Windows 11 Stuck on Restarting? 12 Ways to Fix It (2026 Guide)

If your Windows 11 computer or laptop is stuck on the “Restarting” screen and won’t return to the desktop, you’re not alone. You may experience this issue after installing a Windows update, updating drivers, resetting the PC, or even during a normal restart.

In most cases, Windows becomes stuck because it cannot complete an update, load a required driver, or finish an important system process. The problem may also be caused by corrupted system files, startup errors, or connected hardware devices that interfere with the restart process. In this guide, we’ll explain why Windows 11 gets stuck during a restart and show you several proven solutions to get your PC working normally again.

Why Is Windows 11 Stuck on Restarting?

When you restart a Windows 11 computer, the operating system must close running programs, stop background services, apply pending updates, unload drivers, and prepare the system to start again. If any part of this process fails or takes longer than expected, Windows can become stuck on the “Restarting” screen.

In many cases, the issue occurs after a Windows update, driver installation, or system change that requires a restart to complete. However, corrupted system files, faulty drivers, hardware conflicts, and startup-related problems can also prevent Windows from restarting properly.

Common causes of a Windows 11 PC getting stuck on restarting include:

• A Windows update that failed to install correctly
• Corrupted or missing system files
• Outdated, incompatible, or faulty device drivers
• External USB devices interfering with the restart process
• Software conflicts from recently installed applications
• Problems with Windows services or startup processes
• Hard drive or SSD errors
• Insufficient system resources during the restart operation

Depending on the cause of the problem, there are different methods you can try to fix your laptop that is stuck restarting Windows 11. Here are some of the most effective ones:

Fix 1: Wait for Windows to Complete the Restart

If Windows recently installed updates, drivers, or system changes, the restart process may take longer than usual. In some cases, Windows can remain on the “Restarting” screen for several minutes while it completes background tasks.

Before attempting any repairs, give the computer some time to finish the restart process.

What to Do

1. Keep the computer connected to power.
2. Wait at least 30 minutes.
3. Check whether the spinning circle is still moving.
4. If Windows eventually loads normally, no further action is required.

If the computer remains stuck on the restarting screen after an extended period, proceed to the next solution.

Fix 2: Force Shut Down Your Computer

If Windows has been stuck on the “Restarting” screen for an extended period and shows no signs of progress, performing a forced shutdown can help break the restart loop and allow the system to start normally.

Because this method immediately powers off the computer, it should only be used after waiting for some time for Windows to complete the restart process.

Force Shut Down the PC

1. Press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds until the computer turns off.
2. Wait 30 seconds.
3. Press the Power button again to turn the computer back on.
4. Allow Windows to boot normally.

If Windows starts successfully, restart the computer again to verify that the issue has been resolved.

If the computer gets stuck on the restart screen again, proceed to the next solution.

Fix 3: Disconnect External Devices

External devices connected to your computer can sometimes interfere with the startup and restart process. Faulty USB devices, external hard drives, printers, docking stations, and other peripherals may prevent Windows from completing a restart successfully.

Disconnecting unnecessary devices helps eliminate potential hardware conflicts and allows Windows to restart using only essential components.

Disconnect Non-Essential Devices

1. Turn off the computer if it is currently stuck.
2. Unplug all unnecessary external devices, including:
   • USB flash drives
   • External hard drives
   • Printers and scanners
   • USB hubs and docking stations
   • Game controllers
   • Other non-essential peripherals
3. Leave only the keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected.
4. Turn the computer back on and allow Windows to start normally.

If Windows restarts successfully after disconnecting a device, reconnect your peripherals one at a time to identify which one is causing the problem.

Fix 4: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows feature designed to reduce boot times by saving certain system information before the computer shuts down. While this can help Windows start faster, it can sometimes interfere with the shutdown and restart process, causing the system to hang on the “Restarting” screen.

Disabling Fast Startup forces Windows to perform a complete shutdown and startup cycle, which can help resolve restart-related issues.

Turn Off Fast Startup in Windows 11

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type control and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Select Hardware and Sound.
4. Click Power Options.
5. Select Choose what the power buttons do from the left pane.
6. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
7. Under Shutdown settings, uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
8. Click Save changes.

Restart the computer and check whether Windows completes the restart normally.

Can’t Access Windows?

If you’re unable to reach the desktop because the computer remains stuck restarting, boot into Safe Mode first, then follow the steps above to disable Fast Startup.

Fix 5: Run the Power Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in Power Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix issues related to power settings, sleep states, and system power management. If incorrect power configuration is preventing Windows from shutting down or restarting properly, running this troubleshooter may help resolve the problem.

Run the Power Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select System from the left pane.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Other troubleshooters.
5. Locate Power in the list.
6. Click Run next to Power.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

If the Power Troubleshooter Is Missing

In some newer versions of Windows 11, the Power Troubleshooter may not appear in the Settings app. In that case:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following command: msdt.exe /id PowerDiagnostic
3. Follow the prompts to complete the troubleshooting process.

After the troubleshooter completes, restart your computer and check whether Windows restarts normally.

Fix 6: Boot Windows 11 Into Safe Mode

If your computer repeatedly gets stuck on the restarting screen, Safe Mode can help determine whether the problem is being caused by a driver, startup program, or third-party software. Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot startup-related issues.

