4 Methods to Fix PC Stuck on “Preparing to Configure Windows” Issue

One of the best aspects of using a Windows PC is that you get every update until the support for your OS is killed. These regular updates ensure that the system is functioning flawlessly. However, sometimes, the PC can face issues while installing these updates. If you install updates regularly, you might have encountered the prompt “Preparing to Configure Windows” while shutting down or restarting your PC after installing an update. It happens when your PC is changing settings according to the latest update. 

While it is a common prompt, sometimes it becomes an error as the PC gets stuck on the Preparing to Configure Windows screen. In such situations, users usually restart the system, which is wrong as it may hurt the PC’s configuration. So what do you do? How do you get rid of the stuck PC situation? Well, that is what we are going to discuss in this post. Keep on reading to find out more!

Why is My PC Stuck On “Preparing to Configure Windows”

Usually, the error appears when there is a conflict between the current settings of your PC and the update you are installing. There is a possibility that the error appears due to an update log error. However, since Microsoft is rolling out the update, the chances are thin. 

If we take a look at PC problems that may result in this error, then you may find a few reasons causing this error on Windows screen while updating. These include – 

1. Disk Errors
2. Corrupt Update File
3. System File Errors
4. PC Optimization

If you too have experienced getting stuck on the Preparing to Configure Windows screen, then this may be the error responsible. Even if you restart your PC and get it to work again, these errors will stay there, and you may not be able to use your PC to its full potential. Hence, we recommend you resolve these issues. But how? Well, check out the next section, where we have shared multiple ways to help you fix the issue. 

How to Fix a Computer Stuck on “Preparing to Configure Windows”

To fix the error, you must first ensure your PC is working. If it is still stuck on the configuration screen, we suggest you wait until the screen proceeds and allows you to log in. If it does not proceed, you can restart your PC. However, make sure you use the following fixes after restarting so the error does not harm your PC or appear again.

Fix 1 – Perform a Hard Reboot

In case you are experiencing the PC stuck issue while updating it, and the screen is just not moving, you can rely on a hard reboot to get things done for you. In case you have multiple USB drives and external devices plugged into your PC, remove them after you have hard rebooted the PC, and you should be able to run your PC again. 

Here’s what you need to do – 

Step 1 – Find the power button on your CPU/Laptop. Press and hold it for 10 seconds. 

Step 2 – The Hard drive will stop moving, and your PC will shut down. 

Step 3 – Remove all the external drives and devices from your computer.

Step 4 – Press the power button once to initiate the boot process. 

Step 5 – Let it boot and check if it still gets stuck on the Preparing to Configure Windows error. 

If it gets through the screen, simply refresh your PC and check if the update was successful or not. If it is still stuck, do not worry, as we have other fixes that you can use. 

Fix 2 – Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, the issue is caused by a background process. The conflict between the applications makes it difficult for the PC to reboot properly. Hence, it is better to perform a clean boot and close all the background processes that may cause the error. 

Here’s how you do it – 

Step 1 – Press Win+R to open the Run search. Use the Command msconfig and hit enter.

Step 2 – In the System Configuration Window, navigate to the Services tab.
Step 3 – In Services, first click on Hide all Microsoft services.
Step 4 – Now use the Disable All button to stop current services.

Step 5 – After disabling the services, click on Apply and exit the Window. 

Navigate to the start menu and click on shutdown to check if the Preparing to Configure Window error reappears. A clean boot does the trick, as it gets the job done easily. 

Fix 3 – Use the SFC Scan to Check System Files

In case you face the issue continuously, your system files may be at risk. In such situations, the ideal solution is to run the system file checker and get hold of any issues in the system files. 

Step 1 – Go to the Start menu and search for Command Prompt. Open it as an Administrator.

Step 2 – In the Command Prompt, use the SFC/Scannow command and hit enter to initiate the system file checker scan.

Step 3 – After the scan, restart your computer, and you should not see the error message again. 

Pro Tip – Use Advanced System Optimizer After Every Update

After your PC downloads the updates, it must stay optimized; otherwise, errors such as preparing to configure Windows may appear. To optimize your PC, you need to ensure that your disk drives, your registries, your drivers, etc., are in place and do not require any attention.

To help you ensure all these factors are fine, we recommend using the Smart PC Care scan of Advanced System Optimizer. The tool finishes the job well, as it has all the necessary errors on your PC. 

Step 1- Download the Advanced System Optimizer. 

Step 2 – Launch the app and run the Smart PC Scan on your PC.

Step 3 – The scan will now find all the issues on your PC by scanning the system individually for all the errors.
Step 4 – After the issues are highlighted, you can use the optimize button to get the errors removed.

Simply restart your PC after the issue is resolved, and you should be able to stop the Preparing to Configure Windows error on your start screen. 

Besides this, keep in mind that you should always look up public reviews before installing an update, as not all updates are stable for all PCs. With that being said, we have reached the end of this post. That will be all for this one. Thanks for reading. Good luck. If you have any doubts about the steps shared in the post, please comment below.

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