Windows stuck in a boot loop: How to fix it

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Dealing with a boot loop issue on Windows is frustrating as it stops you from being able to open your important files. Thankfully, our experts know how to fix it.

If your computer is stuck in an endless loop, you need to head to the Windows Recovery screen. From there, you can load up Windows from a USB drive or run a bare-bones version of the operating system in safe mode.

Below, our tech experts explain how to restore access to your computer and retrieve your files using Windows Recovery.

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Each month, we feature one of the most popular questions answered by our Tech Support team.

Question of the month: Why is my computer stuck in a loop?

All of a sudden, I’m unable to get into my Windows computer. It keeps trying to load and then restarting in an endless loop. I can’t see any way to get past this. Can you help?

Which? Tech member

Our expert says:

Windows can get stuck in a boot loop for various reasons. A faulty operating system installation or driver updates are the most common cause, but it can also stem from power outages, storage issues, malware or even faulty hardware.

Your computer is trying to enter ‘Automatic Repair’ mode and, as a result, keeps restarting indefinitely. A continuous spinning wheel on system startup is another type of corruption that can occur.

Conor Houlihan, Which? Tech Support

How to fix a Windows boot loop

To attempt to fix this, you’ll need to enter the Windows Recovery environment. This involves repeatedly turning your device off and on again in sequence, which is known as the boot interrupt method.

Work your way through these steps:

  • With your computer turned on, hold down the power button to turn it off.
  • Turn the computer back on.
  • On the first sign that Windows has started (Windows logo or spinning dots), turn it off.
  • Turn the computer back on.
  • Turn the computer off.
    • allow it to fully start upAutomatic Repair Advanced optionsWindows Automatic Repair screenTroubleshoot Advanced optionsWindows Advanced options screenSee more recovery options

    System Restore

    If you’ve previously created a restore point in Windows, then this is the easiest way to get your computer working again. It will take your PC back in time to a moment when the restore point was created.

    Even if you haven’t consciously created a restore point, it’s worth trying this option as the system might have created one for you automatically.

    System Image Recovery

    If you’ve previously created a system image using an external drive, this option will revert back to when the backup was created. Make sure you have your external drive plugged in before selecting this option.

    Uninstall updates

    Incorrectly installed Windows updates can sometimes cause a boot loop, so this option lets you uninstall the latest update.

    Startup settings

    Enable safe mode

    If Windows boots into safe mode successfully, it tends to point to malware being the cause of your boot loop. Within safe mode, you can then run a virus scanner to eliminate the issue.

    Our tough lab tests reveal the 

    Reset this PC

     Keep my filesRemove everythingKeep my filesRemove everything Cloud reinstall Local reinstall

    Use a device 

    This option will facilitate booting into Windows 10 or 11 via USB to wipe the hard drive and install Windows from fresh.

    It’s crucial that you have relevant backups before using this method. To create a USB drive with Windows on, follow these steps:

    Create installation media

    Note that you will need at least 8GB of free space on your USB to run the tool.

    If you're wondering whether to get a new computer, check out our expert advice on .

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    source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/windows-stuck-in-boot-loop-how-to-fix-it-arrtI1E1JcQQ
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