Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Loop

Windows keeps restarting with the error message “The computer restarted unexpectedly. Windows installation cannot proceed,” during Windows installation or upgrade and prevents the setup from completing? This issue, Computer Restarted Unexpectedly, usually occurs due to corrupted installation files, hardware issues, or incorrect system settings. While it may seem like a serious problem, but there are multiple solutions available to fix it. This article explores how to troubleshoot and resolve the Computer Restarted Unexpectedly error efficiently.

Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Loop

There is no particular cause as to why you are facing this issue, but corrupted Registry, Windows files, damaged hard disk, outdated BIOS etc are the reasons among many others.

  • Corrupt or Incomplete Installation Files – A failed or interrupted installation process can cause this error.
  • Faulty Hardware – Issues with your hard drive, RAM, or power supply may contribute to the problem.
  • BIOS or UEFI Settings Misconfiguration – Incorrect boot settings can interfere with Windows installation.
  • Corrupt Registry Entries – A misconfigured registry entry could be forcing the system into a restart loop.
  • External Peripherals Interference – External devices like USB drives or external hard disks might be causing conflicts.
  • Damaged Boot Configuration Data (BCD) – Corrupt boot files can prevent Windows from loading properly.

Change ChildCompletion setup.exe value in Registry Editor

Wrong setup.exe entry value data in the registry editor is the main culprit for error The Computer Restarted Unexpectedly Loop in Windows 10. So you need to correct it first.

When you get this Error screen, here on the same error screen, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

Type the command regedit and hit the Enter key To open the Windows registry editor.

Now in the Registry Editor navigate to the following key:

Computer/HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/Setup/Status/ChildCompletion

Next, click on the ChildCompletion key and then on the right-hand side window look for setup.exe. Double-click on setup.exe and change its value from 1 to 3.

change the value of setup.exe under childcompletion from 1 to 3

Close the Registry editor and command prompt window. Now click OK on the error and your PC will restart. After the PC restart, your installation will continue.

Check Hard Disk Cables

A loose Cable connection of the Hard drive might cause The Computer to restart unexpectedly. So check the cable that links the Motherboard with the Hard drive and change it when slacked. Users reported that switching the cables that connect hard drive to the motherboard fixed the issue, so you might want to try that.

In addition, External peripherals like USB drives, external hard disks, or other devices might interfere with the Windows installation process. Disconnecting them ensures there are no conflicts preventing the installation from proceeding.

  1. Unplug all USB devices, external hard drives, and other peripherals.
  2. Restart your computer and check if the installation proceeds.

Perform a Hard Restart

A hard restart can clear temporary system errors that might be causing the restart loop.

  • Press and hold the Power button until the system shuts down.
  • Disconnect the power cable (for desktops) or remove the battery (for laptops).
  • Wait for a few minutes, then reconnect power and turn the system on.

Run Startup Repair

Windows has built-in troubleshooting tools that can diagnose and fix startup-related issues, including the restart loop. Let’s access Advanced Boot options and perform Startup repair, let Windows fix the startup Error itself.

Restart your PC and repeatedly press F8, F11, or Shift + F10 (depending on the manufacturer) to enter Windows Recovery Mode.

Or you can boot Windows from installation media to access advanced boot options.

  • Insert the Windows 10 bootable installation DVD and restart your PC.
  • When prompted to Press any key to boot from CD or DVD, press any key to continue.
  • Select your language preferences, and click Next.
  • Click Repair your computer in the bottom-left.

Repair your computer

  • On Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot -> then click Advanced option.
  • Here on the Advanced options screen, click Automatic Repair or Startup Repair.

Advanced options Windows 10
Let Windows attempt to fix any startup issues. Once done, reboot your PC and check if the error is gone.

Check and Repair Corrupt System Files

Again, Corrupt system files can trigger installation errors. Running a file integrity check can repair these files and allow Windows to complete the setup.

  • Open Command Prompt (Shift + F10 during the error screen).
  • Run command chkdsk C: /f /r to scan and fix Disk errors, you need to press Y and restart the computer to start scanning disk errors and fix them.

Check Disk Errors

  • Next run sfc /scannow command to scan and repair corrupt system files.
  • Once the scanning is complete 100%, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The BCD contains boot-related settings. If it gets corrupted, Windows may enter a restart loop. Rebuilding the BCD can restore boot files and allow the installation to continue.

  • Again access advance boot option using the Windows installation media,
  • Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  • Run the following commands to repair or rebuild the boot configuration data and the master boot record.

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

  • Once the above commands are executed, restart your system and check if Windows boots properly.

Reset BIOS/UEFI to Default Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings can cause boot issues. Resetting to default settings can ensure proper boot configuration.

  • Restart your computer and press the corresponding key (e.g., F2, F10, Del) to enter the BIOS/UEFI.
  • Look for an option to reset BIOS to default settings.
  • Save and exit, then restart your computer.

Format Disk Drive

If all the Above methods fail to fix this error, then the simple last way to format the drive with NTFS file system using the command prompt and perform Clean installation.

Note: This method will remove all your files, folders and settings from your PC. Ensure proper backup before perform this steps.

Again open the Command Prompt by pressing the Shift + F10 key on the error screen. Now type the following command in cmd and hit Enter after each one:

Diskpart
list volume
select volume 1 (select the disk containing your Windows OS)
format fs=ntfs quick label=test

format drive using cmd windows 10

Type exit and press Enter to exit the Command Prompt. After you restart your computer problem with “The computer restarted unexpectedly” loop should be fixed. But you have to install Windows again.

Also read:

Steve Ballmer
Steve Ballmer
With over 7 years of experience in the IT industry, I have experience in IT support, helpdesk, sysadmin, network admin, and cloud computing. Certified in Microsoft Technologies (MCTS and MCSA) and also Cisco Certified Professional in Routing and Switching.

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