Windows: What Exactly Happens When Booting?

Starting up your Windows computer is also called booting. But what exactly happens when starting up? We clarify it.

Windows: This happens step by step when booting

1. When you turn on the computer, it is receiving power. All components with a certain self-intelligence now work through their usual procedure.
2. The BIOS routine starts first. The information that the BIOS needs for these processes is located on a non-volatile ROM chip on the motherboard of the mainboard. As a user, you get the start of the BIOS routine by the fact that the name of the respective BIOS manufacturer appears on the screen (see picture).
3. First, the "Power On Self Test", or "POST" for short. All connected hardware components such as the graphics card and the hard disk are recognized and checked for functionality.
4. If the hardware is ready for use, the BIOS searches for the start sector. This start or boot sector contains a "master boot record", which contains the essential information that implies the start of Windows.

The BIOS passes to Windows

1. After the BIOS has passed the start-up process to Windows, the Windows logo appears under all versions (except for Windows 8).
2. The first information can be found in the NTLDR file. It contains all the important information the computer needs to load Windows.
3. Then the so-called kernel is loaded. This contains the central components of Windows and brings the system to life.
4. Now drivers and all important system files are loaded until you finally get to the Windows logon screen. Data is still being loaded, but the boot process has now been successfully completed.

In this practical tip, we explain what exactly safe mode is all about.