How to Fix 'Getting Windows Ready, Don't Turn off Your Computer'

Brithny updated on Jul 12, 2019 to Resource | How-to Articles


A PC can get trapped in a loop of seeing 'getting Windows ready, Don't turn off your computer'. Read this article to find the most effective fixes. Try them one-by-one to fix PC stuck on 'getting Windows ready' prompt.

A Windows desktop or laptop can get stuck on "Getting Windows ready, Don't turn off your computer". You wait and wait, and nothing changes. The issue occurs when you try to turn on, turn off, or restart your computer. 

Don't let this annoying problem bother you anymore. We’ll provide you with a few effective solutions to quickly fix Windows 10, 8 or 7 stuck on 'Getting Windows ready'.

Method One. Just Wait for a Long Time

Is the circle animation is still moving? Show some patience and try to wait it out.

Yes, this is actually what Microsoft's support technicians advise. When your computer shows displays “Getting Windows ready”, your system may be downloading and installing files or dealing with some tasks in the background. It can sometimes take a while for your system to finish these jobs.
So if you want your computer to boot normally, the first thing you can try is to wait. We advise you to wait no more than 2-3 hours, and if it is still not resolved, move on to some of these other fixes.

Method Two. Shut down Your PC and Power Reset Your Computer

Power resetting can clear all information in your computer memory without damaging your data. It is helpful for fixing corruption issues on your computer and getting you out of the loop of “Getting Windows ready, Don't turn off your computer”.

  • Turn off your computer regardless of the getting ready screen.
  • Unplug all peripheral devices (USB flash drive, external hard drive, headphones, etc) from your computer.
  • Press and hold the power button on your computer for 30 seconds. (Your computer should stay off afterward).
  • Unplug the power cable from your computer.
  • Unplug the battery(only if you are using a laptop and your laptop battery is removable).
  • Reinsert the battery and plug the power cable back to your computer.
  • Turn on your computer. You won't see the screen this time if this method works for you.

Method Three. Delete Problematic Files


open windows boot options page

1. In Windows Boot Options menu, choose "Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt".

2. In the command line, type: C: cd Windows\System32\LogFiles\Srt. SrtTrail.txt and press Enter.

Here, if you see something like this: Boot critical file c:\windows\system32\drivers\vsock.sys is corrupt, navigate to the specified location using the Command Prompt and enter Del command to delete the problematic file. 

delete problematic files using CMD

Method Four. Perform a System Restore or Reset

Before the system reset, you better export all your important data. Here, you can go with one of two options.

Option 1. Backup Data Without Booting into Windows with EaseUS Todo Backup.

Option 2. Recover Data After System Restore with EaseUS hard drive recovery software.

Of course, the first option is the most recommended because making a backup will ensure the safety of your data, but you need to create the bootable disk on another working computer. The latter option is also viable if you do not have a working computer to create the bootable disk on, but the integrity of your data is more precarious

use easeus's tool to restore data after system reset

How to perform a system restore or reset

1. To do it, in Windows Boot Options menu, choose Troubleshoot  >  Advanced Options > >  System Restore.

2. Follow the Wizard instruction and choose the appropriate restore point. Finally, click Finish to restore the system.

After the system restore, you can use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to locate any missing files. If this last method fails, there is nothing that can fix the ‘getting Windows ready’ problem besides reinstalling Windows 10 from the scratch with the Windows Media Creation Tool.


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