Guide: Getting Windows Ready Stuck Error – 7 Ways to Fix

Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems today. Thanks to its wide array of features, most Microsoft users prefer this OS.

Unfortunately, you may encounter errors like when your PC stays on getting Windows ready stuck. “Getting Windows ready stuck” is an error that typically happens when you try to restart, turn on, or turn off, your computer.

In addition, getting Windows ready stuck error happens right after performing updates. You may not access your system troubleshooter or go to your Windows desktop when this happens. A Startup Repair or a clean install is a common fix that you can try. You can find other solutions to this annoying but solvable error in this article.

Common Reasons for Getting Windows Ready Stuck

Experiencing the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” error can be frustrating. It usually occurs during updates and delays access to your desktop. To better understand how to resolve this issue, let’s dive into some of the common reasons behind it:

1. Large or Slow Windows Updates: Windows updates can sometimes involve downloading and installing large files, which may take an extended amount of time to complete. If your internet connection or system performance is not optimal, it may require additional time to process these updates, resulting in the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” error.
2. Corrupted Update Files: If the update files downloaded on your computer are corrupted or incomplete, your system might struggle to install them properly. Consequently, your computer may become stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” screen.
3. Faulty Drivers or Software: In some cases, recently installed or updated drivers or software may conflict with the Windows update process. This can impede the update, causing the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” error.
4. Insufficient System Resources: If your computer has insufficient resources – such as low disk space, memory, or processing power – it may struggle to carry out the Windows update efficiently. This could result in stagnation and the subsequent “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” error.
5. Incompatible Hardware: Certain components or peripherals attached to your computer might not be compatible with the latest Windows updates. This incompatibility can prevent the update from completing successfully and lead to the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” error.
6. Malware or Virus Infection: In some instances, malware or virus infections can disrupt the normal functioning of your computer. These infections can interfere with the Windows update process and cause the system to become stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” screen.
7. Incorrect System Configuration: If your system configuration settings are not set correctly, it might affect the Windows update process. Misconfigured settings could be the reason why your computer remains stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” screen.

Understanding and identifying the cause of the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” error is crucial in finding the appropriate solution to resolve it. It’s essential to be patient and try the suggested methods to fix the issue and regain access to your computer.

How to Fix Getting Windows Ready Stuck

Method 1 – Wait For Some Time

Typically, you know you have this error when you get a “Getting Windows ready don’t turn off your computer.” Your computer is likely taking the time to download and install the updated files, and it would take some time to finish these jobs, especially if the update is big or depends on the program being installed.

As suggested, it is better not to turn off your computer and wait for the update to complete. Usually, it is best to wait for about 2-­3 hours, and this is coming from Microsoft’s support technician’s advice. However, if some time has already elapsed and you still experience this error, it is best to try other methods.

Method 2 – Hard Shut Down Your Computer and Do A Power Reset

Sometimes, the best way to fix the stuck Windows Ready message is to give your PC or laptop a hard reset. A power reset will clear all pending information away in the memory. It also won’t damage your disk data, so this method may be a perfect solution to various issues.

1. Press and hold the power button for 2 – 3 seconds.
2. Unplug all the peripheral devices attached to your PC, such as external hard drives, earphones, and USB flash drives.

3. Unplug the power cable. Remove the battery if you use a laptop with a datable battery.
4. Press the power button for 30 seconds to drain any remaining charge.
5. Reconnect the power cables or add the laptop battery. Do not plug the peripherals.
6. Press the power button and see if the Getting Windows ready stuck error is still there.

Method 3 – Use Windows Startup Repair

Startup Repair is a Windows recovery tool feature that allows you to fix specific system problems that might prevent Windows 10 from starting correctly. To perform a Startup Repair, follow the steps below.

1. Press the Shift key on your keyboard and simultaneously press Power to turn off your computer.

2. It would help if you continued holding down the Shift key while waiting for the machine to power.
3. Once the computer starts, you’ll find a screen with a few options. Click Troubleshoot.

4. Next, click on Advanced options.

5. In the Advanced options menu, choose Startup Repair.

6. Once the Startup Repair screen opens, choose an account. Be sure to use an account with Administrator access.
7. After entering the password, click Continue. And wait for the process to complete.
8. Reboot your PC.

Method 4 – Try a System Restore

You can use a Windows System Restore to return to your last saved settings and potentially repair your PC. It is a good move if you encounter an update error, such as the stuck on getting windows ready issue.

