SOLVED: Windows 11 Stuck in Restart Loop

A Windows 11 computer stuck in a restart loop can be frustrating and disruptive, preventing you from accessing your files or performing tasks. System errors, corrupted updates, or driver conflicts often cause this issue. Fortunately, several effective methods exist to resolve this problem and restore your system to standard functionality.

How to Fix Windows 11 Restart Loop?

Follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the restart loop issue. Ensure you attempt each step systematically to identify the cause and implement the solution.

1. Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode allows Windows to start with minimal drivers and services, making it easier to troubleshoot issues.

Steps to Boot into Safe Mode:

1. Power off your computer and turn it back on.
2. Press and hold the Power button to force a shutdown as soon as the Windows logo appears.
3. Repeat this process three times until the Advanced Startup Options menu appears.
4. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings and select Restart.
5. After the Restart, press four or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, check if the restart loop persists. If not, the issue is likely related to drivers or software.

2. Uninstall Problematic Updates

Corrupted or incomplete updates can often cause restart loops. Removing these updates can resolve the issue.

Steps to Uninstall Updates:

1. Boot into Safe Mode as described above.
2. Open the Settings app (Windows + I) and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click on View Update History and select Uninstall Updates.
4. Identify the most recent update and click Uninstall.

Restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.

3. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers can interfere with the boot process. Updating or rolling back drivers may fix the restart loop.

Steps to Update or Roll Back Drivers:

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Right-click on the Start menu and select Device Manager.
3. Locate the device with a potential driver issue (e.g., Display Adapters).
4. Right-click the device and choose Update Driver or Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

In cases where you don’t loop but aren’t sure which drivers are outdated or encrypted, I commend you for using a third-party repair tool with a driver updater feature such as Fortect.

Fortect helps fix corrupted files that could trigger the restart loop, offers real-time protection, and has a dry ver updater tool.

It quickly scans all your installed drivers, identifies outdated or corrupted ones, and updates them automatically in just a few minutes. Once the updates are complete, Fortect will optimize your system, resolving the restart loop issue on your Windows 11 PC.

Download and install Fortect now.

4. Perform a Startup Repair

The Startup Repair tool automatically fixes issues preventing Windows from booting correctly.

Steps to Perform a Startup Repair:

1. Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
3. Select your Windows account and enter your password.
4. Allow the tool to diagnose and repair issues.

After the process, restart your PC to check if the loop is resolved.

5. Use System Restore

System Restore reverts your computer to a previous state when it functions correctly.

Steps to Use System Restore:

1. Access the Advanced Startup Options menu.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
3. Select a restore point from the list and follow the on-screen instructions.

This method can undo recent changes, causing the restart loop.

6. Run the sfc/scannow Command Prompt

Using Command Prompt in recovery mode allows you to repair system files manually. The sfc/scannow command scans and restores corrupted system files on your Windows PC. The System File Checker (SFC) tool checks for any damaged or missing files that might cause system instability, including issues like the restart loop.

Steps to Use Command Prompt:

Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin). Type the following command and hit Enter: sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to finish. It will take a few minutes. If it finds any issues, it will automatically repair them. Once the scan is complete, restart your PC and check if the restart loop issue is fixed.

7. Reset Your PC

If none of the above methods work, resetting your PC can provide a clean slate by reinstalling Windows.

Steps to Reset Your PC:

1. Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
3. Choose Keep My Files or Remove Everything based on your preference.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Common Causes of a Restart Loop in Windows 11

Understanding the root causes of the restart loop can help apply the right solution. Here are some common reasons:

• Incomplete Updates: Failed or incomplete updates can cause the system to restart repeatedly.
• Driver Issues: Corrupted or outdated drivers may conflict with Windows startup processes.
• Corrupted System Files: Missing or corrupted files essential for booting can lead to this error.
• Faulty Hardware: Malfunctioning components like RAM or hard drives may trigger a restart loop.

Conclusion

A Windows 11 restart loop can be caused by various issues, from faulty updates to driver conflicts or corrupted files. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can identify and resolve the root cause of the problem. If the issue persists after attempting these solutions, consider seeking professional assistance to avoid further complications.