How to Start Windows 7 Using Last Known Good Configuration

LKGC starts Windows with the last set of working files

What to Know

  • Repeatedly press F8 as (or just before) the Windows splash screen loads to open Advanced Boot Options.
  • Next: Select Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) > wait for startup > log into usual Windows account.
  • Next: Check to see if problem is gone. If recurring, go back and troubleshoot or use System Restore.

This article explains how to start Windows 7 and Windows Vista using Last Known Good Configuration (LKGC)—so long as Windows was working correctly before its last shutdown.

Last Known Good Configuration isn't available in Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 8, but there are other startup options you can read about at the bottom of this page.

01
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Press the F8 Key at the Windows 7 Splash Screen

Windows 7 starting up

Press the F8 key over and over just as, or just before, the Windows 7 splash screen starts to load (i.e., keep pressing it while Windows starts). This will load the Advanced Boot Options menu.

It's really easy to miss the small window of opportunity to press F8. If you see the Windows 7 animation begin, then it's too late. If you don't press F8 in time, wait until the Windows login screen appears and restart the computer from there. Do not log in. If you do, and then shut down Windows 7, you'll lose any benefit of using LKGC.

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Choose Last Known Good Configuration

Advanced Boot Options Menu in Windows 7

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight Last Known Good Configuration (advanced), and then press Enter.

03
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Wait for Windows 7 to Start

Windows 7 splash screen

Wait while Windows 7 starts, hopefully normally. It shouldn't take much longer than you're used to.

Unlike starting Windows 7 in Safe Mode, there are no scary-looking lists of system files running down the screen as Windows starts with Last Known Good Configuration. Remember, all you're doing is rewinding driver and registry settings to those that worked the last time Windows was shut down properly.

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Login to Your Account

Windows 7 logon screen

Log in to the same account you usually use.

If Windows wasn't starting at all, and you've reached this point, it's a good sign that Last Known Good Configuration is going to solve, or at least get you closer to solving, the problem you were having.

If your problem didn't start until later on, you'll have to wait until the next step to see if LKGC did you any good.

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Check to See If the Problem Is Solved

Windows 7 desktop

At this point, Windows has loaded "known good" driver and registry configuration data, so you'll now need to test to see if the problem went away.

If Windows wasn't booting whatsoever, congratulations, it looks like Last Known Good Configuration worked like a charm.

Otherwise, you'll need to test to see if the problem you were having reoccurs. For example, if you experienced a BSOD when you entered the Control Panel, give it a try. If you tried updating a Windows 7 driver and your sound quit working, try it out now.

LKGC Didn't Fix the Problem

If Last Known Good Configuration didn't help, trying it again won't be of much use. It's only good once since, unfortunately, Windows 7 doesn't store multiple configurations.

In most cases, your next option is to use System Restore. We have an article on how to use System Restore to undo system changes in Windows if you need help. However, if you were following a troubleshooting guide specific to the problem you're having, your best option is to go back to that troubleshooting and continue as directed.

LKGC in Windows 11

If you're not using Windows 7 or Vista, you might be wondering how to start Windows 11, 10, or 8 using Last Known Good Configuration. While there is a similar startup menu with troubleshooting tools, it doesn't include the option to use LKGC.

What you can do instead in those newer Windows versions is boot into Safe Mode, which is a startup type that loads basic drivers and is often a first step in troubleshooting startup issues.

See How to Use Advanced Startup Options for details on everything you can do from this menu, and check out How to Access Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11/10/8 for help getting there.

As of January 2020, Microsoft is no longer supporting Windows 7. We recommend upgrading to Windows 10 or Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates and technical support.

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