How to Fix Windows 11 Stuck on Restarting (5 Ways)

This article outlines why this issue happens and provides detailed solutions to resolve it. From simple fixes like force restarting your PC to more complex methods involving system recovery tools, the guide ensures you can overcome this obstacle and restore your device to normal functionality.

Clytze

By Clytze Updated on November 11, 2024

Share this: instagram reddit

The Computer is Stuck on the Restarting Screen After the Update

“Yesterday My computer got updated after I plugged it in and now it’s on a loop with the restarting screen. It always shows the restarting screen, turns off, loads again, and shows the restarting screen, I tried booting to safe mode by pressing f8 but it won't work.

Please help”

– Microsoft Community

Why is My Windows Update Hangs on Restarting?

Windows 11 has been popular among users since its release, and many Windows users have upgraded to the new system to get a better user experience. But recently, many users, especially Dell laptop users, have reported Windows 11 stuck on the restarting screen. To know how to solve this problem, we need to know the reasons for this error first, and this article summarizes a few of the most common reasons for you.

  • Not updating Windows.
  • The safe boot is disabled.
  • Outdated drivers for external hardware connected to the system.
  • Corrupt system files.
  • Malware/virus attack.
  • Problems with the Internet connection.
  • Insufficient memory.

Restarting

How to Fix Windows 11 Stuck on Restarting

In this guide, we will cover 5 effective methods to resolve the Windows 11 restart loop issue. If your system keeps restarting without completing the boot process, these solutions can help you get back on track. You can attempt each method sequentially, as one is likely to solve the problem.

We’ll provide detailed steps for each fix to make it easy for you to follow along. Keep reading to learn how to stop your Windows 11 from getting stuck in a restart loop.

Way 1. Shutdown Manually using the Keyboard Shortcut

If Windows 11 is stuck on the restart screen for more than 30 minutes, you can manually shut down the system using a simple keyboard shortcut. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: While on the restart screen, press and hold Windows+X and then hold the power button for a few seconds until the system turns off.

Step 2: Once the system is off, release the keys and wait for about a minute before pressing the power button again to restart.

Step 3: Check if the system boots normally this time.

Way 2. Update the Windows System

If Windows is not updated, it can cause various problems such as application login errors, internal hardware problems, etc. Then this can also cause Windows 11 taking forever to restart. Therefore, you can try to update Windows to fix this problem.

Step 1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Windows Update and right-click Windows Update.

Step 2. Click Check for updates. If there are any updates, please download and install them. Then restart your computer to see if the issue has been solved.

Check For Updates

Way 3. Enable Secure Boot on the system

The "Windows is resuming" on stuck Windows 11 issue may be caused by a conflict with a service, background process, or third-party software that is running on your computer. Therefore, you can reboot your computer into Safe Mode to resolve this issue. Safe mode runs according to Windows default settings and will only run the necessary drivers and files.

Step 1. Press Win + R together to open the Run window, and type msconfig and press Enter to open System Configuration.

Step 2. Switch to the Boot tab, select Safe boot, and make sure the Minimal option is selected.

Safe Boot

Close the window and press the Windows key. Click on the power button and then select Restart. Your PC will now boot into the Safe mode and you can continue the update.

Way 4. Uninstall any recent Windows Updates

Sometimes, recently completed Windows updates may also interfere with system settings or configurations, which can cause Windows 11 stuck on the restarting screen. Therefore, it is recommended that you uninstall any recent Windows updates on your system.

Step 1. Navigate to Start > Settings > Windows Update and right-click Windows Update.

Step 2. On the Windows Update page, click on Update History.

Step 3. Select Uninstall updates at the bottom of the page, then click Uninstall of the recent windows updates done.

Uninstall Updates

After the Windows update is uninstalled, restart your system and see if the problem is solved.

Way 5. Reset Your Windows 11 Computer

If none of the previous methods solve the problem, then you can choose to reset your Windows 11 PC, which will get rid of the problem of Windows 11 being stuck on the restarting screen.

Step 1. Open Start > Settings > System > Recovery and click the Reset this PC button.

Reset This PC

Step 2. Choose the type of reset you want to do – either keep your files (which you probably want) or remove everything and start fresh.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait while your PC is reset to a working state.  

Important: Make a Backup before Resetting

If you need to reset your computer to fix the Windows 11 restart issue, it could take a while and may even lead to data loss. To avoid this, it's a good idea to use free backup software like AOMEI Backupper Standard to back up your system before resetting, ensuring your data stays protected.

You may only backup important files in advance if you plan to freshly install the Windows 11 OS after resetting.

Scheduled backup: You can automate backups on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, so your system is regularly saved without manual effort.
Incremental backup: This option backs up only changed data, making the process faster and more efficient.
Multiple storage options: You can back up to an external drive, SSD, USB, cloud, or network location.
Wide system support: Easily back up your system across Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Download this free backup software and then follow the graphic tutorial below to backup your system before resetting your Windows 11 PC. If you are a Windows Server user, you can pick AOMEI Backupper Server.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper Standard, and then click Backup > System Backup.

System Backup

Step 2. It will select Windows system partition and boot-related partitions automatically. And you just need to select a destination.

Select Destination

Step 3. Click Start Backup to back up the system to protect data before resetting.

Start Backup

Notes:✎...
Options: You can compress or split the system backup, write comments, or set email notifications for your system backup.
Schedule Backup: It can backup your system automatically with the frequencies you set, such as Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event trigger, and USB plug-in.
Backup Scheme: 3 backup methods (Full/Incremental/Differential backup) you can choose. Both of the latter two methods can save your disk storage space while improving backup efficiency. The incremental backup method is more demanding to restore, so you can upgrade to the Pro version to enjoy the differential backup method. After upgrading, you can also enable an automatic backup cleanup feature to save disk space. 

FAQs on Windows 11 Stuck on Restarting

1. Can updating drivers fix Windows 11 restarting issues?

Yes, outdated or incompatible drivers often cause restart issues. Updating drivers may resolve the problem.

2. Is there a way to prevent Windows 11 from getting stuck during a restart?

Keeping your system updated and ensuring smooth driver installations can prevent the issue.

3. Can resetting Windows 11 help if restarting issues persist?

A full system reset may be the final step to fix persistent issues, but it should be used as a last resort.

Expert Tips for Avoiding Restart Issues

1. Regularly update drivers and system software

2. Avoid forcing shutdowns during critical updates

3. Use a reliable backup tool like AOMEI Backupper for full system backups

Summary

Windows 11 getting stuck on restarting can be caused by several factors such as failed updates, corrupt system files, or hardware malfunctions. Following the solutions provided, like force restarting, using Startup Repair, or relying on System Restore, will help fix this issue and get your system back to normal. By staying proactive with updates and system health checks, you can minimize future restart problems.

You can also use the scheduled backup function of this software to backup your system regularly so that even if there is any problem with your computer accidentally in the future, you can use the system backup to restore it quickly.

Besides, this software is also a wonderful restore software, even if you want to restore your system backup to a computer with different hardware, its Universal Restore feature can be easily taken care of for you. You can download this software to explore more features.  

Clytze
Clytze · Editor
Clytze, an editor at AOMEI Technology, is passionate about safeguarding your digital world. She dedicates her expertise to empower users like you in data security and recovery. She firmly believes that everyone should have the tools and knowledge to protect their digital assets through computer backup, seamless disk cloning, and efficient file synchronization. Clytze is your trusted guide on the journey to data safety.