How to Fix a Getting Windows Ready Stuck

Ever had that frustrating moment when your Windows computer is stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, seemingly forever? It’s a common issue that can leave you feeling helpless and impatient. We’ve all been there, wondering if our computer is bricked or if it’s just a minor glitch.

In this post, we’ll get into the common causes behind this annoying problem and provide you with practical solutions to get your computer back up and running in no time. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a complete newbie, we’ll guide you through the steps to resolve the “Getting Windows Ready Stuck” issue. So, let’s get started and put an end to your frustration!

What Does “Getting Windows Ready” Mean?

The “Getting Windows Ready” message appears during the startup process, signaling that Windows is finalizing updates or system changes. This message typically shows up after a system update or when new software has been installed that requires configuration. When Windows displays this message, it is completing tasks that were initiated during the shutdown or restart process.

During this phase, Windows performs various activities such as completing pending updates, applying configuration changes, and ensuring that all system files are correctly aligned with the newly installed updates. These activities are necessary to maintain the system’s integrity and ensure that everything functions properly once the computer starts up.

While the process should ideally be quick, several factors can slow it down. For instance, the size of the updates being applied, the number of changes made, and the overall performance of the computer can all influence how long it takes. In some cases, if an update is large or the system is older, the process may take longer, causing the system to appear unresponsive.

The message “Getting Windows Ready” will remain on the screen until all tasks are completed. Once finished, the computer will proceed to the login screen, allowing you to resume normal operations.

Why is My Computer Stuck on “Getting Windows Ready” Screen?

When a computer gets stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, it usually indicates that something has disrupted the normal update or configuration process. Several factors can contribute to this problem, each affecting the system differently.

• Incomplete Or Corrupted Updates: Sometimes, if a Windows update isn’t fully installed or the files become corrupted, your computer may keep trying to complete the update, causing it to get stuck.
• Large Update Files: One common reason is the installation of large updates. Major Windows updates often involve significant changes to the operating system, requiring more time to process. If the update includes new features, security patches, or drivers, the system may take longer to configure everything, causing the “Getting Windows Ready” screen to remain longer than expected.
• Slow Or Failing Hard Drive: A hard drive that is slow or beginning to fail can struggle to read and write data efficiently. This can slow down the update process, leaving the system stuck on the startup screen.
• Background Processes: During the update process, various background services and processes may still be running. If these processes are consuming too much system resources, it can delay the completion of the update, causing the “Getting Windows Ready” message to persist.
• Software Conflicts: Certain third-party software, especially security programs, can interfere with the update process. These conflicts may cause the update to hang, leaving the system stuck at this stage.
• Insufficient System Resources: If your computer’s hardware, such as RAM or CPU, is underpowered for the tasks being executed during the update, the process may take much longer, resulting in the system appearing to be stuck.
• System Corruption: Corrupt system files or a damaged registry can prevent Windows from completing the necessary tasks during the startup process, causing it to get stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

How To Fix Getting Windows Ready Stuck?

When your computer is stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, there are several methods you can try to resolve the issue. The steps vary in complexity, but each one aims to help your system complete its update or boot process. In the following sections, we’ll explore different approaches, starting from the simplest solutions to more advanced troubleshooting methods.

Wait For Sometime

One of the first things you should do when your computer is stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen is to wait. Sometimes, the system is simply taking longer than usual to process updates, especially if the update files are large or if your computer’s hardware is a bit older. In such cases, it’s advisable to be patient and give the system some time to finish what it’s doing.

Waiting for about 2 to 3 hours is generally sufficient. During this period, the system might be working through complex tasks, such as applying updates, configuring new settings, or finalizing changes to system files. Interrupting this process too early could lead to incomplete updates or even cause further issues with your system.

If, after waiting for 2 to 3 hours, the screen is still stuck, it might be time to move on to more active troubleshooting steps. At this point, it’s clear that the system needs additional intervention to complete the process and return to normal operation.

Shut Down And Power Reset Your PC

If waiting hasn’t resolved the issue, performing a shutdown and power reset can help get your computer unstuck from the “Getting Windows Ready” screen. This method forces the computer to turn off completely, clearing any processes that may be hanging. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by unplugging any USB devices, such as flash drives or external hard drives. These devices can sometimes interfere with the update process and cause your computer to get stuck.
• Press and hold the power button on your computer until it completely powers off. This usually takes about 10 seconds. Forcing a shutdown can help reset the system and clear any temporary issues.
• After the computer has shut down, unplug it from the power source. If you’re using a laptop with a removable battery, remove the battery as well.
• Reinsert the battery if you removed it, and plug the power cable back into your computer.
• Press the power button to turn the computer back on. As the system restarts, check to see if it moves past the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

Also Read: How To Use Microsoft Windows Defender

Use The Startup Repair Tool

If your computer is still stuck on “Getting Windows Ready” after trying the previous methods, the next step is to use the Startup Repair tool. This tool is designed to automatically fix issues that may prevent Windows from booting properly. Here’s how to access and use it:

• Access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE): Start by turning off your computer. To access WinRE, hold down the Shift key and press the power button simultaneously. Keep holding the Shift key as the computer powers on. If this method doesn’t work, you can try another approach by turning your computer on and off repeatedly:
  • Press the power button to turn on your device.
  • Once you see the Windows logo or the manufacturer’s logo, hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn off the device again.
  • Repeat this process until you enter the Windows Recovery Environment. Usually, doing this three times is enough to trigger WinRE.
• Navigate To Startup Repair:
  • Once in WinRE, click on Troubleshoot.

