How to Resolve Windows Stuck on Restarting Screen Issue

Key Notes

  • Patience may resolve the issue without forcing actions.
  • Disconnecting external devices is crucial for pinpointing issues.
  • Tools for repair and analysis are key steps in troubleshooting.

Fixing the Infuriating Windows PC Stuck on Restarting Screen

If your Windows PC is stuck on the restarting screen, it’s a frustrating experience, often occurring after an update or a system error. This guide elucidates the potential causes and offers effective solutions to rectify the situation on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system.

Effective Solutions to Resolve Stuck Restarting Screen

Step 1: Be Patient and Wait

Sometimes, the system requires extra time post-update. Just wait and see if it resumes.

Step 2: Disconnect All External USB Devices

Remove all external USB devices and perform a hard shutdown if the issue persists.

Step 3: Force Restart Your Computer

Hold the power button to turn your PC off. Wait 5-10 seconds, then restart and check for issues.

Pro Tip: Alternatively, use shutdown -r in Command Prompt if accessible.

Step 4: Enter Safe Mode

If you can’t power off, boot into Safe Mode:

  • Restart your PC.
  • Press F8 before the Windows logo appears.
  • Select Safe Mode from Advanced Boot Options.

Step 5: Update Your Drivers

Outdated drivers might cause this issue; check for updates:

  • Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
  • Explore Optional Updates for pending driver updates.
  • Select the updates, then click Download and Install.

Step 6: Terminate Unresponsive Applications

Unresponsive applications can freeze your system. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end tasks as necessary.

Step 7: Utilize SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK Tools

Repair system files with these commands:

  • Enter Recovery Environment by force restarting 2-3 times.
  • Navigate to Command Prompt and run sfc /scannow, followed by DISM commands:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Finally, inspect for hard drive issues with chkdsk C: /f /r /x.

Step 8: Scan for Malware

Malware can lead to this issue. Boot into Safe Mode to disable Windows Defender and run a full system scan.

Step 9: Uninstall Recent Updates

If the issue started after an update, uninstall it:

  • Access Advanced Startup Options.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates.
  • Choose to uninstall the latest quality or feature update.

Step 10: Execute System Restore

If you have restore points, perform a System Restore:

  • Navigate to Advanced Startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
  • Follow prompts to select your restore point.

Step 11: Apply Startup Repair

Use Startup Repair to automatically fix startup issues. Access it through Advanced Startup Options.

Summary

Facing a Windows PC stuck on the restarting screen can be frustrating, but by following the outlined methods, you can troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the issue efficiently.

Conclusion

Remember to try each solution methodically. Should the problem continue, reaching out to a tech professional may be necessary for deeper issues lurking within your system. Your feedback on which method worked would be helpful!