Few things are more frustrating than clicking Restart on your Windows PC, only to find it stuck on the spinning circle. Whether you’re running Windows 10 or Windows 11, a stuck restart can prevent you from completing updates, installing software, or simply getting back to work.
Fortunately, this issue is usually caused by software glitches, driver conflicts, or pending updates and is often fixable without a complete reinstall. This guide will walk you through the most effective solutions to get your PC restarting properly again.
Why Windows Gets Stuck on Restart
Understanding the causes can help you apply the right fix:
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Pending Updates: Windows may hang if updates are stuck or incomplete.
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Driver Conflicts: Outdated or incompatible drivers can prevent shutdown/restart.
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Background Processes: Programs running in the background may block the restart process.
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Fast Startup Issues: Windows’ fast startup feature can occasionally cause hangs.
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Corrupted System Files: Missing or damaged files may disrupt normal boot sequences.
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External Devices: Connected peripherals like USB drives or printers may interfere with restarting.
Knowing the root cause helps troubleshoot effectively.
Step 1: Force Restart Your PC
If Windows is frozen on the restart screen, a forced restart is the first step.
Steps:
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Press and hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds until the PC shuts down
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Wait a few seconds and power it back on
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Avoid unplugging during updates to prevent corruption
This often resolves temporary glitches.
Step 2: Disconnect External Devices
Peripherals such as USB drives, printers, or external hard drives can prevent Windows from restarting.
Steps:
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Disconnect all external devices
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Try restarting the PC again
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Reconnect devices one by one after successful boot
This identifies any device causing the issue.
Step 3: Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, allowing you to troubleshoot.
Steps:
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Force shutdown your PC three times (power off during restart) to trigger Automatic Repair
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Select Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → Enable Safe Mode
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Once in Safe Mode, you can uninstall problematic apps or drivers
Safe Mode helps isolate software or driver conflicts.
Step 4: Uninstall Problematic Updates or Software
Sometimes, recent updates or software installations cause restart issues.
Steps:
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Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history → Uninstall updates
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Remove recently installed programs in Settings → Apps → Apps & Features
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Restart normally and check if the issue is resolved
Rolling back updates or uninstalling apps often fixes hanging restarts.
Step 5: Disable Fast Startup
Fast Startup speeds up boot time but can interfere with restart processes.
Steps:
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Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable → Uncheck Turn on fast startup
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Save changes and restart
Disabling Fast Startup eliminates potential conflicts during restart.
Step 6: Update Drivers
Outdated drivers, especially graphics or chipset drivers, can cause the restart process to hang.
Steps:
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Device Manager → Expand categories → Right-click → Update driver
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Update essential drivers like display adapters, network adapters, and storage controllers
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Restart after updating
Keeping drivers current ensures smooth shutdown and restart sequences.
Step 7: Run System File Checker and DISM
Corrupted system files can block Windows from restarting properly.
Steps:
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Boot into Safe Mode or use a recovery USB
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Open Command Prompt (Admin)
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Run:
sfc /scannow -
Then run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth -
Restart normally
This repairs damaged system files and restores stability.
Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping identify conflicting software.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R → msconfig → Services → Hide all Microsoft services → Disable all → Startup → Open Task Manager → Disable startup apps → OK
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Restart PC normally
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If restart works, re-enable services one by one to identify the culprit
Clean Boot is effective for troubleshooting software conflicts.
Step 9: Check for Disk Errors
Corrupted or failing drives can prevent Windows from restarting properly.
Steps:
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Open Command Prompt (Admin)
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Run:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x -
Restart after the scan completes
Repairing disk errors can resolve persistent restart problems.
Step 10: Reset Windows as a Last Resort
If none of the above solutions work, resetting Windows may be necessary.
Steps:
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Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC → Keep my files / Remove everything
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Follow on-screen instructions
Resetting restores system stability while preserving data if you choose “Keep my files”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why does Windows 10/11 get stuck on the restart screen?
A1: Common causes include pending updates, driver conflicts, background processes, corrupted files, or connected peripherals.
Q2: Can Safe Mode fix restart issues?
A2: Yes. Safe Mode loads minimal drivers and allows troubleshooting software or driver conflicts.
Q3: Is it safe to force restart my PC?
A3: Generally safe if updates are not being installed. During updates, a forced restart can cause file corruption.
Q4: Will uninstalling updates delete personal files?
A4: No, uninstalling updates only removes the recent system update files. Personal files remain intact.
Q5: How often should I perform system maintenance to avoid restart issues?
A5: Regularly update Windows and drivers, run malware scans, and clear temporary files every month to maintain stability.
Final Thoughts
A Windows PC stuck on the restart screen is usually caused by software glitches, driver conflicts, or update issues, and can be resolved with systematic troubleshooting. From force restarting and disconnecting peripherals to Safe Mode, updating drivers, and running system file repairs, these solutions cover most scenarios.
Regular system maintenance, driver updates, and cautious software installation can prevent future restart issues, keeping your Windows PC fast, stable, and reliable.