MSConfig Keeps Reverting to Selective Startup in Windows 11: How to Fix It

Experiencing issues with MSConfig reverting to Selective Startup in Windows 11? This common problem can be frustrating, especially if you rely on specific startup configurations for optimal performance.

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this issue and ensure your system runs smoothly. In this article, we will explore the causes and provide step-by-step solutions to fix MSConfig reverting to Selective Startup in Windows 11.

Understanding the Problem​

MSConfig, or System Configuration Utility, is a handy tool in Windows 11 that allows users to manage startup options, services, and boot settings. Sometimes, after making changes to the startup configuration, you may notice that MSConfig reverts to Selective Startup, even if you previously selected Normal Startup. This behavior can be caused by several factors:

• Third-party applications: Certain software may alter startup settings to ensure their processes run at boot.
• System files corruption: Corrupted system files can prevent MSConfig from saving changes.
• User account issues: User profile problems might cause configuration settings to reset.

How can I Fix MSConfig Reverting to Selective Startup?​

1. Check for Third-party Applications​

Some third-party applications are designed to modify startup settings to ensure their components load during boot. To identify and manage these applications:

1. Open Task Manager:
   • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
   • Navigate to the Startup tab.
2. Disable unnecessary startup items:
   • Review the list of enabled startup applications.
   • Right-click on any unnecessary application and select Disable.
3. Reboot your computer:
   • Check if MSConfig still reverts to Selective Startup.

2. Try enabling all disabled services​

1. Press Windows key + R and type msconfig. Click OK.
   
2. Next, go to the Services tab and click on the Enable all button.
   
3. Click on Apply and OK.
4. Try to enable Normal startup again.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM​

Corrupted system files can cause MSConfig to revert to Selective Startup. Use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair these files:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run SFC scan:
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • Wait for the scan to complete and repair any detected issues.
3. Run DISM scan:
   • Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
   • Wait for the process to complete.
4. Restart your computer:
   • Check if the issue persists.

4. Create a New User Account​

User account corruption can also lead to MSConfig reverting to Selective Startup. Creating a new user account can help resolve this issue:

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Accounts:
   • Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Add a new user:
   • Click Add account under Other users.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account.
4. Log in with the new account:
   • Restart your computer and log in with the new user account.
   • Check if MSConfig saves your startup settings.

5. Perform a Clean Boot​

A clean boot can help identify if any background services or applications are causing MSConfig to revert to Selective Startup:

1. Open MSConfig:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Configure selective startup:
   • Under the General tab, select Selective startup.
   • Uncheck Load startup items.
3. Disable non-Microsoft services:
   • Go to the Services tab.
   • Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
4. Restart your computer:
   • Check if the issue persists.
5. Isolate the problem:
   • If the issue is resolved, enable services and startup items one at a time to identify the culprit.

Dealing with MSConfig reverting to Selective Startup in Windows 11 can be a hassle, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and fix the underlying issues. Whether disabling problematic third-party applications, repairing system files, creating a new user account, or performing a clean boot, each method targets a different potential cause of the problem.

By following these steps, you can restore your preferred startup configuration and maintain your system's performance and stability.