Fix 'No Class Definition' Bundle Error: 5 Steps (2025)
Stuck on the 'Your PC did not start correctly' blue screen? Learn 7 proven methods to fix this Windows 11/10 error, from Startup Repair to System Restore.
Michael Rodriguez
A certified IT professional specializing in Windows diagnostics and system repair.
Understanding the 'Your PC Did Not Start Correctly' Error
The blue screen with the message "Your PC did not start correctly" is one of the most dreaded sights for any Windows user. It's a frustrating roadblock that prevents you from accessing your desktop, files, and applications. This error, often accompanied by a prompt for "Automatic Repair," signifies that Windows has failed to boot properly multiple times and has entered its built-in recovery mode.
But don't panic. While it looks serious, this error is often solvable without a trip to the repair shop. It typically points to a software-level problem, such as corrupted system files, a problematic driver, or a failed update, rather than a catastrophic hardware failure. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through seven proven methods to diagnose and fix this issue on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What Causes This Error?
Understanding the root cause can help you choose the right solution. Here are the most common culprits behind the "Your PC did not start correctly" screen:
- Corrupted System Files: Essential Windows files may have been damaged or deleted due to an improper shutdown, malware, or disk errors.
- Faulty Drivers: A recently installed or updated hardware driver (like for a graphics card or printer) might be incompatible or corrupt.
- Damaged Boot Configuration Data (BCD): The BCD file tells Windows how to load. If it's corrupted, your PC doesn't know how to start.
- Recent Hardware or Software Changes: Installing new RAM, a new GPU, or even a new piece of software can sometimes create conflicts that prevent a smooth boot.
- Interrupted Windows Updates: A power outage or forced shutdown during a critical Windows update can leave the system in an unstable state.
How to Access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)
All the solutions we'll discuss are accessed through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), the blue screen menu you're likely already seeing. If you're not on that screen, you can force your PC to enter it:
- Press and hold the power button on your PC to shut it down completely.
- Press the power button again to turn it on.
- As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo or the Windows loading spinner, press and hold the power button again until it shuts off.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times. On the third or fourth boot, Windows will automatically give up trying to load normally and will launch WinRE.
Once you're in WinRE, you'll see a screen that says "Choose an option." From here, you'll navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options to find the tools we need.
7 Proven Methods to Fix the Error
Start with Method 1 and work your way down. The initial methods are simpler and less drastic, while the later ones are more powerful but may involve data risk.
Method 1: Run Startup Repair
This is the most straightforward fix and should always be your first step. Startup Repair is an automated diagnostic tool that scans for and attempts to fix common boot problems.
- From the Advanced options screen, select Startup Repair.
- Choose your user account and enter your password if prompted.
- The tool will now scan your system. This can take several minutes.
- If it finds and fixes a problem, your PC will restart automatically. If it says it "couldn't repair your PC," don't be discouraged. Move on to the next method.
Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with only the bare essential drivers and services. If your PC boots successfully in Safe Mode, the problem is likely caused by a third-party driver or software you recently installed.
- From the Advanced options screen, click Startup Settings, then Restart.
- After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
- If you successfully reach the desktop, try uninstalling any recently added programs or hardware drivers.
- Once you've removed the potential culprit, restart your PC normally to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 3: Use System Restore
System Restore allows you to revert your PC's system files and settings to an earlier point in time (a "restore point") without affecting your personal files like documents or photos. This is incredibly useful if the error started after a specific installation or update.
- In the Advanced options menu, select System Restore.
- The wizard will open. Click Next.
- You'll see a list of available restore points. Choose one dated before you started experiencing the error. If you don't see any, you may need to check the box that says "Show more restore points."
- Confirm your selection and click Finish. Your PC will restart and begin the restoration process. This can take some time and should not be interrupted.
Method 4: Repair System Files with SFC and DISM
If corrupted system files are the cause, you can use two powerful command-line tools to find and fix them: System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM).
- From the Advanced options screen, select Command Prompt.
- First, run the SFC scan. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- The scan will check for and attempt to repair corrupted Windows files. If it completes successfully but the problem persists, or if it finds errors it can't fix, proceed to the DISM tool.
- Run the DISM command to repair the core Windows component store. Type this command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- This scan can take 15-20 minutes. Once it's complete, run the SFC scan again:
sfc /scannow
- After both commands have run successfully, close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.
Method 5: Rebuild the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)
If the BCD is damaged, your PC won't boot. You can use the Command Prompt to rebuild it manually.
- Open Command Prompt from the Advanced options menu.
- Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
(If you get an "Access is denied" error here, move to the next command).bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
- When you run the final command, it will scan for Windows installations. It should find one. Press Y and then Enter to add it to the boot list.
- Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Method 6: Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
A recent update may have introduced a bug or conflict. WinRE allows you to uninstall the latest updates.
- From the Advanced options screen, select Uninstall Updates.
- You will see two options: "Uninstall latest quality update" and "Uninstall latest feature update."
- Start with the quality update, as these are more frequent and a common source of issues. Follow the on-screen prompts.
- If that doesn't work, return and try uninstalling the feature update (these are larger and less frequent).
- After uninstalling, restart your PC.
Method 7: Reset Your PC
This is your last resort before a complete reinstallation of Windows. Resetting reinstalls the operating system. You will be given two choices:
- Keep my files: This removes all installed applications and settings but preserves your personal files (documents, pictures, etc.).
- Remove everything: This is a factory reset. It deletes everything, including your personal files, and installs a fresh copy of Windows. Only choose this if you have a backup of your data.
To start, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC and choose your preferred option. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Method | Difficulty | Time Required | Data Risk |
---|---|---|---|
Startup Repair | Easy | 5-15 Minutes | None |
Boot to Safe Mode | Easy | 5-10 Minutes | None (unless you delete wrong files) |
System Restore | Easy | 15-45 Minutes | None to personal files |
SFC & DISM Scans | Intermediate | 20-60 Minutes | None |
Rebuild BCD | Advanced | 10-20 Minutes | Low (if commands are entered correctly) |
Uninstall Updates | Easy | 10-30 Minutes | None |
Reset This PC | Easy | 30-90+ Minutes | Low ('Keep my files') to High ('Remove everything') |
When to Seek Professional Help
If you've tried all the methods above and your PC still won't start correctly, the issue may be hardware-related. Common hardware failures that can mimic this software error include:
- A failing hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD)
- Faulty RAM modules
- A problem with the motherboard or power supply
At this point, it's best to consult a professional PC repair technician. They have the diagnostic tools to test your hardware components and pinpoint the exact cause of the failure.