How to Fix Windows 11 Boot Loop: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 15, 2025

There’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your PC only to get stuck in a Windows 11 boot loop—when your computer keeps restarting endlessly without ever fully loading the desktop. This problem can happen due to corrupted updates, driver issues, malware, or system file corruption.

The good news? Most boot loop issues can be fixed without reinstalling Windows. In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy, step-by-step methods to fix a Windows 11 boot loop and get your PC running normally.

What Is a Windows 11 Boot Loop?

A boot loop occurs when Windows 11 fails to start correctly and keeps restarting in a continuous cycle. Symptoms include:

  • Black screen with a spinning circle or logo

  • Automatic restart after the Windows logo

  • Unable to reach the login screen

  • Error messages like “Preparing Automatic Repair”

Step 1: Force Restart Your PC

Sometimes, a simple force restart can break the boot loop.

  1. Press and hold the Power button for 10–15 seconds until your PC turns off.

  2. Wait a few seconds, then press the Power button again to start Windows.

If this doesn’t work, move to advanced troubleshooting steps.

Step 2: Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers and can help fix boot loop issues.

  1. Turn on your PC and force shutdown as soon as Windows starts loading. Repeat this 2–3 times to trigger Automatic Repair.

  2. Click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

  3. After restart, press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

💡 Safe Mode allows you to uninstall problematic updates or drivers causing the loop.

Step 3: Uninstall Problematic Windows Updates

Boot loops often happen after a bad update.

  1. In Safe Mode, press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.

  3. Remove recent updates and restart your PC.

This often resolves boot loops caused by faulty updates.

Step 4: Roll Back Faulty Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can trigger boot loops.

  1. Press Windows + X > Device Manager.

  2. Expand key sections like Display adapters, Network adapters, or Disk drives.

  3. Right-click a recent driver > Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

  4. Restart your PC and check if the boot loop is fixed.

Step 5: Run Startup Repair

Windows 11 includes a built-in Startup Repair tool to fix boot issues.

  1. Boot into Advanced Options using the steps from Safe Mode.

  2. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

  3. Choose your account and enter the password if prompted.

  4. Let Windows diagnose and repair startup problems automatically.

Step 6: Use System Restore

If the boot loop started recently, System Restore can revert Windows to a previous working state.

  1. Boot into Advanced Options.

  2. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.

  3. Choose a restore point dated before the boot loop began.

  4. Follow prompts to restore your system and restart.

Step 7: Run Command Prompt Repairs

Sometimes, corrupted system files cause boot loops. You can fix them via Command Prompt in Advanced Options.

  1. Boot into Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.

  2. Run these commands one by one:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  • CHKDSK repairs disk errors

  • SFC fixes corrupted system files

  • DISM restores Windows image health

  1. Restart your PC after running all commands.

Step 8: Disable Automatic Restart

Disabling automatic restart helps you see error codes that can identify the root cause.

  1. Boot into Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

  2. Press 7 or F7 to disable automatic restart on system failure.

This lets you take note of error codes for further troubleshooting.

Step 9: Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, you can reset Windows 11 without losing files.

  1. Boot into Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.

  2. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

  3. Follow on-screen prompts to reinstall Windows 11.

⚠️ Note: Always back up important files if possible before performing a full reset.

Tips to Prevent Windows 11 Boot Loops

  • Keep drivers updated from official sources

  • Avoid installing unverified third-party software

  • Install Windows updates carefully and monitor for issues

  • Create System Restore points regularly

  • Maintain a backup of critical files

Conclusion

A Windows 11 boot loop can be alarming, but most cases can be resolved with Safe Mode, uninstalling updates, startup repair, or system file fixes. Only use a full reset as a last resort. By following these steps carefully, you can restore your PC to full functionality and prevent future boot loops.

FAQs

1. What causes a Windows 11 boot loop?
Common causes include corrupted updates, faulty drivers, malware, or system file corruption.

2. Can I fix a boot loop without losing my files?
Yes, using Safe Mode, Startup Repair, or System Restore usually preserves files.

3. How do I boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11?
Force shutdown your PC 2–3 times to trigger Automatic Repair, then go to Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Safe Mode.

4. Is resetting Windows 11 the only solution for a boot loop?
No, it’s a last resort. Most boot loops can be fixed with repair tools and Safe Mode.

5. How can I prevent future boot loops?
Keep drivers and Windows updated, avoid unverified software, and regularly back up your system.

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