Trying to do a startup repair

Dear Kristopher chisholm!

Welcome to the Microsoft Community!

I understand that your situation is really frustrating. Let's analyze and solve this problem step by step.

First, I need to confirm:

Are you able to log into Windows normally now?

- If you can, we have more repair options.

- If not, the situation is more complicated.

If you can log into the system normally:

1. Run System File Checker (SFC):

- Open Command Prompt as Administrator

- Enter sfc /scannow and run

2. Use DISM tool:

- Run in Administrator Command Prompt:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Check and update all drivers, especially graphics drivers.

4. Create a new administrator user account to see if the problem occurs in the new account.

Use the new administrator account to reset the system, which should not require your Microsoft account password.

Regarding the issue that you need a Microsoft account password when resetting, this is because Windows needs the user's logged-in Microsoft account to perform security verification to confirm that the user is the owner of the notebook or device after updating the more secure security policy. But I understand that this feature has caused you inconvenience, because it may be that the system files are damaged, causing the stored security information to be abnormal and you cannot enter the correct password normally.

If you cannot enter the system normally:

1. Use the Windows installation USB drive or disc to repair the system:

- Boot from the USB drive or disc

- Select "Repair your computer" instead of installing

- Try the automatic repair option

2. If the automatic repair does not work, you can try to use the command prompt to repair manually:

- Run chkdsk C: /f /r

- Run sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

Disclaimer: Running chkdsk can check the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors. To avoid any trouble for you, do not cancel or interrupt chkdsk, and back up important data.  

More information please refer to this chkdsk | Microsoft Learn

3. If none of the above works, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows:

- Please make sure to back up important data first (if possible)

- Use Windows installation media for a clean installation

About the password problem:

If you are sure that the password is correct but the system does not accept it, this may indicate that the system files are seriously damaged. In this case, reinstalling may be the most direct solution.

Please tell me whether you can enter the system normally and what steps you tried. Based on your answer, I can provide more specific suggestions. If the situation continues to deteriorate, you may need to consider seeking professional technical support.

Thank you for your understanding and support! 

I wish you all the best.

Best regards,

Yang.Z - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist