The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If Windows 11 is showing “Preparing Windows. Don’t turn off your computer,” first check whether the screen is still progressing: look for a changing spinner, progress indicator, or restart. The message alone does not prove the PC is frozen, and Microsoft does not give a universal wait-time cutoff for this exact screen. Keep the PC connected to power while progress or update restarts continue. If the display stays unchanged for a prolonged period or the computer repeatedly restarts without reaching sign-in, move to Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) rather than repeatedly forcing shutdowns.
First, check whether Windows is still working
Updates and startup tasks can display this message. Before intervening, note what the PC is doing:
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- Is the spinner or progress indicator changing?
- Does the computer restart and return to the same screen, or does it reach the sign-in screen?
- Is an error code displayed?
Keep the device plugged into power while there is visible progress or ongoing update restarts. There is no verified Microsoft wait-time threshold for this particular message, so a fixed number of minutes cannot reliably tell you when to interrupt it. If Windows reaches sign-in, let it finish and follow the desktop steps below. If it remains unchanged or loops through restarts, use the recovery steps.
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If Windows reaches the desktop
Back up files and run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Back up important files before troubleshooting. On Windows 11, Microsoft recommends starting with the automated Windows Update troubleshooter in the Get Help app. Follow the prompts there, then check whether Windows Update completes successfully. See Microsoft’s Windows Update troubleshooting guide.
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Use any displayed error code to narrow the next step
If the troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, use the error code and symptom to choose the relevant guidance in that same Microsoft article. Microsoft lists possible associations including an incomplete update or connection problem (0x80240034), insufficient space or other component issues (0x800f0922), damaged files or configuration issues (0x80070057 or 0x80080005), incompatible drivers (0xC1900101), and a database or service problem (0x80248014). These are possibilities, not a diagnosis for a screen that shows no code.
Consider reinstalling the current Windows version to repair system files
If Windows is usable but update-related system-file problems remain, open Settings > System > Recovery and look for Fix problems using Windows Update, then select Reinstall now if it is offered. Microsoft says this reinstalls the current Windows version and repairs system files and components while preserving apps, files, and settings. The option may be unavailable on managed devices or some older Windows 11 installations. Details: Microsoft’s current-version repair reinstall guide.
If Windows will not start or keeps restarting
Open Windows Recovery Environment and remove a recent update
If the problem began after an update and Windows cannot start normally, enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). In WinRE, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates, then follow the prompts for the recent update. Microsoft says uninstalling a recent update through recovery does not affect personal files or apps. See Microsoft’s recovery options guide for ways to reach recovery and the available choices.
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Reserve reset or reinstall for later-stage recovery
If removing the update does not restore startup, review the remaining recovery choices before proceeding. Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and offers a choice to keep personal files or remove everything; back up first where possible. Reinstalling Windows from recovery media is another option and requires preparation. Some recovery choices can cause data loss, so read each screen carefully and choose the least disruptive option that addresses the problem. A USB flash drive may be needed to create or use recovery media; it is an aid for that fallback, not a fix for an update that may still be progressing.
Use startup repair guidance only for a diagnosed startup problem
Safe Mode and clean-start troubleshooting can help with particular Windows startup problems, but they are not universal fixes for every update-screen stall. Microsoft’s Windows startup issues troubleshooting guide describes these options for relevant cases.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the least disruptive route that fits
| Situation | Starting option | Impact and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Windows reaches the desktop | Back up files; run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Get Help. | In-session troubleshooting. A repair reinstall, if available, preserves apps, files, and settings. |
| Windows will not start after a recent update | WinRE > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates. | Targets a recent update; Microsoft says this does not affect files or apps. |
| Earlier recovery steps fail | Review Reset this PC or recovery-media reinstall options. | These reinstall Windows and can have greater impact; some recovery choices risk data loss. Back up where possible. |
Check for a known issue only when it matches your Windows version
Microsoft’s Windows 11 release-health page reported that, as of September 29, 2026, version 26H2 was rolling out in phases to eligible 24H2 and 25H2 devices with “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” enabled. That general rollout status does not establish that this screen is caused by a known issue on your PC. Check the page against your installed version and update before attributing the problem to a current issue: Windows 11 version 25H2 known issues and notifications.
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