How to boot Last Known Good Configuration on Windows 10, 11

Here you will find out:

what is Last Known Good Configuration

how to get it on the computer

when DiskInternals can help you

Are you ready? Let's read!

What is Last Known Good Configuration?

It is a useful restoration option shipped with all versions of Windows.

Last Known Good Configuration gives access to the computer when it is not able to boot on its own due to any number of problems. The function is available in the Advanced Boot Options menu. In essence, Last Known Good Configuration is an old backup of parts of the Windows Registry. While they can sometimes be misconfigured, that's better than nothing. Here, you will learn when to use Last Known Good Configuration on Windows 10, 11 and how to do it without errors.

You will also learn an alternative way of returning inaccessible data if the system still fails to boot correctly.

When Last Known Good Configuration in Windows is helpful

Let's start by noting the many unpleasant and sudden situations when the computer cannot boot normally:

Incorrect driver installation: In such a case, you will most likely see a “blue screen of death” at startup and the computer will fail to load without proper troubleshooting.

Virus or malware infection: This can block safe access to your PC.

Errors during Windows update or external factors (e.g., power failure) that interfere with a normal update: Any of these could prevent the computer from booting correctly.

Incompatibility of recently installed programs and their components: This can also cause serious problems with the system booting.

All these unforeseen situations can be resolved in one way: reset the computer to the Last Known Good Configuration.

How to boot Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 7

First, turn off your computer and unplug it from the network.

Now turn it back on and wait until the manufacturer's logo (e.g., Acer, Lenovo) disappears. Now press the F8 key several times in a row until you enter the Advanced Boot Options menu. Here, you will see a list of available actions: using the arrow keys, select Last Known Good Configuration. Now press Enter on your keyboard. After that, you can boot into the system.

How to boot Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 10, 11

Note: Windows 10, 11 has replaced Last Known Good Configuration with Safe Mode.

Again, turn off your computer and turn it on again. When you see the manufacturer's logo on the screen, long-press the power button. This should trigger the opening of the Windows Recovery window. The power button may have to be pressed again several times until this happens. In the Windows Recovery window, go to the Select an Option page. Then use the arrow keys to select the Troubleshoot option, then Advanced Options. Go to the Startup Options section, where you need to select Restart. After rebooting, you will see a list of options on the screen; select Safe Mode. Next, the system will boot into Safe Mode, where you can start dealing with the problem that first arose.

How else you can help your computer

Reinstallation of Windows is always a solution.

A disk image is also a great idea, and might well replace the Last Known Good Configuration option. For any of these options, you need DiskInternals Partition Recovery. First, when reinstalling the OS, you will always lose all data, so a data backup or restoration is required. Secondly, the disk imaging function in this application is free for everyone. Do not worry if you do not have sufficient skills in working with such applications: you can turn on the Recovery Wizard and simply follow its instructions.

Download the application and check it out for free. You can also view the recovery results for free. Purchasing a license is optional, but it is required if you want to export recovery results.

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