Fixing the Issue: Windows 10 Stuck on Restarting – A Guide
If you’re constantly encountering the issue of Windows 10 getting stuck on restarting, you’re not alone. This can be a frustrating problem that many Windows users face, and it can prevent you from using your computer until it’s resolved. Luckily, with the right troubleshooting steps, fixing this issue can be relatively straightforward and easy to achieve. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes of the Windows 10 restarting problem and provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Key Takeaways:
- Windows 10 stuck on restarting is a common problem faced by many users
- The issue can be caused by various factors such as system updates, drivers, and software conflicts
- Troubleshooting and fixing the issue can be done by performing a system restore, using safe mode, and checking hardware connections
- Disabling automatic restart, updating drivers, and performing a Windows 10 repair can help resolve the issue
- Seek professional help when necessary and prevent future occurrences by performing regular system maintenance and being cautious with software installations.
Understanding the Windows 10 Restarting Problem
If you’ve encountered the issue of Windows 10 getting stuck on restarting, you’re not alone. This problem, also known as the Windows 10 restart loop, can be frustrating and prevent you from using your computer. But why does it happen?
There are several common causes of the Windows 10 restarting problem, including:
- System updates: Installing updates can sometimes cause conflicts with other software or drivers on your computer, resulting in the restarting issue.
- Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can also be a culprit. If a driver is not functioning properly, it can cause your computer to get stuck in a restarting loop.
- Software conflicts: Certain software programs may interfere with the normal functioning of Windows, causing the restart problem.
It’s important to understand the root cause of the issue before attempting to fix it. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through troubleshooting steps and provide solutions to get your Windows 10 system up and running again.
Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 10 Stuck on Restarting
If your Windows 10 system is stuck on restarting, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. Follow the steps below to help fix the issue.
Step 1: Perform a System Restore
If you recently installed new software or made changes to your system, performing a system restore can help return your computer to a previous working state before the issue occurred. To perform a system restore, follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type ‘rstrui’ and press Enter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your system.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
Booting into safe mode can help diagnose and fix issues with your system. To boot into safe mode, follow the steps below:
- Restart your computer.
- Press and hold the F8 key as your computer boots up.
- Select ‘Safe Mode’ from the list of options.
Step 3: Check Hardware Connections
Loose or disconnected hardware connections can also cause your Windows 10 system to get stuck on restarting. Check all hardware connections, including power cords, RAM modules, and hard drive connections, to ensure they are secure.
Step 4: Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot Issues
If your Windows 10 system is not booting, you can use Command Prompt to fix boot issues. Follow the steps below:
- Insert your Windows 10 installation media and boot from it.
- Click ‘Repair your computer.’
- Select ‘Troubleshoot.’
- Click on ‘Advanced Options.’
- Select ‘Command Prompt.’
- Type ‘bootrec /fixmbr’ and press Enter.
- Type ‘bootrec /fixboot’ and press Enter.
- Type ‘bootrec /rebuildbcd’ and press Enter.
- Restart your computer.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to seek professional help or consider reinstalling Windows 10. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you can help fix the issue of your Windows 10 system getting stuck on restarting and prevent future occurrences.
Resolving Windows 10 Automatic Restart Loop
Windows 10 automatically restarting can be frustrating and problematic. This issue can be caused by software conflicts, driver issues, or even faulty hardware. If your Windows 10 is stuck on the restarting screen, follow the steps below to resolve the automatic restart loop problem.
Disabling Automatic Restart
The first step to fix the automatic restart loop is to disable the automatic restart option. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type in “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter to open the System Properties window.
- Select the Advanced tab and click on the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
- In the System failure section, uncheck the box next to “Automatically restart.”
- Click OK to save the changes.
Once you disable the automatic restart option, your Windows 10 system won’t restart automatically, even if there is a problem.
Performing a Clean Boot
If disabling automatic restart doesn’t solve the issue, then you can try performing a clean boot. Follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type in “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
- Select the Services tab and check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services.”
- Click the Disable all button to disable all non-Microsoft services.
- Select the Startup tab and click on the Open Task Manager link.
- Disable all startup items by right-clicking on each item and selecting Disable.
- Close the Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
- Restart your computer.
A clean boot will start Windows 10 with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify and resolve any software conflicts that may be causing the automatic restart loop.
Note: If you suspect that faulty hardware may be causing the issue, then you should seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem.
Addressing Software and Driver Issues
Software and driver conflicts are common causes of the Windows 10 restarting problem. If you suspect that this is the case, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take.
Update Drivers
An outdated or corrupted driver can cause various issues, including the Windows 10 restarting problem. To update your drivers:
- Press Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
- Locate the device with the driver you want to update.
- Right-click the device and select Update driver.
- Choose how you want to search for the driver software.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest driver.
Note: If you’re not sure which driver to update, try updating all drivers or use a driver update tool.
