windows stuck on welcome screen

Windows 10 Stuck on Welcome Screen can be frustrating especially when you’re unable to access your desktop. Users report, the computer starts fine and goes to the Microsoft login screen with my name and logo. But after put the user password, it cycles and says welcome to Windows. Within 3-5 seconds it goes back to the initial start screen. This problem usually occurs due to corrupted system files, a slow boot process, or conflicting software. Whatever the reason here we have troubleshooting steps help you fix “Windows 10 stuck on welcome screen black screen” problem.

PC stuck on the Welcome loading screen

There are several possible reasons cause Windows 10 gets stuck on the Welcome screen after login, buggy windows updates to corrupt system files, startup program conflict or user profile corruption are common.

  • Corrupted System Files: Essential files required for the boot process may be damaged or missing.
  • Startup Program Conflicts: Third-party applications set to run at startup can slow down or disrupt the login process.
  • Hardware Problems: Faulty hard drives or insufficient RAM can lead to boot issues.
  • User Profile Corruption: A damaged user profile can prevent the system from logging in properly.
  • Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Problematic device drivers can cause system hangs during login.
  • Windows Update Bugs: Recent updates may contain bugs that interfere with the startup process.

Wait for the Process to Complete

Sometimes, Windows is processing updates, running background services, or resolving internal errors, which can make it seem like the system is stuck. If the Welcome screen is spinning, give it 5–10 minutes to see if the system proceeds to the desktop.

  • Observe the spinning dots or frozen screen for 5-10 minutes.
  • Avoid pressing random keys or restarting repeatedly, as this may disrupt any ongoing processes.

Perform a Hard Restart

External devices like USB drives, printers, or external hard drives can cause startup delays. If waiting doesn’t work,  Remove all external devices connected to your PC/Laptop and try performing a hard restart.

A hard restart clears temporary memory (RAM) and stops all running processes, providing a clean start that can bypass minor glitches or errors causing the freeze.

  • Press and hold the Power button until the PC shuts off.
  • Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals.
  • Wait for a few seconds, then press the Power button again to restart.
  • Check if this resolves the issue.

Note: If the issue is resolved, reconnect the devices one at a time to identify the culprit.

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables all non-essential drivers and startup programs, makes it easier to troubleshoot and fix problems caused by third-party software or corrupted drivers.

  • Force shutdown the PC three times in a row to trigger the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • After the system restarts, press F4 to select Safe Mode.

safe mode Windows

  • Once in Safe Mode:
    • Uninstall any recently installed software or drivers.
    • Perform system scans to detect and repair issues explained on next steps.

Run System Scans

The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can detect and repair corrupted or missing system files critical to the boot process.

  • Press Windows key + S and type cmd, Right-click on the command prompt select run as administrator,
  • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    • sfc /scannow (Scans and repairs system files.)
    • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (Fixes issues with the Windows image.)
  • Wait for the scans to complete, then restart the computer.

SFC scan windows 11

Let’s enter your login password and check if windows brings you the normal desktop screen.

Disable Startup Programs

Unnecessary or conflicting startup programs can slow down or block the login process. Disabling these programs can eliminate potential conflicts.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • Go to the Startup tab.
  • Review the list of programs and right-click on unnecessary ones to select Disable.
  • Restart the computer in normal mode and check if the issue is resolved.

 

Remove Recent Installed Applications

If this problem Started After installing New software, try uninstall it and check if this helps.

  • Press Windows + R, type appwiz.cpl and ok
  • This will open programs and features window
  • Here select the recently installed application and click uninstall.

Disable the Fast Startup feature

Windows 10 may have taken advantage of this useful feature. Unfortunately, it might be the reason why you often encounter stuck windows at startup.  Disable this feature and check if this may help to fix the problem.

  • Open Control Panel.
  • Search for and select Power Options.
  • Click on Choose what the power button does in the left menu.
  • Click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable link.
  • Under Shutdown settings, find the Turn on fast startup (recommended) option.
  • Remove the tick near this entry and click Save Changes.

Fast Startup

Reset Windows update components

This is another effective solution to fix the problem if corrupted buggy Windows update causing the problem.

  • On Safe mode, boot and navigate the following path
  • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  • Here Press ctrl + A to select all content inside the download folder and delete them
  • Now restart windows normally check this time you get succeed.

Perform a System Restore

System Restore allows you to revert your system to a previous working state, If the problem started after recent change, performing a system restore undoes recent changes that may have caused the issue.

  • Force shutdown the PC three times in a row to trigger the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
  • Choose a restore point from before the problem started.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration process.

Create a new user account

Also, create a new user account from CMD prompt and check for the issue in the User Account To create a new user account follow the steps below:

  • Open the Elevated command prompt by right-clicking on the Start icon and selecting Command prompt (Admin).
  • Type net user NewAccount password /add and click Enter.
  • Type net localgroup Administrators NewAccount /add and click Enter.
  •  Log off from the system and login to the new user account.

Check this quick video, steps show to fix Windows 10 stuck on the welcome screen before login

Did these solutions help to fix Windows 10 stuck on welcome screen before login? Let us know on the comments below.

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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.