Windows Update Stuck on Restarting? 10 Proven Fixes (2026 Guide)

Staring at a frozen “Restarting…” screen after a Windows update? If your system seems stuck for hours with nothing but a spinning circle, you’re likely dealing with the Windows update stuck on restarting.

This problem often appears after major Windows 10 or Windows 11 updates, security patches, or interrupted installations. In some cases, the update is still processing in the background. In others, the system may be trapped in a restart loop that never completes.

Before you panic or consider reinstalling Windows, know this: most restart-freeze is sues are caused by temporary update conflicts, corrupted files, or startup configuration problems—and they can usually be fixed.

In this guide, you’ll learn 10 practical solutions, starting from simple checks and progressing to advanced recovery methods, so you can safely get your PC running again.

Why Is Windows Update Stuck on Restarting?

When Windows installs updates, it replaces system files, updates drivers, modifies registry entries, and configures services. If any part of this process fails or is interrupted, the restart phase can stall. Common causes include:

• Corrupted Windows Update files
• Interrupted installation (power loss or forced shutdown)
• Conflicting drivers
• Fast Startup interference
• Damaged system files
• Insufficient disk space
• Update service malfunction
• Pending updates stuck in queue

Understanding the cause helps determine the right fix. Below are structured solutions from simplest to most advanced.

10 Solutions to Fix Windows Update Stuck on Restarting

Fix 1. Wait Patiently

Before forcing any action, it’s important to confirm whether the system is truly frozen. Sometimes Windows appears stuck, but is actually completing background tasks such as registry migration or driver updates. If you are experiencing a Windows update stuck on restarting, wait an additional 25–35 minutes to see if progress resumes.

If the system is still processing updates, Windows will typically show a rollback message if something fails. In most cases, this does not permanently damage the installation.

Fix 2. Force Shutdown and Restart (Effective in Most Cases)

If the system remains unresponsive for over 30 minutes, a forced restart may be necessary and is also the most effective way to resolve the issue.

Steps:

• Press and hold the power button for 10–15 seconds until the PC shuts down.
• Wait 30 seconds.
• Turn the computer back on.

Windows may automatically attempt to roll back the failed update. Allow it to complete. This method is generally safe if the system is clearly frozen, but avoid repeated forced shutdowns.

Fix 3. Enter Safe Mode to Remove Updates

If Windows enters a restart loop or fails to boot normally, Safe Mode allows you to remove problematic updates. This is especially useful if a specific patch caused the issue.

Steps:

• Force shutdown your PC three times during startup to trigger Automatic Repair.
• Select Advanced Options.
• Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings.

• Click Restart.
• Press F4 to enter Safe Mode.
• Once inside Safe Mode, open Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates.

• Remove the most recent update.
• Restart the system normally afterward.

Fix 4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

When the restart screen freezes due to update service conflicts or broken background components, Windows’ built-in diagnostic tool Update Troubleshooter can automatically detect and repair common issues.

This is a low-risk, automated fix and should be attempted before moving to more advanced repair methods.

Steps:

• Boot into Windows (Safe Mode if necessary).
• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Select Windows Update.

• Click Run and apply recommended fixes.
• Restart your PC after completion.

Fix 5. Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup combines shutdown and hibernation to reduce boot time. However, during major updates, this feature can prevent Windows from fully reinitializing system drivers and services.

If Windows update appears frozen at the restart stage, Fast Startup may be blocking a clean boot sequence required to finalize the installation.

Disabling Windows Startup forces Windows to perform a complete hardware and driver initialization on reboot.

Steps:

• Open Control Panel.
• Go to Power Options > Choose System Settings.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
• Save changes and restart.

Fix 6. Perform Startup Repair

If update-related changes damaged boot configuration data (BCD), system registry hives, or startup files, Windows may fail during the restart phase and become stuck. Startup Repair scans for corrupted boot loaders, missing system files, and configuration errors that prevent Windows from completing update transitions.

This method targets boot-level corruption rather than update cache issues.

Steps:

• Enter Advanced Startup (via forced shutdown method).
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
• Choose your Windows installation.
• Let Windows attempt automatic repair.

Fix 7. Run System Restore

When a specific update causes instability, rolling back to a previous restore point can immediately undo problematic system changes. System Restore restores system files, drivers, registry settings, and installed updates without affecting personal files.

Steps:

• Open Advanced Startup.
• Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
• Select a restore point dated before the update.
• Confirm and wait for restoration.

Fix 8. Run Command Prompt Repairs

If Windows system files become corrupted during the update process, the restart stage may freeze indefinitely. In such cases, manual repair through Command Prompt is required.

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) can repair damaged system components responsible for update installation and restart operations.

Steps:

• Enter Advanced Startup > Command Prompt.
• Run the following commands one by one:

sfc /scannow

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Wait for each scan to complete.
• Restart the system.

Fix 9. Drain Battery (Laptop Users)

In rare but documented cases, residual electrical charge stored in laptop components can interfere with hardware initialization after a failed update.

A full power drain resets embedded controllers and clears low-level power states that may prevent Windows from booting properly.

Steps:

• Power off the laptop.
• Remove the back cover.
• Disconnect the battery from the logic board.
• Hold the power button for 15–20 seconds to release residual charge.
• Reconnect the battery.
• Plug in the charger and turn on the laptop.

Fix 10. Reset Your Computer and Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the previous methods resolve the issue, the update may have severely corrupted system files beyond standard repair tools. Resetting Windows reinstalls core system components and removes problematic update configurations.

Steps:

• Enter Advanced Startup → Troubleshoot.
• Select Reset this PC.
• Choose:
  • Keep my files, or
  • Remove everything
• Follow on-screen instructions.

What If Windows Update Keeps Getting Stuck Repeatedly?

If this problem happens frequently:

• Pause updates temporarily
• Check available disk space (keep at least 20GB free)
• Update device drivers
• Disable third-party antivirus temporarily
• Manually download updates from Microsoft Catalog
• Recurring failures often indicate deeper driver or disk integrity problems.

Summary

If you’re facing a Windows update stuck on restarting, don’t panic. In most cases, the issue is caused by corrupted update files, driver conflicts, or incomplete installation processes—not permanent system damage. Start with patience, then move to Safe Mode, troubleshooting tools, and repair commands. Only consider resetting Windows as a last resort. Following a structured approach dramatically increases your chances of restoring your system without data loss.