Why Your Computer Is Stuck on a Loading Screen

A computer stuck on a loading screen can be alarming, but many cases resolve with patience. Updates can take a long time, especially on older hard disks. If the screen does not change after a reasonable wait, the steps below help you recover without losing your files.

Wait before you act

Updates on Windows and macOS can take 30 minutes or more on a slow computer. Give it time, and check that the power light is on. Do not switch off the computer while it is writing updates, because that can cause damage.

Try a restart

If the screen has been frozen for a long time with no activity, hold the power button until the computer switches off, then start it again. Repeated forced restarts can cause more problems, so do this only after a long wait.

Start in safe mode

Safe mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. From safe mode you can uninstall a recent update or program that may cause the problem. On Windows, use the recovery options after several failed startups. On Mac, hold Shift during startup to start in Safe Boot.

Run startup repair

Windows offers an automatic startup repair in the recovery environment. It fixes some boot problems automatically. Follow the prompts and allow it to complete, even if it takes a long time.

Check the drive

A failing hard disk can cause startup loops. If you hear unusual clicks or the computer is very slow to read data, back up important files as soon as you can. Our guide on SSD versus hard disk storage explains the difference between drive types.

When to get help

If the computer still will not start after these steps, contact a repair service. Keep your important files backed up so you can reinstall the system if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Will reinstalling the system delete my files?

It can, depending on the option you choose. Choose the option that keeps personal files if it is offered, and back up first if possible.

Why did the problem start after an update?

Updates can conflict with drivers or software. Uninstalling the update or waiting for a fix is often the simplest solution.

Check connected drives

A loading screen can sometimes be caused by a problem with an external drive or a second disk that the system tries to read at startup. Disconnect extra drives, USB sticks and memory cards, then start the computer again. Reconnect them once the computer is working normally.

Watch for signs of disk trouble

If the loading screen returns often and the computer makes unusual clicking or grinding noises, the drive may be failing. Copy your important files to a safe location as soon as you can, before attempting repairs. A failing drive should be replaced before it stops working completely.