PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchA single restart while Windows finishes an update may be normal. If the PC keeps restarting, fails to reach sign-in, or shows a blue or black screen with a stop code, treat it as a startup or crash problem rather than repeatedly waiting for the update. First note whether Windows starts, whether the restart repeats, and any error code; then try the least disruptive fix that fits what you see.
First, identify the kind of restart
Before changing anything, note your Windows version, the update name or KB number if visible, whether the computer reaches sign-in or the desktop, and any error text, stop code, or module name. These details help distinguish an update that is still completing from a failed startup or recurring crash.
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- Windows returns to normal after one restart: Open Windows Update and check the update status and history before taking recovery action.
- The PC repeatedly restarts or never reaches sign-in: Use the recovery steps below for a startup loop.
- A blue or black screen displays an error or stop code: Record the exact wording. A recurring stop code can involve hardware, a driver, or software; the timing alone does not prove the update caused it.
Do not interrupt an installation that visibly appears to be progressing based only on how long it has taken. Microsoft’s guidance does not establish a universal safe waiting period.
If Windows starts, remove a recent update only when the timing fits
If the problem began immediately after a recent update and you can use Windows, Microsoft supports uninstalling that update. On supported versions, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then select the relevant update. Windows 10 menu labels can differ.
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Some updates cannot be uninstalled. Removing a security update can expose the PC to security risks, so do this only when the update is a plausible cause and you understand the trade-off. Microsoft says Windows 11 users should try reinstalling the current Windows version first where applicable. For update errors or incomplete installs, use Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guidance; some of its command-line procedures are intended for users comfortable working at a command prompt.
If Windows will not start or keeps looping
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may open automatically after repeated failed starts. If it does not, use an available recovery or advanced-startup option to reach it. In WinRE, try the option that matches the problem:
- Startup Repair: Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. It attempts to diagnose and repair certain startup problems, including missing or damaged system files and boot-configuration issues. It is not guaranteed to fix every update-related loop; if it cannot repair the problem, it reports what it found.
- Remove a recent update: Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates if the failure followed an update. Some updates may not be removable.
On an encrypted PC, locate the BitLocker recovery key before starting recovery. Back up important files if Windows becomes accessible. Microsoft warns that some recovery options can cause data loss. A reset may offer a choice to keep personal files or remove everything, while reinstalling Windows from installation media removes everything. Do not proceed with a reset or reinstall until you understand the effect on files and have backed up what you can. If the PC belongs to work or school, contact your IT department if recovery does not solve the issue.
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If a blue or black screen shows a stop code
Write down the stop code and any module name shown on the screen. Microsoft notes that unexpected restarts can be related to hardware, drivers, or software, so do not assume the update is the only possible cause. If the same code returns, Microsoft suggests basic checks such as removing recently added hardware and using Safe Mode to continue troubleshooting. The appropriate next step depends on the specific code and device.
For a repeated failure-and-restart loop where the error disappears too quickly to read, Windows Startup Settings includes Disable automatic restart on system failure. This can keep the error on screen so you can record it; it does not itself repair the underlying issue.
Windows version and recovery feature notes
- Microsoft’s cited recovery and update-removal guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11, though menu wording can vary by version.
- Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says Windows 10 PCs continue to work, but Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for that operating system.
- Quick Machine Recovery may be available on some Windows 11 version 24H2 or later devices when the feature is enabled and repeated boot failures occur. It is conditional, not a general fix for every restart problem.
- A Microsoft Support document published August 14, 2026 describes a one-restart-per-month update behavior for specified Windows 11 versions and updates released on or after July 28, 2026. That scheduling behavior does not explain why a particular PC restarted unexpectedly.
Microsoft guidance
For the full decision path, see Microsoft’s Recovery options in Windows, guidance on uninstalling a Windows update, Startup Repair, Windows Startup Settings, and Microsoft’s unexpected-restart and stop-code guidance.
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