PC Stuck in Boot Loop after Reset: Causes & Powerful Solutions

Is your PC stuck in boot loop after a reset? Discover the common causes and effective solutions to quickly resolve this issue and restore your system.

By @Rosie Last Updated November 19, 2024

“So i decided to reset my pc today, deleting all files and after It finished resetting, it restarted and went to the a screen where you can have the chance open bios. Then it restarted again and again. Is it because a file or driver is messed up? Do I need a usb with windows on it or something?”

– Reddit

A PC stuck in boot loop after reset can be a frustrating experience. This issue, where your computer repeatedly restarts without reaching the desktop, is more common than you might think. Understanding the root causes and implementing effective solutions can help restore your system and prevent future occurrences.

Common Causes & Solutions of a Boot Loop After Reset

Several factors can trigger a boot loop after resetting your PC. These include:

  • Corrupted System Files: An incomplete reset or interrupted installation can corrupt vital files, preventing the system from loading properly.
  • Faulty Updates or Drivers: A misconfigured driver or a failed update can conflict with the system, resulting in startup errors.
  • Hardware Issues: Malfunctioning components like the hard drive, SSD, or RAM may disrupt the boot process.
  • BIOS/UEFI Misconfiguration: Incorrect settings or updates in the firmware can cause endless reboots.

Tips: Preventing Boot Loops in the Future

To avoid boot loops, take these precautions:

  • Always create a recovery drive and back up important data before making major changes.
  • Keep your drivers and operating system updated to the latest versions.
  • Avoid interrupting system updates or resets.
  • Regularly check your hardware for signs of wear or failure.
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Understanding these causes is essential to choose the right solution. With that in mind, let’s move on to some effective methods to fix a boot loop.

 Powerful Solutions to Fix PC Stuck in Boot Loop after Reset

Here are six effective methods to resolve a boot loop:

Method 1: Perform a Hard Reboot

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. To perform a hard reboot:

  1. Turn off your PC by holding the power button until it shuts down.
  2. Unplug the power cable and remove the battery (if applicable).
  3. Wait for 30 seconds, then reconnect the power and turn it on.

This straightforward step often resolves minor boot issues. If the problem persists, don’t worry—more advanced methods are available.

Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode

If a hard reboot doesn’t work, Safe Mode can help diagnose the problem:

1. Restart your PC and repeatedly press the F8 key or access Advanced Startup Options.

2. Select Safe Mode from the menu.

3. Once in Safe Mode, uninstall problematic updates or drivers.

Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers, making it easier to troubleshoot. If this step doesn’t resolve the issue, the next method offers more comprehensive repair tools.

Method 3: Run Automatic Repair

Windows provides built-in repair options for common startup issues:

1. Boot from a Windows installation USB or DVD.

2. Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

3. Follow on-screen instructions to fix startup issues.

If Automatic Repair fails to fix the problem, it’s time to check your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Method 4: Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings can lead to boot loops. To reset them:

  1. Restart your PC and press the designated key (e.g., F2, DEL) to enter BIOS/UEFI.
  2. Find the option to reset to default settings and save changes.
  3. Reboot the system and check if the issue persists.

Resetting BIOS settings often resolves firmware-related problems. If not, a more drastic approach like reinstalling Windows may be necessary.

Method 5: Reinstall Windows

If none of the previous methods work, performing a clean installation of Windows can eliminate persistent issues:

  1. Back up your data using an external drive.
  2. Use a bootable USB or DVD to reinstall the operating system.

Reinstalling Windows is a reliable solution for problems caused by deeply corrupted files or software conflicts. However, if the boot loop continues, it’s time to investigate hardware issues.

Method 6: Check for Hardware Problems

Sometimes, hardware failures are to blame. To rule this out:

  1. Test your RAM using tools like MemTest86.
  2. Inspect your SSD or hard drive for errors using diagnostic software.
  3. Replace faulty components as needed.

Addressing hardware problems ensures that your PC runs smoothly without interruptions. Once resolved, it’s important to take steps to prevent boot loops in the future.

Regular Backups Your PC with AOMEI Backupper

While resolving a computer stuck in boot loop after reset is possible, the risk of data loss during troubleshooting cannot be ignored. Regularly backing up your computer ensures that even in the worst-case scenario, your important files and system configurations are secure. This is where a professional backup tool like AOMEI Backupper Standard becomes indispensable.

Tips: Why Regular Backups Matter?

  • Protect Against Data Loss: System resets, updates, and hardware failures can lead to permanent loss of personal or professional files.
  • Effortless Recovery: With a backup in place, restoring your PC to a previous working state is quick and hassle-free.
  • Save Time During Troubleshooting: Instead of manually reinstalling or reconfiguring your system, backups allow you to recover everything in one step.

AOMEI Backupper: The Professional Backup Solution

AOMEI Backupper is a user-friendly, reliable, and versatile tool designed to safeguard your data and system. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice:

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  • Comprehensive Backup Options: Create full system backups, incremental backups, or backups of specific files and folders.

  • Ease of Use: AOMEI Backupper’s intuitive interface makes it accessible for users of all experience levels.

  • Reliable Restoration: Quickly recover your system or files with minimal effort, even in complex scenarios like boot loops.

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Integrating AOMEI Backupper into your routine not only helps you recover from boot loops but also prevents unnecessary stress in the future. By having a current backup ready, you can confidently apply system updates, reset your PC, or troubleshoot without worrying about losing data.

Below are the simple steps to back up your PC:

Step 1: Launch AOMEI Backupper, click on "Backup" in the left menu, and select "System Backup."

Step 2: The software will automatically detect and list the system partitions as the source. Next, click the destination box to choose where you want to save the backup.

★Tips:
 You can rename the backup by clicking the "Task Name" field.
 Choose a destination from your local path (internal/external drive), DVD, or NAS/Shared folder.

Step 3: Click “Start Backup” to begin the system backup process.

Notes on Lower-Left Settings:

Options: Customize your backup with features like adding comments, adjusting compression levels, and setting up email notifications.

Schedule Backup: Automate backups with options for daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, or advanced triggers (paid), such as USB plug-in (paid).

Backup Scheme: Choose from full, incremental, or differential backups (available in the Professional edition). Incremental and differential backups save space by only backing up changed files.

FAQs about PC Stuck in Boot Loop

1. Can AOMEI Backupper help if my PC is stuck in a boot loop?
 
Yes, AOMEI Backupper can help. By regularly backing up your system and data, you can quickly restore your PC if it gets stuck in a boot loop. With AOMEI Backupper, you can easily restore your system from a recent backup, minimizing downtime and preventing data loss.
2. What is the best way to prevent boot loops from happening in the future?
 
To prevent boot loops, make sure to keep your operating system and drivers updated, avoid interrupting system updates or resets, and regularly back up your data. It’s also important to monitor your hardware for any signs of failure.
3. How can I fix a boot loop without losing my data?
 
To fix a boot loop without losing data, you can try troubleshooting methods like performing a hard reboot, booting into Safe Mode, running automatic repair, or resetting BIOS/UEFI settings. If these solutions don’t work, a clean reinstall of Windows or checking for hardware issues may be necessary.

Conclusion

In summary, a PC stuck in boot loop after reset can be caused by various factors, including corrupted system files, faulty updates, hardware malfunctions, or misconfigured settings. However, by methodically applying the powerful solutions outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve the issue and restore your system’s normal functionality.

Additionally, it’s essential to regularly back up your data with AOMEI Backupper to safeguard against unexpected problems like boot loops. By doing so, you can quickly restore your system and ensure minimal downtime, providing peace of mind and preventing data loss in the future.