• • Then, select Advanced Options.

• • In the “Advanced Options” menu, choose Startup Repair.
    
• Select Your Account: You’ll need to select an account with administrator privileges from the “Startup Repair” screen. Enter your password when prompted and click on Continue to start the repair process.
• Run The Startup Repair Tool: The tool will begin analyzing and fixing any issues that might be causing your system to get stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen. Allow it some time to complete.
• Restart Your Computer: After the repair process finishes, restart your computer and check if the issue is after using the Startup Repair tool.

Delete Problematic Files

If your computer is still stuck in getting Windows ready, the issue might be due to corrupted or problematic files that are preventing Windows from booting correctly. You can use the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to identify and delete these files. Here’s how:

• Access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE): First, access WinRE by following the steps mentioned earlier. Once you’re in WinRE, click on Troubleshoot then Advanced Options
• Open Command Prompt:
  • In the Advanced Options menu, select Command Prompt.
    
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

C: cd Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt

• Press Enter. This command will open a log file that contains details about startup issues.

• Identify Problematic Files: Review the log file for entries that indicate which file might be causing the issue. For example, you might see a message like:

Boot critical file c:\windows\system32\drivers\vsock.sys is corrupt

• Delete The Problematic File:
  • Navigate to the specified location using the Command Prompt.
  • Use the Del command to delete the problematic file. For example:

Del c:\windows\system32\drivers\vsock.sys

• Restart Your Computer: After deleting the corrupt file, close the Command Prompt and restart your computer to see if it moves past the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

Perform A System Restore Or System Image Recovery

If your computer remains stuck on “Getting Windows Ready”, performing a System Restore or using a System Image Recovery can help return your system to a previous, working state. These options are useful when recent changes, updates, or corrupt files have caused the issue. Here’s how to proceed:

• Download the Windows Recovery Software: First, visit the Microsoft software download page and download the Windows recovery software. Save it to an external drive, USB, or CD/DVD disc. This will be used to boot your computer and access recovery options.
• Boot from the External Drive: Connect the external drive, USB, or insert the CD/DVD disc into your computer. Restart your computer and boot from this external source. Follow the on-screen prompts to navigate to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• Access System Restore:
  • In WinRE, select Troubleshoot.
  • Then, choose Advanced Options.
  • Click on System Restore.
    
• Follow On-Screen Instructions: The System Restore wizard will guide you through the process. Select a restore point created before the issue began and follow the prompts to restore your system.

• Use System Image Recovery (if available):
  • If you have a system image backup, you can select System Image Recovery from the Advanced Options menu instead of System Restore.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to the state it was in when the system image was created.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Running the System File Checker (SFC) is another effective way to resolve the issue of being stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen. The SFC tool scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files that might be causing the problem.

• Access The Command Prompt In WinRE: In WinRE, click on Troubleshoot, then select Advanced Options. Choose Command Prompt from the list of advanced options.
• Run The System File Checker:
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:

sfc /scannow

• Press Enter to begin the system scan. The System File Checker will start scanning your system for corrupted or missing files and automatically attempt to repair them.

• Reboot Your Computer:
  • Once the scan is completed, type exit and press Enter to close the Command Prompt.
  • Reboot your PC and check if it successfully moves past the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

Uninstall Recent Windows Updates In Safe Mode

Uninstalling recent Windows updates in Safe Mode can help resolve the issue of being stuck on “Getting Windows Ready” if the problem started after a recent update. Safe Mode allows your computer to start with a minimal set of drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot and fix issues.

• Enter Safe Mode Via WinRE:
  • In WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.
    
  • Click on Restart, and when your computer restarts, press F4 to enable Safe Mode.
    
• Uninstall Recent Updates:
  • Once in Safe Mode, open the Start menu, search for the Control Panel, and click on it.
  • In the Control Panel, find and select Programs and Features.
  • On the left side menu, click on View installed updates.
  • Browse through the list of installed updates, select the most recent ones, and click Uninstall to remove them.
• Restart Your Computer: After uninstalling the updates, restart your computer and check if it successfully boots past the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

Also Read: How To Stop Windows Updates?

Reset Your PC

If you’ve tried all the previous methods and your computer is still stuck on “Getting Windows Ready”, resetting your PC might be the final option to resolve the issue. Resetting your PC allows you to reinstall Windows while giving you the option to keep your personal files or remove everything, depending on your needs.

• Access The Reset Option: Start by navigating to the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Once there, go to Troubleshoot > Reset This PC.

• Choose Your Reset Option:

• • You will be prompted to choose between “Keep My Files” or “Remove Everything.”
  • Select “Keep My Files” if you want to retain your personal files while reinstalling Windows. If you want a clean start, choose “Remove Everything” to delete all files and settings.
• Follow The Reset Process: Click on “Local Reinstall” and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the reset. The system will begin reinstalling Windows, which should resolve the issue of being stuck on Windows getting ready.

Once the reset is complete, your computer should start up normally, free of the issues that were causing it to get stuck.

FAQs:

Conclusion

In Conclusion, “Getting Windows Ready” loop can be a roadblock in your Windows experience. However, with patience and the right troubleshooting steps, you can often overcome this issue and proceed with your installation or update.