If the “Getting Things Ready” screen in Windows 11 is not changing, first identify what the PC was doing when it appeared: finishing an update or restart, completing initial setup, or trying to start Windows. Microsoft’s support pages do not define this exact screen as a separate diagnostic condition or prescribe a fixed time to wait. Keep the PC powered while an update or restart may still be finishing; if Windows will not start, move to recovery options rather than guessing at a time limit.
How long should I wait on Getting Things Ready?
There is no Microsoft-established wait time for this exact screen, so a specific number of minutes or hours would be misleading. Check whether the screen changes, whether the PC has restarted recently, and what happened just before the message appeared. An update may need a restart to finish; Microsoft advises keeping the PC plugged in and online when downloading updates. Avoid powering off solely because an arbitrary wait threshold has passed.
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If Windows eventually opens, use the update troubleshooting steps below. If it cannot start, use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and choose a recovery action that matches what preceded the problem.
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What do I do if my PC is stuck on Getting Things Ready?
If you can reach the Windows desktop
If the screen appeared during an update and Windows is now accessible, Microsoft recommends beginning with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. The general Windows 11 route is:
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- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then run Windows Update.
- Let the troubleshooter finish, then restart the PC.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and check for available updates again.
If Windows displayed an update error code, use Microsoft’s error-specific Windows Update guidance rather than treating every stalled update alike. That page associates 0x8007000d with possible update-file or cache corruption, 0x800705b4 with a slow or interrupted update, 0x80240034 with an incomplete update or connection issue, and 0xC1900101 with an incompatible driver. Check the internet connection and available storage, and run the troubleshooter. Clearing the SoftwareDistribution contents is a targeted cache-corruption step on Microsoft’s page, not a first step for every update problem.
For certain upgrades, Microsoft states a minimum of 16 GB free for a 32-bit operating system or 20 GB for a 64-bit operating system. Those are requirements for the upgrade scenario described on its page, not a universal free-space rule for every Windows Update.
If Windows will not start
Use WinRE’s recovery options. If the issue began after an update, Microsoft lists uninstalling updates as a possible route. If the cause appears to be a broader startup problem, try Startup Repair:
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- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair, then choose Restart if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and check whether Windows starts afterward.
Startup Repair scans for certain startup problems and attempts fixes. Microsoft lists examples including missing or damaged system files, corrupted boot configuration data, a damaged master boot record, incompatible drivers, and registry errors. It does not guarantee that every startup failure can be repaired. An encrypted device may ask for its BitLocker recovery key.
When the issue began immediately after a Windows update, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates in WinRE and follow the available prompts. This targets a recent update; it is different from Startup Repair, which addresses certain startup problems more broadly.
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Use Safe Mode to narrow down the cause
Safe Mode is a diagnostic option, not a guaranteed repair. From WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, restart, and select Safe Mode. Windows then starts with a limited set of files and drivers. If the problem does not occur in that reduced configuration, it helps narrow the cause, but does not identify or fix it by itself. See Microsoft’s Windows startup settings guidance for the available options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which recovery option should I choose?
Match the action to the likely problem and what you need to preserve. Microsoft’s recovery options guidance describes the choices and their consequences.
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| Option | Best fit | Effect on files, apps, and settings |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstall updates | The failure began after a recent Windows update; available through WinRE. | Targets the update rather than reinstalling Windows. The cited recovery guidance does not specify a universal effect on personal files, apps, and settings; review the on-screen prompts. |
| Startup Repair | Windows cannot start and a startup-related problem is suspected. | Attempts to repair certain startup problems. Microsoft’s Startup Repair page does not promise a universal outcome for personal files, apps, or settings. |
| Reset this PC | Broader recovery is needed after narrower options fail. | Available reset choices differ in whether personal files are kept or removed and whether apps and settings are removed. Read the selected option’s explanation before confirming. |
| Reinstall using recovery media | Other recovery routes are unsuitable or have failed. | Reinstalling from a recovery drive removes personal files, apps, and settings. |
Back up important files before recovery whenever possible. If device encryption is enabled, have the BitLocker recovery key available before starting a recovery action that may request it. Microsoft also recommends creating a recovery drive on a USB drive while the PC is working; recovery media is a last-resort recovery path, not a fix for a stalled screen by itself.
Will I lose my files if I use Startup Repair or reset Windows?
Startup Repair and Reset this PC are different actions, and the available guidance does not promise the same file outcome for every case. Startup Repair attempts to fix certain startup problems; it is not the same as reinstalling Windows. Reset this PC presents choices that differ in whether personal files are kept or removed and whether apps and settings are removed. Reinstalling from a recovery drive removes personal files, apps, and settings. Back up what matters before proceeding when possible, and read the recovery prompts carefully before confirming.
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