The “Getting Windows Ready” message is a common occurrence when your Windows operating system is updating or preparing for startup. However, there are instances where this process gets stuck on getting Windows ready and make you unable to use your computer. Users report Getting windows ready stuck while trying to install an update or start Windows 11. This article explores, what causes computer stuck on getting Windows ready, how long to wait or solutions to fix the problem.
Windows Stuck on Getting Windows ready, Don’t turn off your computer
Getting windows ready how long to wait
Let’s first understand the issue, The “Getting Windows Ready” message appears during Windows updates or system startup. It indicates that the system is applying updates or configuring settings before it can fully boot.
The “Getting Windows Ready” process during startup usually takes around 05-15 minutes. And for some users waiting few moments extra seems that this issue is more prone on their laptop.
Well If it’s stuck for several hours, try restarting your computer. If the issue persists, consider booting into Safe Mode or using advanced startup options for troubleshooting.
Why PC stuck on getting Windows Ready?
This issue can occur due to various reasons, such as corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or software conflicts and more. Again Pending updates can interfere with the startup process, causing it to hang.
- Damaged or corrupted system files might prevent Windows from properly configuring during startup.
- Incompatible software or drivers could disrupt the startup procedure.
- Again Certain hardware problems, such as a failing hard drive or RAM issues, can lead to startup delays.
Wait a few more minutes
When you find a situation where the system is stuck installing updates “Getting Windows ready, Don’t turn off your computer“. Microsoft always recommends wait it out Windows is applying the updates to your computer, especially if there are a lot of updates that need to be installed. It may take some time for your system to finish these jobs, So let the computer do its thing and wait for hours..
Give it ample time (usually up to a few hours) before considering other options.
But if you have waited for a reasonable amount of time, say about 2 ~ 3 hours, and you still can’t see the screen disappear, then you should try something else.
Disconnect Internet Connection
Whenever you see the ‘getting Windows ready’ dialogue box, it usually means two things;
- Either Windows is installing an already downloaded update package from the internet
- Or Windows is currently downloading additional content from the internet.
For the time being disconnect your internet connection (either turn off the Router / Unplug the ethernet cable) and wait a few minutes to check if it helps.
Power reset your computer
Still, the computer or laptop stuck on getting Windows ready, and didn’t get the desktop screen? Let’s shut down your PC and power reset it.
This will wipe up all information in system memory, refresh or restart all running processes, clear temporary glitches and help fix certain corruption issues on your computer. “Don’t worry, this won’t damage the disk data”
Let’s press the power button to turn off your PC/Laptop
Disconnect all peripheral devices including USB flash drive, external HDD, printer, scanner etc, and unplug the power cable or adapter from your PC.
Note: If you are experiencing problem with your laptop, and the battery is detachable then remove the battery from the battery compartment.
Now press and hold the power button on your PC for about 30sec to drain all remaining charge from the capacitors.
Power resetting can clear all information in your computer memory without damaging your data.
- Once done connect the power supply (attach the battery) only, and press power button to turn on your computer.
- It is helpful for fixing those corruption issues on your computer and getting you out of the loop of “Getting Windows ready”.
Note – If still windows is stuck getting ready then follow the next step “perform startup repair”. If the PC starts normally then skip the startup repair option and move to uninstall problematic update option.
Perform Windows Startup Repair
Still, your computer is stuck on getting Windows ready? You should use the startup repair tool, which automatically resolves many complex problems pertaining to accidental data loss, startup problems, and more. Running the startup repair tool diagnose and fix if your computer has issues during the boot process and prevent apply Windows updates.
To perform startup repair we have to access the advanced options.
- Let’s Hold the Shift key down and press the Power button at the same time and let your computer turn on. Then select the troubleshoot option.
- Or you can boot from installation media, Skip the first screen then click on the Repair your computer option.
- This will Restart windows click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options and then click on the Start-up Repair option.
- Let startup repair to diagnose the process thoroughly, After complete the repair process windows will Restart and start normally.
If the repair process results in startup repair couldn’t repair your PC or automatic repair couldn’t repair your PC follow the next step.
