If you're running Windows 10 or 11, follow these steps to clean boot your PC:
- Open the Start menu.
- Type ‘msconfig’ in the search box and press Enter. This will bring up the System Configuration window.
- Go to the Services tab.
- Check the box to Hide all Microsoft Services, then select the Disable all button.
- Go the Startup tab, then select Open Task Manager.
- Once the list fully loads, right-click and choose Disable on each of the programs listed.
- Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
- Select OK to save your changes, then restart your computer.
Running Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows 8/8.1? Check out the Microsoft instructions for performing a clean boot in older versions of Windows.
I’m still having trouble with my game
If running a clean boot didn’t help, you’ll need to re-enable your start-up programs.
- Follow steps 1-5 above again but at step 6, right-click and choose Enable on all of your programs.
- Select Apply and restart your computer.
Which program is causing the problem?
- Follow the steps above again but check the box beside one of the programs in the list to allow it to run when Windows starts up.
- If everything works well, you know that program is not causing the problem.
- If you see the same problem you did before, you’ll need to keep this program from starting when you reboot. Uncheck the box beside it, and restart your computer.
- Run through these steps again to make sure that you’ve identified all of the conflicting programs. Each time you follow the steps, add another program at start-up by checking the box beside it.
- Once you’ve prevented any conflicting programs from running at start-up you should have a smoother experience.