Usually, the “Getting Windows ready” stuck issue occurs when an update glitches out for no good reason. But sometimes, the problem ends up being severe, with file corruption playing a significant role. Regardless, the list of troubleshooting tips and fixes below should help you move past the “Getting Windows ready” screen in Windows 10.
Disconnect From the Internet
Disconnect From the Internet
In some instances, Windows 10 can run into problems communicating with the Microsoft servers while finalizing an update. That causes the operating system to freeze at the “Getting Windows ready” screen and prevents it from transitioning onto the desktop. You can resolve that out by disconnecting from the internet. If your PC’s connected over Ethernet, just pull the cable out. If you use Wi-Fi, try turning off the router; some laptops also have a physical switch that you can turn off to deactivate Wi-Fi. In case a network-related issue was the reason behind the “Getting Windows ready” stuck issue, Windows 10 should finish loading correctly soon after.
Wait It Out
Wait It Out
If disconnecting from the internet didn’t help fix the “Getting Windows Ready” error, you should try waiting for at least a couple of hours. That sounds ridiculous. But rarely, updates tend to behave erratically in short and infrequent bursts of activity that can last forever. It’s best to give Windows 10 the time to take care of things all by itself. Make a coffee or catch up on a TV show to kill time.
Hard Reboot PC
Hard Reboot PC
If you still see the “Getting Windows Ready” screen even after waiting around for hours, it’s safe to assume that your PC’s completely stuck. The solution—a hard reboot. The screen does go on to say “Don’t turn off your computer,” but you’re going to do just the opposite! So, press and hold the PC’s power button until the screen goes dark. Then, wait for a few seconds and press the power button again to restart your computer. In most cases, your PC should quickly finalize the update and load the Windows 10 desktop. Warning: It’s not a good idea to perform a hard reboot if you haven’t already waited for a few hours since that may corrupt the operating system.
Fix Issues Using Windows Recovery Environment
Fix Issues Using Windows Recovery Environment
If hard resetting your PC did not help fix the “Getting Windows Ready” error, you should enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to repair corrupted files or uninstall previous Windows 10 updates. You can invoke WinRE in two ways:
Hard reboot your PC twice at the Windows logo to trigger Automatic Repair. Then, select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options.Boot from a Windows 10 installation media and select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot.
Run System File Checker
The System File Checker (SFC) allows you to scan for and fix problems with system-related files.
Run Check Disk Utility
The Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility allows you to fix drive-related errors on your computer.
Run Startup Repair
The Startup Repair option in WinRE prompts Windows 10 to automatically detect and fix issues that prevent it from booting into the desktop. The process is entirely automatic. If you’ve got multiple operating systems on your PC, make sure to select the correct Windows 10 installation you want to repair.
Uninstall Updates
If you still can’t fix the “Getting Windows Ready” error, you should uninstall the most recent update that caused the issue to crop up.
Still Stuck? What Else You Can Do
Still Stuck? What Else You Can Do
If you continue to see the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, you’re likely dealing with a broken Windows 10 installation. Here are your remaining options:
System Restore/System Image Recovery
In case you had System Restore set up in Windows 10, you can fall back to a previous restore point by using the System Restore option in WinRE. You can also use the System Image Recovery option to restore the operating system with a Windows 10 system image file.
Reset PC
If you accessed WinRE via Automatic Repair, you should see a Reset PC option under Advanced options > Troubleshoot. You can use it to reset Windows 10 to factory settings. You can choose to keep your files during the reset procedure. Or, you can perform a complete overhaul of Windows 10 by getting rid of everything.
Reinstall Windows 10
The most radical of all fixes – reinstalling Windows 10. If none of the fixes above helped and you still keep running into the “Getting Windows Ready” screen each time you boot up your computer, you have no other recourse but to reinstall Windows 10 from scratch. You’ll, of course, lose everything on the Windows 10 drive partition. But you don’t have to worry if you’ve backed up your data previously.
Windows Is Ready—Finally!
Windows Is Ready—Finally!
For the most part, disconnecting from the internet, waiting for a few hours, or force-restarting your PC will help you get past the stuck “Getting Windows ready” screen. If not, taking the time to repair your Windows 10 installation should fix the issue. In all likelihood, however, you wouldn’t have to resort to restoring, resetting, or re-installing Windows 10.