1. Before launching a System Restore, you must download Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.

2. Run Media Creation Tool to create a Windows installation media (You can use a USB installation drive or CD/DVD).
3. Boot the PC from the Windows installation disc, USB drive, or any Windows Installation Media you have.
4. Next, configure the language, keyboard method, and time. Click Repair your computer.

5. Go to Choose an option. Choose Troubleshoot and Advanced options. Last, choose System Restore.

6. Follow the wizard to finish a system restore. You will be asked to restart your computer; you can now see if the stuck on Getting Windows Ready message still occurs.

Method 5 – Uninstall Recently Installed Updates

One of the reasons you may be experiencing a Getting Windows ready stuck issue is that one of the latest updates you installed in your Windows Operating System is corrupt. You can access safe mode and uninstall these corrupted system files safely.

1. Boot to Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options and then choose Startup Settings.

3. Next, press F4 to enter safe mode.

3. While in Safe Mode or Windows Recovery, right-click the Start button and click Control Panel in the menu.
4. Then go to Programs and Features.
5. Next, click View installed update on the left panel.

6. Then, locate any updates that are installed updates and uninstall them.
7. Reboot your PC and see if you’re still getting Windows Ready looping message on your screen.

Method 6 – Run the System File Checker

You can try using the System File Checker tool to check for errors in your Operating System. This will repair any corrupted files and allow you to use your computer again. The SFC Scannow method is easy to perform and will only require you to open the Command Prompt.

1. Use the Installation Disc or USB drive to boot your PC.
2. Next, go to Repair your computer, click on Choose an option screen and choose Troubleshoot.

3. Next, click Command Prompt on the Advanced options page.
4. This will open the CMD window.
5. In the Command Prompt, Type the command: sfc /scannow and hit Enter.

3. Wait for the System File Checker to complete its scan, reboot your PC, and check if you’re still getting the Windows Ready Don’t Turn Off message stuck on your screen.

Method 7 – Reinstall Windows 10 To Fix All Issues

Your final option is to clean and install your Windows OS. This should fix any errors, including the Getting Windows ready error. Before doing this, back up all essential files on a USB. It would help if you also had your license key ready for reinstallation.

You will need to create a Windows 10 installation media using the Media Creation Tool to reinstall the OS. It would be best if you made installation media on another PC.

1. Connect the Windows 10 installation media to your computer and boot from it.
2. You might need to press the appropriate key or change your boot priority in BIOS to boot from Windows 10 installation media.
3. Choose the desired language. Click Next.

4. Next, click Install Now and follow the instructions on your screen.

5. Select the correct drive, or you risk deleting the files from another drive.

Some users also suggest resetting Windows 10 after a Windows 10 clean install.

1. Follow Steps 1, 2, and 3 from above.
2. Click on Repair your PC.
3. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
4. Choose your Windows installation and click Only the drive where Windows is installed > remove my files.
5. Click on the Reset button and start resetting your Windows 10 installation.

Eighth Method – Uninstall Recently Installed Software

Some software or applications can cause conflict with your computer, causing you to get stuck on the Getting Windows Ready loading screen. If you experience this error, we strongly suggest removing the last application you installed on your computer. In the sample steps below, we will be removing Visual C ++. The same steps should apply to other software or programs.

1. Hold down the Windows + R keys on your keyboard, type in “appwiz.cpl” on the run” command line, and press “enter.”

2. In “the li “t of applications, look for the currently installed version of Visual C ++ and click uninstall.

3. After uninstalling Visual C ++ Redistributable for Visual Studio from your computer, download the latest version of Visual C ++ Redistributable by clicking here.
4. Make sure to download the latest setup file and the appropriate version for your computer and follow the on-screen instructions when installing the program.
5. After installing the Visual C ++ Redistributable for Visual Studio, try to see if this fixes the Windows error 0xc000012f.

Bonus Tip – Make Sure Your Computer is Connected to the Internet

Your computer needs to be connected to the internet for Windows to download and install new updates. If it has no internet connection, it will not be able to connect to the Microsoft server and cause your computer to get stuck on the Getting Windows Ready message.

If you’re using a wired connection, check the cables and routers in your network. If you’re connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, make sure your router is powered up. If you still believe there is a problem, try running a troubleshooting procedure or connecting an Ethernet cable.

Wrap Up

If you get stuck on the Getting Windows Ready screen after performing an update, you should automatically think about removing the latest update you installed. Our guide should have the right troubleshooting step for that particular scenario.

Just remember to stay calm and consider.

Frequently Asked Questions