Fix - Computer Stuck on Restarting

When anything goes wrong with the computer, or it runs slow, experts first suggest restarting it. However, things get complicated if your Windows fails to restart or worse gets stuck restarting. If you, like others posting the issue on Reddit and other platforms, are struggling with the PC stuck in the boot loop, you are at the right place. This article explains how to fix a PC stuck on restarting.

pc stuck when user restarts

stuck on restarting - user query

Possible Reasons for PC Boot Loop

The computer was not properly shut down the last time.
Unresponsive processes are running in the background.
Software, drivers, and hardware are not properly installed.
Malfunctioning RAM
Fast Startup is turned on.
Faulty Windows Update
There’s a conflict between new and old update files
Connected peripherals are conflicting with the PC.
Startup settings are not properly configured.

Why does the PC randomly restart?

Again several reasons can cause this behavior. They are

Overheating – When the system reaches a certain temperature between 70-100 °C to prevent damage, the PC restarts.

Power failure – If there is a power fluctuation or the power supply is unstable, you may face frequent PC restart issues.

Hardware issues – When RAM and CPU fail, the PC automatically restarts.

Outdated or problematic driver, app, or process – If all three or any of the three create a problem, the PC restarts.

Issues with the installed OS update – Generally, Windows updates are released only after thorough testing, yet many users face problems after an update. If, after an update, your PC begins to restart, then there is an issue with the update, and you need to roll back the update.

Best Ways to Fix Computer Stuck on Restarting Screen

Before we get into the more technical solutions to fix the issue, let us try some basic fixes and see if it helps.

Method 1 – Force Shutdown

As explained above, several reasons can cause the restart loop. However, the issue can be solved by a simple forced shutdown. To power off the PC, long-press the power button (for a minimum of 6 seconds) until the fan stops working. Now restart the computer. You should no longer encounter the loop. If you are a desktop user, disconnect the power cable after shutting down the computer. Wait for 10 seconds > connect it to the power supply and restart the computer.

Method 2 – Disconnect All Peripherals and then Restart the PC

Sometimes the connected peripherals, USB, and other devices can conflict with the restart of the process. To ensure that is not the case, force the shutdown of Windows. Disconnect the USB drive, external HDD, smartphone, or any SD card or SSD; even you can disconnect the keyboard and mouse. If everything runs smoothly, connect each device individually to find the culprit.

Method 3 – Check the CPU

Often on desktops, CPU overheating goes unnoticed. However, when you face Windows 10 restating a stuck loop, it is best to check the CPU fan and reduce overheating. Configure the CPU fan manually and uninstall any software used to overclock the CPU. Once this is done, restart the PC. Windows should no longer be stuck.

If these basic fixes didn’t help, there is nothing to worry about. We have other advanced fixes that will help resolve the issue. Try the fixes individually to get to the one that works for you.

Advanced Ways to Fix PC Boot Loop

Method 4 – Update outdated driver

When none of the primary fixes work, update outdated drivers, as they are a common reason behind Windows getting stuck on the restart screen. To do so, follow these steps:

Press Windows + X to access the Quick menu.
Select Device Manager from the options.
Double-click a category to see the name of the devices under it.
Right-click on the driver you think might be outdated and is causing issues.
Select Update driver.
From the window that appears, click Search automatically for drivers. Windows will now automatically look for the latest and compatible update available.
Follow on-screen instructions and update the driver.
Similarly, update all outdated drivers.

We understand that going through each category and looking for driver updates for each device is time-consuming and tedious. Therefore, we suggest you use Advanced Driver Updater to save you from this trouble. This amazing driver updating utility checks the PC for outdated drivers and shows updates you can install in a single click using Advanced Driver Updater. To use the tool, follow the steps below:

Ultimate and Easiest Way to Keep Drivers Updated

Download, install, and run Advanced Driver Updater.
To run a scan and check for outdated drivers, click Start Scan Now.
Let the scanning finish > review scan results and update the driver.
If you are using the trial version of the product, you can update individual drivers, while the registered version allows updating all drivers at once. Also, paid users enjoy a 60-day money-back guarantee and get technical support.
Click the Update Driver button to update the driver as a trial user. To update all drivers at once, register the product and click Update All.
Restart the PC to apply changes. This should help.

Method 5 – Uninstall and Reinstall the Problematic Driver

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type devmgmt.msc and press the Enter key.
If you see any device with a yellow exclamation sign, right-click and select Uninstall device.
Confirm the action and restart the PC. The problem should now be fixed.

Method 6 – Update Windows

We often think that Windows is up to date, but the updates are stuck, causing a restart loop. To fix follow these steps:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys. This will open Command Prompt in administrator mode.
If you receive a User Account Control prompt, click Yes.
Copy and paste the following command and hit the Enter key.
net stop wuauserv
Next, copy and paste the following command one by one. (Press Enter key after each command.)

cd %systemroot%
ren SoftwareDistribution SD.old
net start wuauserv

The Windows update process will be reinstated and should help.

Method 7 – Run System File Checker and DISM

When system files are corrupt or there is an issue with the disk then you encounter the PC stuck on restart issue. To troubleshoot it, follow these steps:

Open the elevated Command Prompt.
Copy and paste the following command: sfc /scannow > press the Enter key and let the command run.
Once the process is finished copy and paste the following command – DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Let it run.

The commands will help fix corrupt Windows system files which can be causing the Windows restarting stuck issue.

