Fix Error A Patch Is Preventing the System from Starting

User case: A patch is preventing the system from starting

‘A patch is preventing the system from starting’ is one of the common errors you might meet when an update to the operating system is installed before the startup failure. Likewise, you might encounter various kinds of problematic issues like an inaccessible boot device when you try to run your computer. It can be annoying when you need to deal with something urgent. However, if you meet the same error like the previous user case and want to find solutions, then you have come to the right place!

What is system patching?

It’s quite a normal practice to get a system or installed software update. Hence some patch comes with it.

System patching refers to the timely installation of software or operating system updates to fix potential vulnerabilities, improve performance or introduce new features. It is a critical security practice in information technology that protects against malicious attacks and ensures healthy and stable system operation. By applying patches, system administrators fill known security holes and keep the system resistant to the latest threats. The timeliness of system patching is critical to maintaining the security of networks and computing devices.

Before we troubleshoot  ‘a patch is preventing the system from starting Windows 10’ error, let’s know some roots that may cause it:

How to fix patch problem

Way 1. Restart your computer in safe mode

If your computer powers on but fails to load Window, you can troubleshoot by starting it in safe mode, which loads a limited number of programs. Follow these steps to enter safe mode in Windows through the Windows Recovery Environment:

Step 1. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to turn off your computer.

Step 2. Turn it on by pressing the power button.

Step 3. When Windows attempts to start, hold down the power button until the device turns off.  Turn it on again by pressing the power button.

Step 4. Repeat steps 3 and 4, allowing your device to fully restart to access the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step 5. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 6. After the restart, a list of options will appear. Choose Safe Mode with Networking.

Step 7. Once in Windows, uninstall recently added or updated apps or programs to identify and resolve the issue.

Way 2. Use CHKDK

If the issue persists, you may try the following steps:

Step 1. Open the Command Prompt tool in Windows Recovery Environment mode. 

Step 2. Type chkdsk c:\ at the flashing prompt to initiate the Chkdsk utility.

▶Note: Replace c:\ with the letter of the drive for which you want to run the Chkdsk utility (e.g., "d:\" for the hard drive).

Step 3. After the "chkdsk c:\" command, insert \f to fix errors on the disk volume or \r to recover bad sectors, then press Enter.

Step 4. Restart the computer once the chkdsk process is completed.

▶Note: While performing chkdsk, if any bad sectors are found on the hard drive, it attempts to repair the sector, but data on that sector may be lost.

Way 3. Manually attempt to rebuild the BCD

Boot Configuration Data (BCD) is crucial for a successful system boot. If your Windows faces booting issues, attempting repairs on these components is a worthwhile approach.

Open the Command Prompt from System Recovery Options and enter the following commands:

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /rebuildbcd

These commands aim to fix the Master Boot Record (MBR), the boot sector, and rebuild the BCD to resolve boot-related problems.

Way 4. Try booting your computer in the last known good configuration 🔥

Last Known Good Configuration (LKGC) is a recovery option integrated into all versions of Windows by Microsoft. This functionality enables you to restore a Windows PC or Server to a previously functional state, especially if you encounter difficulties in starting it normally due to issues arising from failed updates, driver installations, or software setups. Here is how to utilize the Last Known Good Configuration (LKGC) recovery option when Windows Server 2019 won’t boot:

Step 1. Once you're in the Startup Settings screen, click the Restart button.

Step 2. Upon the system restart, the Advanced Boot Options screen will be displayed. Utilize your keyboard's arrow keys to navigate to Last Known Good Configuration (Advanced) and then press the Enter key.

Way 5. Use system image to fix after Windows update 🔥

If your problem still persisting, you can choose to perform offline System Restore under Windows PE bootable environment. It can bring your computer back to the working state (including system files, installed programs, etc.) via system image backup you made in advance, especially when your computer is unbootable.

To complete the entire process, you need a free backup and restore software like AOMEI Backupper Standard. Then, please create a system image backup and repair boot USB with it. Once something unexpected happens, you can restore system image to get your computer back in a very short time. Below are the steps:

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Step 1. Set your bootable media (eg: CD, DVD, USB drive) as the first boot device, then save the changes and exit this window. After that, AOMEI Backupper will start automatically.

Step 2. Click Restore and click Select Task. If your backup is on the external hard drive, you can click Select Image File and restore system image from external hard drive.

Step 3. Select the system backup image and then click Next.

Step 4. Select Restore this system backup and click Next. Select a backup point if you created differential backup and incremental backup before.

▶Note: If you want to restore to a different location, you can tick Restore system to other location and select a partition.

Step 5. Review the operating summary and confirm the restore location. Click Start Restore to start the operation.

Conclusion

To address ‘a patch is preventing the system from starting’ issue, users may need to boot into safe mode, uninstall the problematic patch, or restore the system to a previous state before the patch was applied. Also, if you have a good habit of creating a regular system backup, it will be easy to restore your computer backup to normal. AOMEI Backupper Standard is the best free backup and restore software that supports you in creating system/disk/partition/file and folder backup within several clicks. Now try it by yourself!