To fix Windows installation errors using the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) recovery, you’ll need to:
- Boot into BIOS: Restart your computer and press the key that was used for the initial boot-up process to enter the BIOS setup. For most systems, this key is F2 or Del.
- Save changes and exit: Save any changes made to the BIOS settings and exit the BIOS setup.
Common Windows Installation Errors:
- “Windows cannot find C:\\Windows”
- “Windows cannot find C:\\Windows\\System32”
- “Windows cannot find C:\\Windows\\System32\\cmd.exe”
- “Installing Windows was cancelled”
BIOS Recovery Steps:
1. Disable Fast Startup and Disable Hibernation
To prevent corrupted system files, disable Fast Startup and Hibernate during the installation process.
Method 1: Using the BIOS Setup Menu
- Press F2 to access the BIOS setup menu.
- In the Advanced Boot Options menu, navigate to Secure Boot > Disable Fast Startup (or Hibernate).
- Save changes and exit the BIOS setup.
2. Reinstall Windows from a USB Drive or CD/DVD
If you can’t boot into your computer’s main operating system, try reinstalling Windows from a USB drive or CD/DVD.
Method 1: Using Windows Media Creation Tool (for Windows 10/11)
- Insert the installation media.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Click on Get started with installing Windows.
- Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.
3. Rebuild a System Image
If you’ve already installed Windows and it’s not recognized by your computer, try rebuilding a system image using System File Checker (SFC).
Method 1: Using Command Prompt
- Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following command:
sfc /scannow
4. Repair Windows Installation
To repair the installation, follow these steps:
Method 1: Using System File Checker (SFC)
- Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following command:
sfc /scannow
If you’ve already run SFC, try running System Restore to revert back to a previous version of Windows.
Method 2: Using Disk Check
- Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following command:
chkdsk C:\Windows
If you’ve already run chkdsk, try running System Restore to revert back to a previous version of Windows.
5. Reinstall Windows from a Professional Copy
If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling Windows from a professional copy (such as a Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center).
Method 1: Using System Image Recovery Tool
- Restart your computer and enter Safe Mode.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following command:
mbrutil C:\Windows
If you’ve already run mbrutil, try running System Restore to revert back to a previous version of Windows.
Additional Tips:
- Make sure your antivirus software is enabled and up-to-date.
- If you’re using a virtual machine, shut it down before attempting to fix the installation error.
- Be patient during the troubleshooting process, as fixing BIOS-related errors can be time-consuming.
By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve Windows installation errors using the BIOS recovery.
