If your computer is stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, it can be frustrating and prevent you from accessing your system. Fortunately, you can try several troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem, from waiting it out and restarting your computer to using advanced recovery options like Startup Repair and System Restore. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to fix a screen stuck on “Getting Windows Ready” and get your computer back in working order.
The “Getting Windows Ready Don’t Turn Off Your Computer” error message usually indicates a problem during the Windows update process. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including:
Windows Updates can take a long time depending on the number of updates available, the frequency of your update schedule, and the condition of your hard disk. If you haven’t updated it for a long time or your hard disk is almost full or very old, it could take up to 3 hours. So, the first step we recommend is not to interfere with the update process and to wait for a considerable amount of time.
Windows OS needs connectivity to the Internet while updating. We recommend you check your internet connection on another device to verify if it works properly. If not, reboot your router by turning off the power for 1 minute and then turn it on again. This is called Power Cycling the router, and it clears traffic congestion and resolves any network conflicts.
Although the screen may display “Don’t turn off your computer,” you might need a power reset to resolve the issue. A power reset (or hard reset) can help clear the memory cache. Here are the steps –
Data loss or file corruption may occur if you shut down your computer while it is on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.
If your laptop is stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen for a long time and the above simple methods don’t fix the issue, we need to begin advanced troubleshooting by following the steps.
1. Access the Windows Recovery Environment by turning off your PC, holding the Shift key, and powering it on. Release the Shift key only after your PC has entered the WinRE.
Note : You can also turn on your PC and hold down the power button when you see the manufacturer’s logo on the screen to power it off. Repeat this process 3 times, and the fourth time, your PC will boot into WinRE.
2. Once the PC has booted in WinRE, click on Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced Options.
3. Choose Command Prompt from the Advanced Options menu.
4. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to start the system scan.
5. After the scan finishes, type chkdsk /f c: (replace “c:” with the appropriate drive letter if Windows is installed on a different drive) and press Enter.
6. Once the scan completes, restart your computer.
The Windows Startup Repair Tool is a built-in utility designed to diagnose and fix issues that prevent Windows from starting properly. It automatically scans and repairs problems related to system files, boot configurations, and other startup-related issues, helping to restore your system to a working state without requiring a complete reinstall of Windows. Here is what you need to do –
Follow steps 1 & 2 from Method 4 to access the WinRE and reach the Advanced Options screen.
1. Select Startup Repair from the Advanced Options menu.
2. Choose an account from the Startup Repair screen. Admin privileges will be required to proceed.
3. Enter your password.
4. Click Continue to begin the repair process.
5. Allow the Windows Startup Repair Tool to run.
6. Once the repair is complete, restart your PC.
Follow steps 1 & 2 from Method 4 to access the WinRE and reach the Advanced Options screen.
1. Click on the Uninstall Updates tile option.
2. Remove the recently installed updates and features.
3. Reboot your PC
Follow steps 1 & 2 from Method 4 to access the WinRE and reach the Advanced Options screen.
1. Click on the System Restore tile option.
2. Choose a restore point and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Keep in mind that any data created after the selected restore point may be lost. Sometimes, the restore process may fail and result in other error messages.
To see whether that fixes the problem, try resetting the BIOS to its original configuration.
1.Shut down your PC and give it a five-second rest.
2. To access the BIOS configuration menu, continuously press the F10 key after pressing the Power button to restart the computer.
3. Press F9 on the BIOS Setup screen to load the default BIOS settings.
4. To save and exit, press F10.
5. When “Exit Saving Changes?” appears, choose “Yes” using the arrow keys and hit Enter.
6. To restart your computer, adhere to the on-screen directions.
If none of the previous methods resolve the issue, consider resetting your device. This is a more drastic option, so it’s recommended to consult a professional beforehand, as it could erase your files. If you decide to proceed with the reset, follow these steps:
1. Follow Step 1 from Method 4 to access the WinRE and reach the Troubleshoot screen.
2. From the Troubleshoot menu, select Reset This PC.
3. Choose either Keep My Files or Remove Everything. (Note: Even if you select Keep My Files, there’s still a risk of data loss. Proceed carefully.)
4. Click Local Reinstall and follow the on-screen instructions.
To avoid encountering the “Getting Windows Ready” issue in the future and ensure your system remains stable, consider these proactive steps:
If you have accidentally deleted files or lost them due to disk corruption/format, Advanced Disk Recovery can help you recover them. This fantastic application can recover most of the files you have lost on your hard disk.
Note : Always choose a different drive to store the recovered files/folder than the original drive.
In conclusion, if your screen is stuck on “Getting Windows Ready,” it typically indicates an issue during the update or startup process. While waiting for some time is normal, prolonged freezing could signal a deeper problem. Start by being patient, checking for signs of activity, and trying a restart. If the issue persists, use Startup Repair or perform a System Restore to revert to a stable state. If these steps don’t work, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows or consult a professional for further assistance.
How long should I wait to get rid of the “Getting Windows Ready” stuck screen?
The amount of time varies, depending on several factors, such as the size of the update, the speed of your computer, and the state of your system. Typically, this process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
Can I turn off my computer while getting Windows ready?
Turning off your computer while displaying the “Getting Windows Ready” message is generally not recommended, as this can cause serious issues. Interrupting this process can lead to corrupted system files, failed updates, and data loss.
What do you do if the window screen is stuck?
Try waiting longer, as updates or background processes may take time. If there’s no progress, force a restart by holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If the issue persists, use Startup Repair to fix startup problems. You can also try System Restore to revert to a previous working state. If none work, consider resetting or reinstalling Windows or seeking professional assistance.
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