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How to Boot Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 11/10/8/7
How to get to Last Known Good Configuration on Windows 11/10/8/7? Read this post to get a stepwise guide and an easier alternative way to system restore.
By Jonna Updated on February 28, 2025
What is the Last Known Good Configuration in Windows?
The Last Known Good Configuration (LKGC) is a valuable recovery tool that was designed to help users restore Windows operating system to a stable state, especially when problems arise after installing new drivers, updates, or software. This feature, originally part of older versions of Windows (Windows XP and Windows 7), allowed users to revert their system to the last configuration where everything worked correctly, preventing new problems from continuing to affect the system.
But it should be noted that Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 11, as well as in Windows 8 and 10, has been deprecated, and its functionality has been replaced with other features like Safe Mode, System Restore, and Windows Recovery Environment.
How to Boot Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 11/10/8/7
While Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 10 and 11 has been removed in favor of other methods (such as Safe Mode), it is still accessible in Windows 7. If you find yourself needing to restore your system to a previous stable state, follow the steps below to figure out how to get to HP/Lenovo/Dell Last Known Good Configuration easily.
Boot to Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 11/10/8
Step 1. Long-press the power button to force the shutdown of the computer 2 to 3 times to get to Windows Recovery.
Step 2. On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot, and then Advanced.
Step 3. On the Startup Options section, select Restart.
Step 4. After rebooting, use your up and down arrow to choose Enable Safe Mode to get into safe mode.
Boot to Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 7
Step 1. If your computer is already running, restart it. If it is stuck, perform a hard reboot.
Step 2. As soon as the computer restarts, repeatedly press the F8 key (before the Windows logo appears) to bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Step 3. From the list of options, use the arrow keys to highlight Last Known Good Configuration (advanced), then press Enter.
Step 4. Then, Windows will attempt to load the last configuration that worked successfully.
Easier Way to Restore System to a Previous State
Although Windows 11 Last Known Good Configuration is a reboot option, it is not a full system restore and may not solve all Windows problems. There is an easier and more comprehensive way to restore your system to a previous stable state - using the professional and free Windows backup and restore software AOMEI Backupper Standard.
AOMEI Backupper- Various backup and restore functions: Allow you to backup system, specific files/folders, local and external disks, and partitions, and restore data with ease.
- Automatic backup: Schedule regular backups to ensure that your data is always protected, even during routine system use.
- Create bootable media: When you cannot boot up computer, you are able to create a bootable media to restore your system in WinPE.
100% SecurePreparations for system restore using AOMEI Backupper Standard:
▶Create a system backup image by heading to Backup > System Backup. It is better to save the backup image on an external path like USB drive or network location.
▶Go to the Tools tab and use the Create Bootable Media tool to make recovery media in case your computer fails to boot.
To restore your computer to a previous state when it cannot boot up correctly:
Step 1: Connect the device that contains the system image backup to your computer and start it via the bootable media.
Step 2: Run AOMEI Backupper, and click Select Task or Select Image File to choose the image.
Step 3: Choose to restore the entire backup image or a part of it and click Next.
Step 4: Click Start Restore to begin the process.
▶Note: If your current computer cannot boot up, you are able to create system backup and recovery media on another working device, and restore with the Universal Restore function (available in Professional edition)
FAQs about Last Known Good Configuration on Windows
#1. Why is Windows 10 Last Known Good Configuration F8 not working?
#2. What is the difference between Last Known Good Configuration and System Restore?
While both Last Known Good Configuration and System Restore help fix system issues, they work differently. Last Known Good Configuration only restores system settings, drivers, and configurations to the most recent working state. System Restore, on the other hand, reverts your entire system (including settings, drivers, and apps) to a previous restore point.
System Restore is a more comprehensive solution that can roll back your system further than the Last Known Good Configuration option.
#3. Can Last Known Good Configuration fix a Windows boot failure?
Verdict
The Last Known Good Configuration in Windows 11/10/8/7 is a valuable tool for fixing system issues caused by recent changes, such as driver updates or configuration adjustments. While it is still available in Windows 7, newer versions like Windows 10 and 11 have replaced it with tools like System Restore and other tools.
For users looking for a more complete and reliable Windows backup solution, AOMEI Backupper Standard offers easy and effective ways to back up and restore your system, ensuring your data is always protected. And it also offers other powerful functions like clone hard drive on Windows to copy to a new disk with data loss.
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