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If Windows 11 is stuck on “Restarting,” first check whether it is still installing an update. If the screen is actively progressing, let it continue; interrupting an update can cause problems. If there has been no change for an unusually long time and the PC does not respond, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to try Startup Repair, then investigate recent updates or changes. A frozen screen and a repeated crash-and-restart loop are different problems, so identify which one you are seeing before choosing a fix.
Check whether Windows is frozen or still working
Look for an update message, progress indicator, or other sign that Windows is installing something. Update times vary with the update’s size, connection speed, and network settings; Microsoft does not give a fixed waiting time that applies to every PC. If the screen is changing or the update appears active, avoid repeatedly forcing the PC off.
If the display has not changed for an unusually long time and keyboard or other input does not work, a forced shutdown may be necessary to reach recovery options. Be aware that powering off during work in progress can interrupt it. If the PC repeatedly restarts, shows a stop-code error, or never reaches the same point, treat it as a restart loop rather than a single frozen screen. Microsoft notes that unexpected restarts can be related to hardware, drivers, or software.
Open Windows Recovery Environment
WinRE provides built-in tools for a PC that cannot complete startup, including Startup Repair, update removal, and Startup Settings. Use the recovery route available for your device; the route can vary by PC and by whether Windows can still start. Microsoft’s Windows recovery options explain the available choices. On an encrypted device, WinRE may ask for the BitLocker recovery key before most recovery options can be used, so locate the key if possible before proceeding.
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Run Startup Repair first
- In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
- Choose the Windows installation if prompted, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- When the repair attempt finishes, restart and check whether Windows starts normally.
Microsoft says Startup Repair scans for certain problems that prevent Windows from starting and attempts to fix them. Examples include missing or damaged system files and corrupted boot configuration data. It cannot repair every cause; if it reports that it could not fix the problem, move to a relevant next step rather than repeating the same repair without new information. See Microsoft’s Startup Repair guidance.
If the issue began after an update, uninstall that update
If the restart problem started soon after Windows installed an update, update removal is a targeted option in WinRE. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates, then follow the prompts for the available update type. This is most relevant when the timing points to a recent update; it is not a general fix for every restart problem. Back up important files first if you can access them, because some recovery actions can result in data loss. Microsoft lists update removal among its recovery options.
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Use Safe Mode to narrow down a recent change
- In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After the PC restarts, choose the Safe Mode option shown on screen.
- If Windows starts, consider whether the issue began after installing a driver, app, or startup program, and investigate those recent changes.
Safe Mode starts Windows with a limited set of files and drivers. If the PC behaves differently there, that can help narrow the investigation, but it does not identify the responsible component by itself. Use Microsoft’s Startup Settings instructions if you need details about the options.
For a repeated restart or stop-code loop, check recent changes
When the PC restarts unexpectedly or displays a stop code, Microsoft recommends basic checks that target likely software and hardware causes:
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- Disconnect newly added hardware and see whether startup changes.
- Check Device Manager for devices marked with a problem.
- Use Safe Mode to help investigate drivers or software.
- Check available storage and apply relevant updates if Windows can start.
For this unexpected-restart troubleshooting context, Microsoft gives 10% to 15% free disk space as a general target while noting that the amount needed varies by system configuration. It is not a guaranteed fix for a frozen “Restarting” screen. See Microsoft’s unexpected-restart troubleshooting guidance.
Consider Quick machine recovery only on supported Windows versions
Quick machine recovery can detect certain repeated startup failures linked to a known widespread issue and check Windows Update for a Microsoft-provided fix. It is not available on every Windows 11 installation: Microsoft says it requires Windows 11 version 24H2 or later, is enabled by default on Home, and may need an administrator to enable it on Pro or Enterprise. When it applies a fix, Microsoft says it does not reset the PC or affect files, apps, or settings. Check Microsoft’s recovery-options guidance for availability and setup details.
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Reserve System Restore, reset, or reinstall for later
Microsoft advises starting with the least disruptive suitable recovery option. System Restore may be available in WinRE, while Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and offers a choice to keep personal files or remove everything. “Keep my files” should not be read as a promise that installed apps and settings will remain. Some recovery choices can cause data loss, so back up important files first if Windows or the recovery environment allows it. A manufacturer recovery image may include drivers and factory apps specific to the PC. Microsoft describes these trade-offs in Recovery options in Windows.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf you need to reinstall from a USB recovery drive or installation media, check the PC manufacturer’s requirements and use device-specific recovery media when appropriate. Do not begin a reset or reinstall on a work- or school-managed PC without involving your IT department; Microsoft advises contacting IT if recovery options do not resolve the issue.
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