Uninstall Incompatible Software
Incompatible or conflicting software can cause the Windows 10 restarting problem. To uninstall software:
- Press Windows key + X and select Apps and features.
- Locate the software you want to uninstall.
- Click on the software and select Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the software.
Note: If you’re not sure which software is causing the problem, try uninstalling recently installed software or use a software removal tool.
Run System File Checker Tool
The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a built-in Windows utility that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run SFC:
- Press Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
- If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them.
- Restart your computer and check if the Windows 10 restarting problem is resolved.
If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
Checking Hardware Components
If you’ve tried all the software solutions and Windows 10 is still stuck on restarting or not booting at all, it’s time to check your hardware components. Faulty hardware can cause a variety of issues, including the Windows 10 restarting problem. Here are some steps you can take to check your hardware:
Check the Power Supply
The power supply is the most critical component of your computer, and if it’s not working correctly, your computer won’t start. Ensure that the power supply is securely connected to your computer and the power outlet. If you have a spare power supply, swap it out to see if that fixes the problem.
Check the RAM Modules
Issues with the RAM modules can also cause Windows 10 to get stuck on restarting. Try removing each RAM module one at a time and see if that fixes the problem. If you find a faulty RAM module, replacing it should resolve the issue.
Check the Hard Drive
A failing hard drive can cause Windows 10 to get stuck on restarting or not boot at all. Check for any strange noises coming from your hard drive, or if it isn’t being detected. You can also try connecting the hard drive to another computer to see if it’s actually the issue.
If you can’t solve the Windows 10 restarting issue by checking your hardware components, it’s time to take your computer to a professional for repair.
Performing a Windows 10 Repair
If the troubleshooting steps in previous sections have not resolved the issue of Windows 10 being stuck on restarting, it may be necessary to perform a repair installation of the operating system. This process will reinstall Windows 10 while keeping personal files and settings intact, and can often fix any corrupted system files that may be causing the restarting problem.
To perform a Windows 10 repair installation, follow these steps:
- Insert a Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD) into your computer.
- Restart your computer and choose the “Boot from USB/DVD” option from the boot menu.
- Select your language preferences, and click “Next”.
- Click “Install Now”, accept the license terms, and click “Next”.
- Choose the “Upgrade” option, and click “Next”.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
Note that this process may take some time to complete, and it is important to not interrupt it once it has started. It is also recommended to back up important files before proceeding with a Windows 10 repair installation.
If the restarting problem persists even after performing a repair installation, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from a professional technician or IT support team.
Updating Windows 10
One of the easiest and quickest solutions to fix the issue of Windows 10 being stuck on restarting is to ensure that your operating system is updated to the latest version. Regular updates to Windows 10 include bug fixes and patches that can resolve the restarting problem.
To check for Windows 10 updates, go to Settings > Update & Security and click on the Check for Updates button. If there are new updates available, click on the Download and Install button to begin the update process.
If you encounter any issues during the update process, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Restart your computer and try again.
- Disable any antivirus software temporarily.
- Clear the Windows Update cache by going to Command Prompt (Admin) and typing the commands ‘net stop wuauserv’ and ‘net start wuauserv’.
- Perform a clean boot to prevent any interfering software or drivers.
If you are still having issues with updating Windows 10 or the restarting problem persists after the update, try the other troubleshooting steps in this guide.

Additional Tips and Tricks
If you have tried the troubleshooting steps outlined in the previous sections and are still experiencing the Windows 10 restarting issue, there are a few additional tips and tricks you can try.
- Disable unnecessary startup programs: Some programs may automatically start up when your computer boots, which can slow down your system and cause conflicts. To disable these programs, open the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc), click on the Startup tab, and select the programs you want to disable.
- Clear temporary files: Over time, your computer can accumulate temporary files, which can take up valuable space and slow down your system. To clear these files, open the Disk Cleanup utility (search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu) and select the files you want to delete.
- Perform a disk cleanup: Similar to clearing temporary files, performing a disk cleanup can help free up space on your hard drive and improve system performance. To perform a disk cleanup, open File Explorer, right-click on your primary hard drive, select Properties, and click the Disk Cleanup button.
By following these additional tips and tricks, you may be able to resolve the Windows 10 restarting issue and improve the overall performance of your system.
Seeking Professional Help
Despite attempting the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier, if the Windows 10 restarting issue persists or your system won’t start or shut down at all, it might be time to seek professional help. Sometimes, the underlying cause of the problem could be a more serious hardware issue, which requires a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.
Another scenario where seeking professional help is necessary is if there is a risk of data loss. For instance, if your computer won’t start and you have important data that hasn’t been backed up, it’s best to contact a professional to try and recover your data.
When seeking professional help, it’s important to find a reputable service provider with the necessary expertise to identify and fix the issue. Be sure to inquire about pricing, turnaround time, and guarantees before committing to any service provider.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to seek professional help for your Windows 10 restarting issue, don’t hesitate to do so. The sooner you get it fixed, the sooner you can get back to using your computer without any interruptions.
