software issue

Enter the Windows Recovery Environment, test Safe Mode, and then use the least-destructive recovery option that matches whether applications work there.

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Select the Power icon.
3. Hold Shift while selecting Restart.
4. On Choose an option, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options.

If Ctrl+Alt+Delete does not respond, hold the physical power button for about 10 seconds to turn the PC off. Turn it on and repeat the forced shutdown during startup until Windows enters Automatic Repair, then select Advanced options.

If BitLocker is enabled, Windows might request the recovery key before permitting recovery operations.^1^

2. Test Safe Mode

From Advanced options:

1. Select Startup Settings → Restart.
2. After restarting, press 4 or F4 for Enable Safe Mode.
3. Sign in and try opening File Explorer and one application.

Safe Mode loads only essential Windows files, services, and drivers, making this the key test for separating a startup software or driver problem from a broader Windows failure.^2^

• Applications open in Safe Mode: remove any application, antivirus product, driver, or utility installed immediately before the problem began. Then restart normally.
• Applications still do not open: return to the recovery environment and continue below.

3. Roll back a recent change

If this began immediately after a Windows update:

1. Open Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates.
2. Select Uninstall latest quality update first.
3. Restart and test Windows.

This rollback does not affect personal files or installed applications.^1^

If the issue did not start after an update—or uninstalling the update does not help—select Advanced options → System Restore and choose a restore point from before the problem started. System Restore rolls back system files and settings without removing personal files, although applications installed after the selected restore point may be affected.

4. Perform an in-place Windows repair if File Explorer works

If Windows reaches the desktop and File Explorer opens, repair Windows while retaining files and applications:

1. Back up important files first.
2. Download the Windows 11 ISO from: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
3. Choose an ISO in the same language as the current Windows interface.
4. Disconnect unnecessary external devices and temporarily disable third-party antivirus software.
5. In File Explorer, double-click the ISO.
6. Run Setup.exe.
7. Select Keep personal files and apps when prompted.
8. Start the installation.

This repair procedure is specifically recommended in a closely matching Windows 11 case where Start, Settings, and most applications would not open.^3^

5. Last resort: Reset this PC

If applications do not work in Safe Mode and rollback or repair installation is unavailable or unsuccessful:

1. Enter Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep my files.

This reinstalls Windows and retains personal files, but removes installed applications and resets settings. Back up important files first; Microsoft lists Reset this PC after less-disruptive recovery options.^1^

If this is a work- or school-managed computer, contact the organization’s IT department before resetting it.

References

1. Recovery options in Windows
2. Windows startup settings
3. Systemsettings.exe The instruction at 0X0000xxxxxxx refrenced memory at 0X0000xxxxxxxx. The memory could not be read. - Microsoft Q&A