Stuck on “Getting Windows Ready”? 5-Step Fix Guide

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In This Guide

FIX IT NOW: 5 Ways to Fix the “Getting Windows Ready” Frozen Screen

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection Stability

Method 2: Force Shutdown Your PC

Method 3: Use the Startup Repair Tool

Method 4: Run an SFC Scan to Fix Corrupt Files

Method 5: Uninstall the Last Windows Update

Fix It Now

Getting stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen is one of the most frustrating things to encounter. This problem can leave you hanging for hours, making it impossible to access your PC, important files and so on.

You’re definitely not the only one getting this issue, there are thousands of users.
The reasons for this error when your PC is stuck on ‘getting Windows ready’ are plentiful. It can be faulty drivers, BIOS settings, faulty updates and even (less likely) hardware issues.

These can also cause issues when Windows gets stuck on shutting down. Or when you only see a black screen when starting Windows.

However, there are several different ways to fix this problem. Read on to discover 5 ways to fix the “Getting Windows Ready” screen problem.

Continue reading to find detailed steps on how to apply each of these and even some more fixes.

Stuck on “Getting Windows Ready:
3 Beginner-Friendly Ways to Fix It

Let’s take a look at some easy ways to get out of the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection Stability

If you have a problem with your internet connection, you may get stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen. If you are using an ethernet cable, check your router and unplug and replug the cable. 

If you are using a wireless connection, restart your Wi-Fi router and see if the internet is working fine on a different device.

Method 2: Force Shutdown Your PC

Force shutdown your PC by following these steps:

• Press and hold the power button of your PC until it shuts down.
• Now disconnect any peripherals connected to your PC.
• Unplug your PC if it’s connected to a power source.
• Wait for a short while and then plug back the PC and the peripherals.
• Turn on your PC by pressing the power button.

If the problem has been fixed, your computer will start normally.

Method 3: Use the Startup Repair Tool 

The Startup Repair Tool allows you to fix any Windows-related issues that may be causing this problem.

• Press and hold the power button on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.

• Once your PC shuts down, press the power button again to turn it on.
• When the manufacturer’s logo appears on your screen, press and hold the power button. Repeat this step three times to interrupt the boot process. Your Windows will automatically boot into recovery mode on the 4th time.
• Once it is in the “Recovery” mode, go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options”.
• Select the “Startup Repair” option.

The “Startup Repair tool” will start identifying and resolving any issues it may uncover. Once done, restart your PC to check if the problem has been fixed.

Frozen PC Screen With “Getting Windows Ready: 2 Advanced Fix Ways

If you are still stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen after applying the fixes mentioned above, try these advanced methods:

Method 4: Run an SFC Scan to Fix Corrupt Files

If the problem is related to your PC’s system files, run the System File Checker (SFC) scan.

• Boot your PC in the “Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)”.

• In the WinRE screen, go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.

• In the resulting window, type and ‘Enter’ the following command:
  sfc /scannow /offbootdir=<Windows_Drive_Letter>:\ /offwindir=<Windows_Drive_Letter>:\windows

Note: Do remember to replace the <Windows_Drive_Letter> text with the drive that contains your Windows. It’s usually C.

• Wait for the scan to finish. Once done, restart your PC.

Method 5: Uninstall the Last Windows Update

If you have tried all the above-mentioned fixes and you’re still stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, try uninstalling the last Windows Update that you installed.

• Boot your PC in the “Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)”.

• In the WinRE screen, go to “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Uninstall Updates”.

• Click on the “Uninstall latest quality update” option.

• Hit the “Uninstall quality update” button. 

• Once the uninstallation is completed, click on “Done”.
• Now select “Continue” to run Windows.

And that’s it! If these solutions didn’t help you – try repair-installing your Windows.