Preventing Future Windows 10 Restarting Issues
Preventing future occurrences of the Windows 10 restarting problem is essential to ensure a seamless user experience. Here are some guidelines and best practices to follow:
- Regular system maintenance is crucial to keep your computer running smoothly. Run disk cleanup, clear temporary files, and remove unnecessary programs and files regularly to free up space and speed up your system.
- Keeping drivers updated is critical to prevent conflicts and errors that may cause the Windows 10 restarting problem. Check for updates regularly or set up automatic updates to keep your drivers up to date.
- Be cautious with software installations. Install only trusted software from reliable sources and avoid installing multiple software programs simultaneously, as this can lead to conflicts and errors.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can prevent future occurrences of the Windows 10 restarting problem and ensure a seamless user experience.
Note: If you have tried the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and your Windows 10 still won’t boot or is stuck on restarting, it may be time to seek professional help. A trained technician can perform a thorough diagnostic and repair the issue quickly and effectively. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional if you need assistance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of Windows 10 getting stuck on restarting can be frustrating and time-consuming to troubleshoot. However, there are several steps that users can take to resolve this problem and prevent it from happening in the future.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the common causes of the Windows 10 restarting problem, such as system updates, software conflicts, and hardware issues. By identifying the root cause of the problem, users can take the appropriate steps to fix it.
Next, users can follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, such as performing a system restore, checking hardware components, and updating drivers. These steps can help to resolve the issue of Windows 10 being stuck on restarting, whether it’s due to an automatic restart loop or a software conflict.
Preventing Future Windows 10 Restarting Issues
To prevent future occurrences of the Windows 10 restarting problem, it’s important to regularly maintain the system, keep drivers updated, and be cautious with software installations. This can help to avoid conflicts and ensure that the system runs smoothly.
However, if the issue persists or the system won’t start or shut down at all, it may be necessary to seek professional help. In any case, taking proactive steps to address the Windows 10 restarting problem can help to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
Overall, by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide and adopting best practices for system maintenance, users can resolve the issue of Windows 10 being stuck on restarting and prevent it from occurring in the future.
FAQ
Q: What does it mean when Windows 10 gets stuck on restarting?
A: When Windows 10 gets stuck on restarting, it means that the operating system is unable to complete the restarting process and is essentially frozen in a loop.
Q: What are the common causes of Windows 10 getting stuck on restarting?
A: Common causes of Windows 10 getting stuck on restarting include system updates, driver conflicts, software compatibility issues, and hardware problems.
Q: How can I troubleshoot and fix the issue of Windows 10 being stuck on restarting?
A: To troubleshoot and fix the issue of Windows 10 being stuck on restarting, you can try performing a system restore, booting into safe mode, checking hardware connections, or performing a clean boot.
Q: How can I resolve the problem of Windows 10 being stuck in an automatic restart loop?
A: To resolve the problem of Windows 10 being stuck in an automatic restart loop, you can try disabling the automatic restart option or performing a clean boot to identify and disable any conflicting software or drivers.
Q: How can I address software and driver issues that may be causing Windows 10 to get stuck on restarting?
A: To address software and driver issues causing Windows 10 to get stuck on restarting, you can update drivers, uninstall incompatible software, and use the System File Checker tool to repair any corrupted system files.
Q: What hardware components should I check if Windows 10 is stuck on restarting?
A: If Windows 10 is stuck on restarting, it is important to check hardware components such as the power supply, RAM modules, and hard drive to ensure they are functioning properly and not causing the issue.
Q: How can I perform a Windows 10 repair to fix the restarting problem?
A: You can perform a Windows 10 repair installation to fix any corrupted system files that may be causing the restarting problem. This can be done through the Windows 10 installation media or using the built-in recovery options.
Q: Why is it important to keep Windows 10 updated to avoid getting stuck on restarting?
A: Keeping Windows 10 updated is important to ensure that any known bugs or issues are addressed, which can help prevent the occurrence of the restarting problem. It is recommended to regularly check for updates manually or troubleshoot any update issues.
Q: Are there any additional tips and tricks to resolve the Windows 10 restarting issue?
A: Yes, there are additional tips and tricks that can help resolve the Windows 10 restarting issue. These include disabling unnecessary startup programs, clearing temporary files, and performing a disk cleanup to optimize system performance.
Q: When should I seek professional help for the Windows 10 restarting issue?
A: If you have attempted the troubleshooting steps and the Windows 10 restarting issue persists or if your Windows 10 system won’t start or shut down at all, it may be necessary to seek professional help to diagnose and resolve the problem.
Q: How can I prevent future occurrences of the Windows 10 restarting issue?
A: To prevent future occurrences of the Windows 10 restarting issue, it is recommended to perform regular system maintenance, keep drivers updated, and exercise caution when installing new software or making system changes.