I recently found that I was unable to make changes to System Configuration or MSConfig. Every time I made some changes, the options reverted back and no changes were kept after restarting my Windows 11/10 computer. I could not use Normal startup. The Selective startup option was checked and the Use original boot configuration was greyed out!
Use original boot configuration greyed out
The solution to this problem is quite simple, and this is what I did to resolve it.
I downloaded and used Dual Boot Repair Tool. It is a freeware that allows you to repair Boot Configuration Data for Windows in a click. The tool allows you to back up and restore BCD, Repair BCD, and more. If you are unsure about any of these options, it is best to use the Automatic Repair option which is much safer compared to the other commands.
Once you have downloaded this tool and run its executable file, you will see the following UI. Click on the Automatic Repair option. That is what I did.
You will be shown another screen and asked to confirm your decision. Clicking on OK will start the repair process.
Once the job is done, you will see an Automatic Repair Successful message.
Restart your computer and see the results.
I could see that my problem was resolved and the Use original boot configuration was no longer greyed out!
This procedure helped me and I hope it helps you too.
If this does not help, a workaround is available.
- Type msconfig in Start search and hit Enter to open the System Configuration tool.
- Click on the Boot tab.
- Under Boot options select Safe mode.
- Now go to the General tab.
- The Selective startup option will be selected and the Use original boot configuration will be enabled.
To reverse the changes later, open msconfig again, click on the General tab, select the Normal startup option, click Apply, then OK, exit, and restart your PC.
How do I fix System Configuration Cannot save the original boot configuration?
To resolve this issue on a Windows 11/10 PC, run MSCONFIG in Safe Mode and troubleshoot the issue in This Mode. Following that, you can also try this solution after disconnecting your PC from the Remote Session. On the other hand, you can run CHKDSK using the in-built administrator account. Finally, try unplugging all external devices and then try again.
Why can’t I choose Normal startup in msconfig?
The primary reason why the Normal startup option is not available is that you have used a dual-boot setup and the boot configuration is messed up. That is why you can use the Dual-boot Repair tool to repair the configuration. As described in this article, you need to use the Automatic Repair option to get it fixed.
TIP: This post will show you how to change the OS name in Windows Boot Manager.