Method 8 – Perform a Clean Boot

To fix the issue and stop all the potentially unwanted programs from running at the startup. To do so, follow these steps:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type msconfig and press the Enter key.
Click the Services tab.
Check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services.”
Uncheck all the third-party services and click on Apply > Ok.
Restart the PC to see how it works. If this helps fix the problem then the issue is with the third-party application and some outdated driver.
Remove the application and update the driver to avoid facing such issues in the future.

Method 9 – End Processes that are Unresponsive

Sometimes when some processes that run in the background are unresponsive, Windows fails to restart and goes into the loop. To fix this issue follow these steps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Del keys to open Task Manager.
Click the Processes tab.
Look for the processes that are unresponsive. Right-click on them and select End task.

Method 10 – Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup helps quickly boot the system after the cold shutdown. However, sometimes it creates issues during system restart. Therefore, to check if it is the culprit we suggest disabling it. Follow the steps to do so:

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type Control Panel and press Ok.
Click Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Change what the power buttons do.
Select the option – Change settings that are currently available.
Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended) > Save changes.

Alongside disabling Fast Startup we suggest disabling third-party apps that unnecessarily run on the PC. While disabling the apps avoid disabling the processes that you are not aware of as it might cause some other issues.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Del keys.
Click the Startup Apps tab from the left pane.
Look for the programs that are Enabled. Select them one by one and Disable them.

Method 11 – Run Built-in Windows Troubleshooter

To detect and automatically fix problems related to hardware and software, Windows offers a built-in troubleshooter. Therefore to fix the loop issue, let’s try running the troubleshooter.

Press Windows + R, and in the run window, type Control panel and click Ok.
Select Large icons from the list under View by.
Select the Troubleshooting option.
Select View All from the left pane and click System Maintenance from the consecutive window.

computer troubleshoot

5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.

system maintenance troubleshoot

6. Now restart the PC. The random restart problem should now be fixed.

Method 12 – Scan the PC for malware infection

Malware infection is another reason for the restart loop error. Therefore, we suggest you scan the PC for infections. To perform a thorough check you can use T9 Antivirus, a powerful and advanced security application that offers all-around protection.

Method 13 – Turn off Selective Startup, Geolocation, and Cryptographic

Press Windows + R and open the Run window.
Type msconfig and press the Enter key.
Click the General tab > select the radio button next to Diagnostic Startup.
Click Apply > Ok.
Exit the window.
Next press Windows + R and type services.msc and click ok.
Look for Cryptographic Services.
Double-click on it. Click Stop. Then click the drop-down menu next to Startup Type and select Disabled.
Click Apply > Ok.
Now again under the Services window look for Geolocation.
Double-click on it. Click Stop. Then click the drop-down menu next to Startup Type and select Disabled.
Click Apply > Ok.
Restart the PC to see if this helps.

Method 14 – Check the RAM

Often problematic RAM is another reason PC gets stuck in a restart loop. To fix it, disconnect all the connected devices and run Windows Memory Diagnostics. This tool helps identify issues with the RAM. To run it, follow these steps:

Press Windows + S and type Windows Memory Diagnostics.
Select the best search result and press the Enter key.
Click Restart now and check for problems.
The tool will check for issues and fix them if any are detected.

Method 15 – Boot in Safe Mode

Even after performing all these steps if the PC is still stuck on restarting, try booting it in Safe Mode. It is a diagnostic mode that runs only the essential programs allowing you to troubleshoot problems. To boot in Safe Mode follow these steps:

Restart the PC and as Windows tries to load keep pressing the F8 key continuously until you see Advanced Boot Options. Alternatively, you can press the Power button for 5 seconds to force the shutdown of the PC. Repeat this for 2 more times.
Windows will now boot in recovery mode. From here select Safe Mode using the arrow keys.
Run the PC in Safe Mode and then restart it to see if this has helped fix the issue.
However, if this doesn’t work perform the same steps and this time select Troubleshoot > Startup Repair.
Click Advanced Options and restore the PC.

Method 16 – Perform System Restore

You can also try performing System Restore. The feature will roll back the system to the time you select. To perform it follow these steps:

Press Windows + S and type System Restore.
Select System Restore > Choose a restore point (the date when the PC was working fine)
Follow the on-screen instructions and restart the system.
Now restart the system to see if the problem is fixed.

Method 17 – Reset Windows

When everything fails resetting the system helps. Although resetting the system means all data will be erased. Therefore, before you reset the PC take a backup of important files and then follow these steps:

Press Windows + I to open Windows Settings.
Select Update and Security settings.
Select Recovery > Reset this PC.

Method 18 – Update BIOS

BIOS helps in hardware initialization and it starts the booting process. Therefore to fix the issue try updating BIOS. This is a very critical step. Therefore, we suggest you perform it under expert guidance.

Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Type msinfo32 and press the Enter key.
You will now get all the information related to BIOS Version/Date.
Head to the manufacturer’s website to download the update.
Run the downloaded file and the PC should now restart normally.

You can also read the instructions on the OEM’s website.

Windows Stuck Restarting Issue Solved

We hope you can fix things using the above steps and no longer the computer gets stuck on the restart screen. To avoid facing such issues, we suggest keeping the drivers updated. For this, you can use Advanced Driver Updater, a tool that allows scheduling driver scans, taking backup, and excluding incompatible drivers. If you know of other fixes that can help fix the issue, please share them with us in the comments section.