When Windows 10 gets stuck on the “Restarting…” screen, it usually happens because of pending updates, corrupted system files, driver issues, or background processes that refuse to close. This problem prevents your PC from rebooting properly and may leave it stuck for several minutes — or even hours.

In this guide, you’ll learn why this happens and every working method to fix the Windows 10 restart loop problem.

⭐ Why Windows 10 Gets Stuck on Restarting Screen

Common reasons include:

• Pending or failed Windows Updates
• Corrupted system files
• Driver issues
• Background services not closing
• Damaged Windows boot files
• Malware interference
• Faulty hardware or slow hard drive

⭐ 1. Force Restart the PC (First and Quickest Fix)

If your PC is stuck for more than 5–10 minutes, perform a hard reset.

Steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button for 5–10 seconds
2. Wait 10 seconds
3. Turn the PC back on

This clears temporary tasks and usually fixes minor restart hangs.

⭐ 2. Boot Windows in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers — perfect for fixing restart problems.

Steps:

1. Force restart your PC 3 times
2. Windows will enter Automatic Repair
3. Click Advanced Options → Troubleshoot
4. Go to Startup Settings → Restart
5. Press 4 to enter Safe Mode

Once in Safe Mode, restart your PC normally to check if the issue is fixed.

⭐ 3. Uninstall Faulty Windows Updates

A broken update can cause the restart loop.

Steps:

1. Open Advanced Startup (F11 or hard reboot method)
2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Uninstall Updates
3. Uninstall:
   • Latest Quality Update
   • Or Latest Feature Update

Restart the PC again.

⭐ 4. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup sometimes prevents Windows from restarting properly.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type: powercfg.cpl
2. Click Choose what the power buttons do
3. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
4. Uncheck Turn on fast startup
5. Save and restart the PC

⭐ 5. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files are a major cause of restart issues.

Steps:

1. Boot into Advanced Startup → Command Prompt
2. Type:

sfc /scannow

3. Press Enter and let it finish
4. Restart your PC

⭐ 6. Repair Windows Using DISM

If SFC cannot fix the issue, DISM will repair deeper system files.

Run these commands one-by-one:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Then restart the system.

⭐ 7. Remove Recently Installed Drivers

A newly installed driver (especially GPU, audio, or network driver) may block Windows from restarting.

Steps:

1. Boot into Safe Mode
2. Open Device Manager
3. Right-click the recently installed driver
4. Choose Uninstall Device
5. Restart PC

If the PC boots normally, the driver was the issue.

⭐ 8. Perform Startup Repair

Startup Repair automatically fixes boot-related problems.

Steps:

1. Go to Advanced Startup
2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Repair
3. Choose your account
4. Let Windows repair itself

⭐ 9. Reset Windows 10 (Last Option)

If nothing works, reset your PC.

Use this guide:
▶ Windows 10 Factory Reset From Boot (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
https://multicaretechnical.com/windows-10-factory-reset-from-boot-complete-step-by-step-guide

You can keep your files or remove everything.

⭐ Useful Internal Links (as requested)

• Windows 10 Factory Reset From Boot – Complete Step-by-Step Guide
  https://multicaretechnical.com/windows-10-factory-reset-from-boot-complete-step-by-step-guide
• How to Update Drivers on Windows 11 (Complete Guide)
  https://multicaretechnical.com/how-to-update-drivers-on-windows-11-complete-guide
• Install Windows 11 Without Internet
  https://multicaretechnical.com/windows-11-setup-without-internet-complete-guide

⭐ Conclusion

Windows 10 stuck on restarting screen is usually caused by updates, drivers, or damaged system files. Most users can solve the issue using:

• Force restart
• Safe Mode
• Uninstall updates
• SFC & DISM
• Startup Repair

And if nothing works, a factory reset restores Windows to a clean state.

⭐ FAQs – Windows 10 Stuck on Restarting Screen

1. Why is my Windows 10 stuck on the restarting screen?

It usually happens due to update failures, corrupted files, or driver issues.

2. How do I fix the restarting screen without losing data?

Use Safe Mode, uninstall updates, or run SFC/DISM — these methods don’t delete files.

3. Can a faulty driver cause restart problems?

Yes, especially GPU or network drivers.

4. How long should I wait before forcing a restart?

Wait 10 minutes, then perform a hard reboot.

5. Does factory resetting Windows fix restart loop problems?

Yes, factory reset resolves almost all restart-related issues.