Start a FixMeStick Scan

A. How to Start the FixMeStick

1. Turn ON your computer and login so you see your normal desktop/background.
2. If your FixMeStick has a cap, remove it. Plug your FixMeStick device into a USB port on your computer. If you’re using a desktop, use one of the USB ports at the back of the tower.
3. Next, open “File Explorer” or “My Computer” by following one of these methods:
   • Left click the “Start” button or and select “My Computer” or “Computer”.
     or
   • Right click , and select “File Explorer”.
     or
   • Left click in your taskbar.
4. A new window will appear on your screen. The “FixMeStick USB” drive will be on the left-hand side of that window. Left click on “FixMeStick USB”. If you do not see it try plugging the FixMeStick device into a different USB port.
5. Double left click on “FixMeStick” under the list of languages and select “Yes” on the pop-up asking to allow changes to your computer.
6. The FixMeStick device will update. You'll see the "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT" screen. Click "REBOOT AND START FIXMESTICK" to start the FixMeStick.
7. You're in a FixMeStick scan when you see this screen:
8. When finished you'll be prompted to click "Clean Computer"

B. How to Start the FixMeStick from Outside of Windows

1. Power OFF your computer.
2. If your FixMeStick has a cap, remove it. Plug it into a USB port on your computer. If you’re using a desktop, try one of the ports at the back of the tower.
3. Power ON your PC and immediately start tapping F12 at the top of your keyboard until you see the “Boot Menu” or “Boot Device Options”. If F12 doesn’t work, click here to see which Boot Menu Key corresponds with your computer.
4. Your mouse will not work, so use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight “FixMeStick” or “USB”, then hit the Enter key to start the FixMeStick.
5. You’re in a scan when you see a series of numbered steps on your screen.
6. When the scan is finished you'll be prompted to click “Clean Computer”.

Having trouble? Visit our knowledge base or click here to contact us.

PCs: All PCs made after 2001. (10S use “B. How to Start the FixMeStick from Outside of Windows”)

Minimum 512 MB RAM.

Not compatible with Optane and RAID storage systems. Can't decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. Not compatible with Bluetooth mice and keyboards.

A. How to Start the FixMeStick

1. Power OFF your Mac.
2. If your FixMeStick has a cap, remove it. Plug your FixMeStick device into a USB port on your computer.
3. Power ON your Mac and immediately press and hold the “ALT/OPTION” key until you see a Startup Menu.
4. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight “EFI Boot” then hit the Enter (Return) key to start the FixMeStick. If you don’t see EFI boot, unplug the FixMeStick device and plug it into a different USB port.
5. You’re in a FixMeStick scan when you see this screen:
6. When finished, you'll be prompted to click “Clean Computer”.

B. Having Trouble Starting the FixMeStick?

1. Hold down the power button until the Mac shuts off and repeat Steps 1-4 in A.
2. After you select “EFI Boot” you will see the FixMeStick logo and three options in the upper left-hand corner of the screen. Immediately press any key on your keyboard.
3. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to highlight a “Failsafe” option.
4. Hit the Enter (Return) key to start the FixMeStick. If you're still having issues, retry these steps and select another "Failsafe" option.

Having trouble? Visit our knowledge base or click here to contact us.

Intel-based Macs from 2006 to 2017. Minimum 512 MB of RAM. Not compatible with Fusion Drive and RAID storage systems. Can't decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. Not compatible with Bluetooth mice and keyboards.