How to recover data from unbootable Windows 10? Utilize powerful crashed PC recovery software - AOMEI FastRecovery to bring your data back easily and quickly. The troubleshooting steps are also included.
“My friend’s Surface Book 2 suddenly stopped booting to Windows. I have noticed that when I intend to browse the files on the drive in either CMD (using Windows Recovery environment) or a bootable Ubuntu drive, user files do not show up. To fix the booting issue, I’ve tried fixing MBR through the command prompt in the Recovery environment, Windows automatic startup repair, and System Restore (but there are no restore points), but failed. So, how do I recover files from an unbootable computer? Thanks."
- Question from the Reddit community
Sometimes, your computer may fail to boot, putting all the valuable data stored on it at risk. Don’t worry, this article will delve into the reasons why Windows computers fail to boot and provide you with effective strategies for recovering data in these challenging situations.
Computers can “crash” and fail to boot for various reasons. The Windows operating system plays a significant role in this “farce.” In addition, countless other factors are at play.
1️⃣ Power issues
2️⃣ Hardware failure
3️⃣Accidentally deleted the boot partition
4️⃣ Corrupted file systems or bad sectors
5️⃣ Corrupted BIOS
6️⃣ Corrupted operating system
7️⃣ Blue Screen of Death
To recover data from a hard drive that won't boot, it's a wise choice to employ a reliable data recovery software like AOMEI FastRecovery, which can make a bootable USB to boot unbootable Windows 10.
1. Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery on a working PC. On the main page, click PC Crashed Recovery in the lower right corner.
2. Check USB Boot Device.
3. Select a blank USB drive and click Create >Yes to format and create a Windows 10 bootable USB.
1. Connect the bootable USB to your unbootable Windows 10. Restart it and press the BIOS key, usually F2, F10, ESC, etc., to access the BIOS/UEFI window.
2. Under the Boot tab, look for your bootable USB and move it to the first boot option.
3. Press F10 to save changes and reboot.
1. After loading AOMEI FastRecovery, you will see all the recovery options.
2. Hover the mouse over the system drive (usually C: drive) and click Scan to find and display all recoverable data.
3. Under the Type section, specify a data type (e.g., Images) and expand to see all the data formats. Sort them or search the name to locate files quickly.
4. Select the desired data and click Recover to bring your data back. Double-click to preview them if you are not sure.
Please select a location to save the recovered data, as restoring to the original location may result in data overwriting.
You can recover data from unbootable Windows 10 for free, up to 500MB. To enjoy unlimited data recovery, it's best to upgrade to the advanced edition of AOMEI FastRecovery.
When faced with the Windows won’t boot problem, you can consider the following troubleshooting steps to pinpoint and address this issue.
Check if your PC is charging. If it’s completely unresponsive-no lights, no fans, and no display-it’s like a power issue. Please make sure the power switch on the back is on.
For laptops, double-check the charger’s proper connection and port. Not all USB ports may provide power if you utilize USB-C. If issues persist, please consider replacing the power supply.
Please unplug extra stuff (webcams, USB headsets, or external hard drives) from your computer. Please see if it boots with just a keyboard and mouse.
Sometimes, a USB flash drive or even the port itself could cause issues. For instance, a Windows computer might not boot with something in the front USB port, but it works fine afterward.
If your computer is making sounds but the screen is blank, check your monitor.
Please listen for beeps as you open your computer. One beep usually means all is well, but multiple beeps can signal a problem. Check your Windows or motherboard manual to decode the beeps and find out what’s wrong.
If you’re facing the Blue Screen of Death at startup, it could be due to problematic apps, drivers, or hardware issues. To fix this issue, you need to enter Safe Mode, which is a bit trickier in newer Windows versions. Interrupting the boot process three times often can go to the Automatic Repair screen.
Step 1. Press the power button to turn off your PC. Power on and off when you see the manufacturer’s logo. Repeat this cycle 3 times, and you can enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 2. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
Step 3. Under the Startup Settings tab, click Restart first. After that, you can press F4/F5/F6 to start your PC in Safe Mode.
If Windows starts booting but stops midway, it could be a software/hardware issue. In this case, you can attempt to reinstall Windows 10 to address this issue. Nevertheless, if the PC still can’t boot even after the reinstallation, there’s a high probability of hardware problems.
Step 1. Restart your computer 3 times to access the Windows recovery environment.
Step 2. On the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Reset this PC.
Step 3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on whether you want to keep personal data. Follow on-screen instructions.
1. How do I recover data from an unbootable hard drive?
Please refer to the following steps to recover data from unbootable hard drives.
2. Can you get off a computer that won’t turn on?
Here are the feasible steps that you can follow.
3. How do I factory reset my computer that won’t boot?
If you cannot boot your PC, please press the power button and continuously tap the F11 or Shift key. This action will lead you to the Advanced Settings of the PC, allowing you to initiate a factory reset for your PC.