Uninstall Windows Updates in safe mode
If startup repair fails to fix these startup problems, And again Windows Stuck Getting Windows ready screen causes we need to boot into safe mode and uninstall the recently installed updates. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and can help bypass potential conflicts that might be causing the update process to hang.
In Safe Mode, you can uninstall recent updates or problematic software.
- Again access advanced options then click on the startup setting
- Next, Click on Restart Then press F4 To access safe mode and F5 To access safe mode with networking as shown below image.
When the PC starts in safe mode, open Windows 11 settings and uninstall the recent Windows updates.
- Press Windows key + X and select settings,
- Go to windows update then click on Update History,
- Look for uninstall updates option, and remove recent Windows updates.
Or you can open Control Panel, then go to Programs and Features. Click View installed update in the left panel. Select the recently installed updates and uninstall them.
Also, you can uninstall problematic Windows updates from Advanced options if your PC won’t start in safe mode.
After uninstalling the updates which were causing the problem, get out of Safe Mode and restart your Windows 10 PC into normal mode. Now, you shouldn’t face any Windows 10 update issues like Getting Windows ready Don’t turn off your computer screen stuck after update.
Reset Windows update cache
If may be old Windows update files corrupted and cause conflict apply new updates on your computer, which result computer stuck windows getting ready. If the above solutions didn’t fix the problem then you should clear the old update cache and run the update troubleshooter that probably helps fix such issue on your computer.
To clear the Windows update cache:
- Open Windows services using services.msc and locate Windows update service, right-click on it select stop,
- Now press Windows key + E to open file explorer, navigate C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
- Here delete all files and folders inside the Download folder, Press Ctrl + A to select all then hit Del key
Don’t worry about these files, these are temporary files, next time when you check for updates again it will force Windows update to download fresh files from the Microsoft server.
- Now locate the Windows update service, right-click on it select restart.
Run Windows update troubleshooter:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the settings app,
- Go to the system then troubleshoot and click on Other troubleshooters,
- Now click Run next to the Windows update and follow the on-screen instructions.
The Windows update troubleshooter diagnoses related problems and try to fix them automatically.
Once done reboot your system and check for updates again. Let Windows updates download from the Microsoft server, once done reboot your PC to check if updates apply without any problem or if there are no more windows stuck getting ready.
Repair system files using DISM and sfc tool
Sometimes corrupted system files is the reason that prevents Windows updates apply and result computer stuck on getting Windows ready. In such case open the command prompt as administrator and run the following commands.
- Press Windows key + S, type cmd and select run as administrator,
- First, run DISM Restore health command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
- Next run the system file checker utility command: sfc /scannow
- The above command repair the system image, scan all protected system files and replace corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
- Once the scanning is complete 100% reboot your PC and try installing Windows updates again.
Perform a System Restore
If due to this problem, “getting windows ready don’t turn off your computer” you are unable to access normal windows, or startup repair doesn’t work. You can try using system restore to restore your computer to a previous state when it was working fine.
This can be done by following these steps:
- First, access the advanced options using Windows installation media,
- Click on “Repair your computer” in the bottom-left corner.
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore”.
Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the restore process.
FAQ:
What does “Getting Windows Ready” mean?
- It usually means your computer is installing Windows updates or performing maintenance tasks during startup. It may take a short time and then disappear, allow you to access your Desktop screen.
Why is my computer stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen?
- Corrupted system files, outdated drivers, or software conflicts are the most common reasons behind this problem.
- Again If something goes wrong during the update or maintenance process, your computer may get stuck on this screen.
Windows 11 is stuck getting Windows ready don’t turn off your computer how long should i wait?
- If there are lots of updates that need to be installed such as feature updates, it may take some time. leave your PC for 1-2 hr.
My computer is stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen for a long time, what to do?
- Turn off your PC using the power button, then access Advanced options and perform startup repair, Or you should try the system restore option.
Can I still use my computer while it is on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen?
- No, you should not use your computer while it is on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, as this can cause issues with the update or maintenance process. It is best to let Windows complete the process before using your computer again.
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