Forum Discussion
How to fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen?
Hi everyone, my Windows 11 PC recently got stuck on the restarting screen and it has been like this for a long time without going to the desktop. I'm not sure if this happened because of a recent update, driver issue, or something else, but now I can’t use the computer normally.
I'm using an HP Pavilion 15 laptop. I already waited for quite a while and also tried forcing a shutdown and turning it back on, but the problem still comes back. Has anyone seen this before or knows the best way to fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen without causing data loss?
7 Replies
- SamkkinlonIron Contributor
To fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen. Avoid repeatedly pressing the power button to force shutdowns without proper troubleshooting. While sometimes necessary, frequent abrupt shutdowns can corrupt system files or hardware.
- Axton-XBrass Contributor
Using System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can be effective methods to fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen. These tools scan and repair corrupted or missing system files that might be causing the issue. Here's how you can use them:
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Windows 11 Stuck on Restarting Screen with SFC and DISM
1. Boot into Recovery Mode
- Turn off your PC forcibly by pressing and holding the power button.
- Turn it back on, and repeat this process 3 times until Windows automatically enters Recovery Mode.
- In Recovery Mode, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
2. Run System File Checker (SFC)
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- This scans your system for corrupted or missing system files and repairs them if possible.
- Wait for the process to complete. It might take some time.
3. Run DISM Tool
After the SFC scan completes, run the DISM command to repair the Windows image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- This process repairs the system image, which can fix underlying issues preventing Windows from booting correctly.
- Wait until the process completes, which may also take some time.
4. Restart Your Computer
- Once both scans finish successfully, restart your PC normally.
- Check if Windows 11 no longer gets stuck on the restarting screen.
- AmiasopBrass Contributor
How to fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen? performing hardware-level checks can be an essential step in diagnosing and resolving the problem. Hardware problems like failing RAM, disk issues, or overheating can cause Windows to hang during restart. Here are the key hardware checks to consider:
1. Check RAM (Memory) Modules: Use tools to test your RAM for errors. Faulty RAM can cause system hang-ups during restart.
2. Test Storage Devices (SSD/HDD): Run CHKDSK to scan your drives for errors. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type:chkdsk /f /rThis ensures your storage devices are healthy and not causing boot issues.
3. Inspect Power Supply and Overheating: Ensure your power supply is stable and delivering consistent power. Overheating components can cause shutdowns or restarts to prevent damage. Clean dust from fans and heatsinks, and monitor temperatures with tools.
4. Check for Faulty Peripherals: Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals and see if the system can restart properly. Sometimes external devices can interfere with the boot process.
5. Run Hardware Diagnostics: Many PCs have built-in diagnostics accessible during startup (check your manufacturer’s instructions). Run these to identify hardware failures.
6. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings: Resetting BIOS to default can fix misconfigurations that cause boot issues. Also, ensure your BIOS/UEFI firmware is up to date.
Performing these hardware-level checks can help identify underlying issues that prevent Windows 11 from completing the restart process. If hardware problems are found, replacing or repairing components may be necessary to fully fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen.
- DrakekaBrass Contributor
If you're experiencing the issue where Windows 11 is stuck on the restarting screen, one effective troubleshooting step is to disconnect external devices. How to fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen? External hardware like USB drives, printers, external graphics cards, or other peripherals can sometimes interfere with the shutdown or restart process, causing the system to hang.
How disconnect external devices to fix Windows 11 stuck on restarting screen:
1. Power down your PC completely: Hold the power button until the device turns off.
2. Unplug all external devices: Remove USB drives, external hard drives, printers, webcams, Bluetooth devices, and any other peripherals connected via USB, Thunderbolt, or HDMI.
3. Perform a restart:
After disconnecting all peripherals, press the power button to turn your PC back on.
Initiate a restart and observe if Windows completes the process normally.
Why does disconnecting external devices help?
External devices can sometimes cause conflicts during the shutdown or restart process, especially if their drivers are problematic or if the device is unresponsive.
Removing them ensures that the system isn't waiting for a response from peripherals, which can cause it to get stuck.
- JosewSilver Contributor
This is a reliable way to diagnose and resolve windows 11 stuck on restarting screen when software fixes have failed to work. It essentially lets you rule out faulty peripherals, RAM, or disk problems by inspecting key hardware components, allowing you to identify the root cause and take targeted action to get your system booting normally again.
Usage Guide: Begin by disconnecting all external peripherals including USB drives, printers, and any other connected devices. Next, remove any hardware you’ve recently installed to eliminate compatibility conflicts. Then, check your RAM modules—reseat them carefully if you’re comfortable doing so to fix loose connections. Finally, run a disk check from Command Prompt using the command chkdsk c: /f to detect and repair file system errors. This method requires no extra software and swiftly helps you pinpoint hardware-related causes of windows 11 stuck on restarting screen, effectively resolving boot-related issues.
It is particularly useful for troubleshooting persistent restart hangs, verifying system hardware integrity, or preparing for further software repairs after ruling out physical component problems.
- EorkuIron Contributor
Fast Startup is a common cause of windows 11 stuck on restarting screen, so disabling it can effectively resolve this restart hang issue.
Step 1: Start your computer normally or boot into Safe Mode.
Step 2: Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
Step 3: Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
Step 4: Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
Step 5: Uncheck “Turn on fast startup.”
Step 6: Click “Save changes.”
These steps help rule out hardware causes that may be responsible for windows 11 stuck on restarting screen.
Pros
Resolves issues where Windows 11 gets stuck on the restart screen due to incomplete system hibernation or file locking.
Ensures the system shuts down completely and restarts, allowing updates and fixes to be applied more reliably.
Reduces the risk of disk damage or data loss caused by improper handling of the system state.
Cons
Boot time may increase slightly, as the system must perform a full cold boot rather than resuming from hibernation.
You will lose the convenience provided by the Windows Fast Startup feature.
It may not resolve reboot hang issues caused by other problems, such as hardware failures or driver conflicts.
- BoboinIron Contributor
If windows 11 stuck on restarting screen, you can first force a restart or use Safe Mode to resolve the issue. Safe Mode is a built-in troubleshooting environment in Windows that loads only the essential system services and drivers, allowing you to isolate and resolve the root cause of the restart loop without interference from unnecessary programs or processes.
How to use:
- Force shutdown your PC as before.
- Turn on the PC, and when the Windows logo appears, force shutdown again by holding the power button.
- Repeat this process 3 times.
- On the 4th boot, Windows will enter Automatic Repair.
- Click "Advanced Options".
- Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
- Click "Restart".
- Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
In Safe Mode, you can uninstall recent updates, disable problematic drivers, or run System Restore to resolve windows 11 stuck on restarting screen. This method is simple, reliable, and requires no third-party tools, making it one of the most effective solutions for breaking out of a restart loop and getting your Windows 11 PC back to normal.