Enter Safe Mode

• Turn off the computer by holding the Power button.
• Turn it back on.
• As soon as Windows begins to load, hold the Power button again to force a shutdown.
• Repeat this process two or three times until Windows launches Automatic Repair.
• Select Advanced options.

• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.

• Click Restart.
• Press 4 or F4 to start Windows in Safe Mode.

If Windows starts successfully in Safe Mode, the issue is likely being caused by a driver, startup application, or recent system change.

While in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed software, remove problematic drivers, or continue with the fixes below.

Fix 7: Run Startup Repair

Windows 11 includes a built-in Startup Repair tool that can automatically detect and fix issues that prevent the operating system from starting or restarting correctly. If the restart issue is caused by damaged startup files, boot configuration errors, or other system problems, Startup Repair may resolve it without affecting your personal files.

Run Startup Repair

• Enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) by interrupting the startup process two or three times, as described in the previous fix.
• Select Advanced options.
• Click Troubleshoot.
• Select Advanced options again.
• Click Startup Repair.

• Choose your Windows account if prompted.
• Enter your password and follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows will scan the system for startup-related issues and attempt to repair them automatically.

Once the repair process is complete, restart the computer and check whether Windows can restart normally.

Fix 8: Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted or missing system files can prevent Windows from completing the restart process. Windows includes two built-in tools—System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)—that can scan for and repair damaged system files.

Run SFC and DISM

1. Boot into Safe Mode or open Command Prompt from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the scan to complete.
5. If SFC finds and repairs files, restart the computer and check whether the problem is resolved.

If the issue persists, run the following DISM commands one at a time:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Wait for DISM to finish repairing the Windows image.
7. Restart the computer.

These tools can often resolve restart issues caused by corrupted Windows components and system files.

Fix 9: Uninstall Recently Installed Windows Updates

If the problem started shortly after installing a Windows update, the update may have failed to install correctly or introduced a compatibility issue. Removing the most recent update can often restore normal system operation and resolve restart-related problems.

Uninstall the Latest Windows Update

• Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
• Click Uninstall Updates.

• Choose one of the following options:
  • Uninstall the latest quality update
  • Uninstall the latest feature update
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
• Restart the computer.

Once Windows starts normally, you can pause updates temporarily or wait for Microsoft to release a newer update that addresses the issue.

If removing the update doesn’t fix the problem, continue with the next solution.

Fix 10: Update or Reinstall Device Drivers

Faulty, outdated, or incompatible drivers can interfere with the Windows startup and restart process. This is especially common after a major Windows update, where an existing driver may no longer work correctly with the updated operating system.

If the issue began after installing a driver update or connecting new hardware, updating or reinstalling the affected driver may resolve the problem.

Update a Driver

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
3. Expand the category containing the affected device.
4. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
5. Click Search automatically for drivers.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Reinstall a Driver

1. In Device Manager, right-click the problematic device.
2. Select Uninstall device.
3. Confirm the action if prompted.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver during startup.

Pay particular attention to graphics, storage, and chipset drivers, as problems with these drivers can sometimes prevent Windows from restarting correctly.

Fix 11: Perform a System Restore

If Windows 11 was restarting normally before the problem began, System Restore can help by reverting your computer to an earlier state. This can undo recent changes to system files, drivers, settings, and updates that may be preventing Windows from completing the restart process.

System Restore does not affect your personal files, but it may remove recently installed applications and drivers.

Use System Restore

1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
3. Choose your Windows account and enter the password if prompted.
4. Select a restore point created before the restarting issue started.
5. Click Next, then Finish.
6. Wait for Windows to restore the system and restart the computer.

After the restoration process is complete, check whether Windows can restart normally.

If no restore points are available or the problem persists, try the final solution below.

Fix 12: Reset Windows 11

If none of the previous solutions have resolved the issue, resetting Windows 11 may be necessary. This process reinstalls the operating system and replaces damaged system files, corrupted settings, and other software-related problems that could be preventing Windows from restarting properly.

Windows 11 offers the option to keep your personal files during an operating system reinstall, making it a safer alternative to a clean installation.

Reset Windows 11

1. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot.
3. Click Reset this PC.
4. Choose Keep my files.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the reset process.
6. Wait for Windows to reinstall and restart.

Depending on your system, the process may take some time to complete.

After the reset is finished, Windows should boot and restart normally. If the problem still occurs after resetting Windows, the issue may be related to hardware components such as the SSD, hard drive, memory, or motherboard and may require further diagnosis.

How to Prevent Windows 11 from Getting Stuck on Restarting

Although restart-related issues can occur unexpectedly, following a few best practices can reduce the risk of Windows 11 becoming stuck on the restarting screen in the future.

• Install Windows updates regularly to ensure your system receives the latest bug fixes and stability improvements.
• Keep device drivers updated, especially graphics, storage, and chipset drivers.
• Avoid forcing your computer to shut down while updates are being installed.
• Disconnect unnecessary external devices before installing major Windows updates.
• Create System Restore points before making significant system changes.
• Run periodic scans with Windows Security to help prevent malware-related system issues.
• Maintain adequate free storage space so Windows can install updates and perform system tasks properly.

By keeping Windows and your hardware drivers up to date and avoiding sudden interruptions during updates, you can help ensure that your computer restarts smoothly and remains stable over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)