Windows 10 stuck "preparing windows" for 35 minutes and counting


  1. Ornithophilia
    Posts : 148
    Windows 10 32 bit
       New #1

    Windows 10 stuck "preparing windows" for 35 minutes and counting


    Two weeks ago, I shut down my Windows 10 laptop the normal way and today I booted it up. Now it is stuck at a light blue screen and it says "Preparing Windows" with spinning dots and refuses to move onto the login screen! It has sat there for 35 minutes now and counting!

    How do I get the ball rolling?
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

  3. Samuria
    Posts : 8,108
    windows 10
       New #2

    If it's done a major update and a low spec PC it may take longer than that give it more times
      My Computer
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  4. spunk
    Posts : 4,793
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       New #3

    I have run into this lately, once it gets to 20-30 minutes without changing, then hold the power button till the computer turns off, then restart it. Usually, this will continue on with the install when it comes back up.
      My Computer
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  6. EdTittel
    Posts : 4,224
    Windows 10
       New #4

    Good observation, that @spunk. I'm probably running about 80% "completes OK, even with user-initiated hard reset" in this kind of situation. I only go into troubleshooting mode if the next reboot doesn't result in a desktop or some other reasonable facsimile.
    Thanks,
    --Ed--
      My Computers
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  7. winbug10
    Posts : 1
    Windows 10
       New #5

    1 year later he's still stuck, and counting.
      My Computer
    Quote Quote

 

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