critical files before applying fixes.

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Disable Fast Startup

5 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Turn off Fast Startup via Power Options to resolve boot conflicts, with a pro tip to force a full shutdown.

Method 1 of 5
Next Method

Open Power Options

Press Win + R → Type powercfg.cpl → Press Enter

Method 1 of 5
Step 1 of 5

Access Fast Startup Setting

Click Choose what the power buttons do

Method 1 of 5
Step 2 of 5

Enable Setting Controls

Click Change settings that are currently unavailable

Method 1 of 5
Step 3 of 5

Disable Fast Startup

Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended)

Method 1 of 5
Step 4 of 5

Save Changes

Click Save changes

Tip: Hold Shift while clicking Shut down to perform a full shutdown

Method 1 of 5
Step 5 of 5
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Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Safely install the latest BIOS version from your manufacturer’s site, ensuring stable power to avoid system damage.

Method 2 of 5
Next Method

Identify Your System

Note the motherboard or system manufacturer and model

Method 2 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Visit Manufacturer Website

Go to the official site → Open Support / Downloads

Method 2 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Download Latest BIOS

Locate and download the correct BIOS/UEFI update

Method 2 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Install Carefully

Follow manufacturer instructions step-by-step

Method 2 of 5
Step 4 of 4
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Perform Startup Repair

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

Automatically fix boot errors via Windows Recovery Environment, with a fallback to bootrec commands if repairs fail.

Method 3 of 5
Next Method

Trigger Recovery Mode

Start PC → Force shut down 3 times to enter WinRE

Method 3 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Access Repair Options

In WinRE: Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair

Method 3 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Run Repair

Follow on-screen instructions to finish the automatic repair

Caution: Use Command Prompt → Run bootrec commands if repair fails

Method 3 of 5
Step 3 of 3
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Check and Reseat RAM Modules

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

Reinsert RAM sticks to ensure secure connections and test individual modules to isolate hardware faults.

Method 4 of 5
Next Method

Turn Off PC

Shut down PC and unplug from power source

Method 4 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Open PC Case

Access internal hardware carefully

Method 4 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Remove & Reinsert RAM

Gently remove RAM sticks → Reinsert firmly into their slots

Method 4 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Test Boot

Close case → Plug in PC → Power it on

Info: Test modules one-by-one to identify a faulty stick

Method 4 of 5
Step 4 of 4
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Disable Hybrid Sleep and Hibernation

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD
Method 5
Overview

Free disk space and prevent sleep-related boot issues by disabling hibernation via the Command Prompt.

Method 5 of 5

Open Admin Terminal

Press Win + X → Select Windows Terminal (Admin)

Method 5 of 5
Step 1 of 2

Disable Hibernation

Type: powercfg -h off → Press Enter

Success: This deletes hiberfil.sys, freeing RAM-sized disk space

Method 5 of 5
Step 2 of 2

Additional Tips

Image

Perform a clean install of Windows 11.

Test the boot drive on another PC to rule out hardware failure.

Consult a technician for motherboard or CPU diagnostics.

Methods (5)

Disable Fast Startu...
5 Steps
Update BIOS/UEFI Fi...
4 Steps
Perform Startup Rep...
3 Steps
Check and Reseat RA...
4 Steps
Disable Hybrid Slee...
2 Steps

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