Windows Is Stuck in a Boot Loop

A Windows boot loop occurs when your PC repeatedly restarts and cannot successfully reach the desktop.

This can happen after:

  • Windows updates

  • Driver installations

  • Corrupted Windows files

  • BIOS changes

  • Failed system changes

  • Hardware instability

Step 1: Disconnect Unnecessary Devices

Shut the PC down and disconnect unnecessary USB devices such as:

  • External drives

  • Controllers

  • USB hubs

  • Printers

  • Other nonessential accessories

Leave your keyboard, mouse, and display connected.

Try starting Windows again.

Step 2: Enter the Windows Recovery Environment

If Windows repeatedly fails to start, it may automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment.

If it does not, interrupting startup multiple times may trigger recovery mode.

Once recovery options appear, select:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options

Step 3: Run Startup Repair

Select:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair

Windows will scan for common startup problems and attempt to repair them automatically.

Restart the PC when the process finishes.

Step 4: Try Safe Mode

If Startup Repair does not resolve the issue:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart

Select Safe Mode.

If Windows successfully starts in Safe Mode, the boot loop may be caused by:

  • A driver

  • Startup software

  • A third-party service

  • A recent system change

Step 5: Remove a Recent Windows Update

If the boot loop started immediately after Windows Update:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates

You may be given options to remove the latest quality or feature update.

Only remove an update when the timing strongly suggests it caused the problem.

Step 6: Use System Restore

If a restore point exists from before the boot loop began:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore

Select an appropriate restore point and allow Windows to restore the system.

Step 7: Return BIOS Settings to Stable Values

If the issue began after changing BIOS settings, return recent changes to their previous values.

Pay particular attention to changes involving:

  • CPU tuning

  • RAM/XMP/EXPO

  • Undervolting

  • Overclocking

  • Boot configuration

Only modify BIOS settings you understand.

Step 8: Consider Hardware Instability

Repeated startup failures can also result from hardware instability.

Potential causes include:

  • Unstable RAM

  • Storage problems

  • CPU instability

  • Hardware overclocking

  • Failing system components

If the PC cannot remain stable even in recovery tools, hardware troubleshooting may be required.

Last Resort: Windows Recovery

Windows also provides options such as Reset this PC or reinstalling Windows.

These should generally be used only after less disruptive recovery options have failed.

Back up important files whenever possible before performing a reset or reinstall.

Need Help?

If the boot loop started after using EXM, contact EXM Support and include:

  • What changes were applied

  • Whether Windows reaches Recovery

  • Any error messages

  • Whether Safe Mode works

  • Whether System Restore is available