A clean boot starts Windows with a reduced set of background software so you can investigate conflicts. It is a temporary diagnostic state. Some functions may be unavailable while it is active, so prepare a route back to your normal configuration before beginning.

Choose a symptom you can repeat, such as an application failing at the same step. Record the exact steps and save your work. Photograph or note which non-Microsoft services and startup items are currently enabled. Include items already disabled so they are not accidentally enabled during cleanup.

Follow the limited diagnostic procedure

Microsoft's clean-boot guide uses System Configuration and Task Manager. In the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services before disabling the remaining services. Record the enabled startup items you disable in Task Manager. Do not experiment with advanced boot settings, processor counts or memory limits.

On a managed PC, coordinate this test with IT. Disabling background components can affect security, networking or business software; it should not become an indefinite operating arrangement. Keep the test brief and avoid unrelated browsing or sensitive work while protections or supporting services might be unavailable.

Reintroduce changes systematically

After restarting, perform the same test. If the symptom disappears, re-enable groups of the items you disabled and repeat the check, narrowing the group until an individual component is implicated. If the symptom persists, record that result rather than declaring all hardware healthy or all applications faulty.

At the end, restore normal startup and the intended service/startup state using your record and Microsoft's return-to-normal instructions. Restart and confirm that essential functions have returned. Any component intentionally left disabled should be a documented, understood decision.

A clean boot result is evidence for the next step, such as updating or seeking vendor support for a specific program. It is not a reason to uninstall several unrelated applications or leave background services off permanently.

Reference: Microsoft Support.