5 Easy Ways To Fix Windows 10 Stuck On Restarting Error

With over 1.3 billion devices powered by Windows 10, the platform’s vast user base underscores its importance in our daily digital lives. Yet, even the most reliable systems have their flaws, and Windows 10 is no exception. Among these, the ‘stuck on restarting’ error stands out as particularly vexing, disrupting work and productivity.

In the following guide, we explore easy-to-follow solutions aimed at resolving this issue, ensuring your Windows experience is as seamless as possible. From pending updates to driver mishaps, we’ve got you covered, helping you navigate through common pitfalls to get your system running smoothly again.

Reasons For Windows 10 Stuck On Restarting Error

There are several reasons why you may be experiencing a stuck Windows 10. Some of the common ones are:

• Improper shutdown by the last user.
• Windows 10 Updates are stuck on Pending. Consider stopping the update first and restarting it to fix the error.
• Windows 10 drivers or updates are not installed correctly.
• Windows 10 drivers are outdated.
• Issues with RAM.
• The fast Startup function is enabled.

Thankfully, there are ways to fix these issues. In our latest blog, check out the top ways to improve Windows 10 stuck on restarting errors. Important Note: For methods 2 – 6, and you may be unable to enter your Windows 10 because it is stuck on the restart, you can use Safe Mode to try the fixes.

Method 1 – Force-Power Off Your Computer

Sometimes you may experience this error when the boot process is problematic. The best and easiest way to fix Windows 10 stuck on restarting issue is to force off your PC. This solution may seem very basic; however, it is a proven way to fix your computer when it’s stuck restarting.

1. Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds.
2. If this does not work, directly unplug your computer or laptop and wait 1 minute before plugging again.  
3. See if the error is fixed.

Method 2 – End Process of Failed Program in Task Manager

Another easy way to fix Windows 10 stuck on restarting is to end the process using your Task Manager.

1. On your keyboard press CTRL + Shift + Esc.
2. On your Task Manager, end the processes of all running programs.

3. Restart your PC to see if the issue is fixed.

Method 3 – Restart Your Computer Without Connecting Any Peripherals

Sometimes your peripherals will conflict with the operations of your computer. As a result, you may experience errors you have never seen before, such as Windows 10 stuck on restarting.

1. Unplug any peripherals like an additional SSD, an external hard drive, your phone, or others. Next, you must restart your PC to see if the error is fixed.
2. If all goes well, reconnect your peripherals.
3. On your keyboard, press Windows + R, type in “devmgmt.msc,” and press Enter or click OK.

4. Click on a category of devices you want to update: Right-click and hit Update Drivers.

5. You can also choose to uninstall the device and reinstall after.
6. Be sure to update any outdated drivers for your hardware to ensure that you are using only the latest.
7. Restart your PC and see if the error is fixed.

Method 4 – Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows 10 feature that lets your computer start faster whenever turned on. While this means you can quickly enjoy the software on your PC, it can also interfere with the shutdown and restart process. As a result, Fast Startup can cause errors like Windows 10 stuck on reboot. Here’s how to disable Fast Startup:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This will enable the Run Dialog box.
2. In the box, type “powercfg.cpl” and hit enter.

3. Click on Choose what the power buttons do.

4. Next, click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.

5. Untick the box before Turning on fast Startup (Recommended) is unchecked. Next, click Save changes and close the window.

6. Reboot your PC for the changes to take effect.

Method 5 – Update Any Outdated Drivers

Another way to fix Windows 10 stuck on restarting is to update any outdated drivers.

1. Open the Run Dialog box by pressing the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard.
2. Inside the Run Dialog box, type “devmgmt.msc.” Hit Enter on your keyboard to open the Device Manager.

3. Next, inside the Device Manager window, click Display Adapter to expand it.
4. In the new window, right-click on the display adapter and click Update driver from the drop-down menu.

5. Click on Search automatically for drivers. Your PC will now search for any available new drivers and download and install them automatically.

6. Once the update is complete, click Close.
7. Next, exit the Device Manager window.
8. Restart your PC and then check if the issue is fixed.

Method 6 – Restore SoftwareDistribution Package

Computers that have corrupt system files will act funny. Sooner or later, you will encounter different errors; one of them could be your PC staying on the restarting screen. To fix this, you can try restoring the SoftwareDistribution package to remove any corrupt files.

1. Hold down the “windows key” and press “R,” and type “cmd” in the run command line. Hold down both the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.

2. Once the Command Prompt window is open, type these commands and press Enter after each command:

• Type “net stop wuauserv” and press Enter to stop any update process that is currently running
• Type “cd %systemroot%” and press Enter.
• Type “ren SoftwareDistribution SD.old” and press Enter.
• Type “net start wuauserv” and press Enter to restart the update service

Reboot your computer and then check if the issue is fixed.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing Windows 10 Stuck On Restarting Error can easily be frustrating. Thankfully, the fixes mentioned above are reliable solutions to this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions