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A boot loop means your computer is stuck in a constant cycle of trying to start up, crashing, and then starting up again. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of working on something important. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to fix a boot loop so you can get your computer up and running again.
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What Can I Do if My Computer Is Stuck on an Infinite Boot Loop?
If your computer is stuck in a boot loop, there are several things you can try to fix the problem.
First, try restarting your computer in Safe Mode. If that doesn’t work, try using a bootable USB drive or CD to start your computer.
If you still can’t get your computer to start, you may need to reset your BIOS or reinstall your operating system.
A boot loop can be caused by a number of things, but most commonly, it’s caused by a malfunction with your computer’s software or hardware. There are a few different ways to fix a boot loop, but the most effective way will depend on what’s causing the problem in the first place.
What Is an Infinite Boot Loop?
An infinite boot loop is when your computer restarts itself over and over again and never boots up into Windows. This can be caused by a number of things, including bad hardware, corrupt files, or outdated drivers. This error is usually easily resolved with simple software updates.
7 Causes of An Infinite Loop
Before diving into the potential solutions to an infinite boot loop, let’s take a look at what causes boot loops in the first place. Being able to identify what is causing the problem is a crucial step to finding the best solution for your situation.
1. Corrupted Device Drivers
Device drivers are software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware devices. If a device driver becomes corrupted, it can cause your computer to enter an infinite boot loop.
This can happen if you install a new piece of hardware and the device driver is not compatible with your hardware, or if you upgrade your operating system and the device driver is not compatible with the new version.
2. Corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR)
The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a small piece of code that tells your computer how to load its operating system. When the MBR becomes corrupted, your computer can’t find the instructions it needs to boot up, and it gets stuck in a loop.
There are a few different ways that the MBR can become corrupted. In most cases, this happens when you accidentally overwrite the MBR with new data, or you have malware on your computer.
3. Bad System Components
A boot loop can be caused by bad system components, including the motherboard, CPU, RAM, or power supply. If any of these components are damaged or malfunctioning, they can cause the computer to get stuck in a boot loop. Sometimes, the problem can be fixed by replacing the faulty component.
4. Malware
Malware is one of the most common causes of an infinite boot loop. This malicious software can infect your computer and cause it to reboot repeatedly. To remove malware, you’ll need to use an anti-malware program like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender.
5. Windows Update Failure
A failed Windows update is one of the most common causes of the infinite boot loop error. This can happen for a number of reasons, but the most common is that your computer was unable to install the updates properly. This can be caused by several things, including a bad internet connection, insufficient disk space, or incompatible hardware.
6. New Program Interfering With Windows Boot
Sometimes, when you install a new program, it can interfere with the Windows boot process. This is especially true if you’re installing a new driver or piece of software that’s not compatible with your system. If this is the case, you’ll need to remove the offending program and try booting again.
7. Too Many Startup Apps
When too many programs are set to start up automatically, your computer can get overwhelmed and get stuck in a loop. The fix is simple: just disable some of the startup apps. You can also remove unnecessary apps from the startup sequence.
How To Fix an Infinite Boot Loop (15 Potential Fixes)
1. Utilize Windows Automatic Repair
If your computer is stuck in an infinite boot loop, the first thing you should try is Windows Automatic Repair. This feature is designed to fix common problems with your computer’s software, and it may be able to fix your infinite boot loop issue.
To use Windows Automatic Repair, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer.
- Press and hold the power button for five seconds to turn off your computer.
- Turn on your computer and immediately start pressing and releasing the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select Startup Repair, and then press Enter.
If pressing F8 doesn’t bring up the automatic repair window, you can try forcefully shutting down your PC when the windows loading icon appears. Repeat the process three times, and you should automatically load it into the Windows Automatic Repair window.
2. Hard Reboot Your System With All Peripherals Disconnected
Try doing a hard reboot of your system. To do this, unplug all external peripherals from your computer, including the power cord. Once everything is disconnected, hold down the power button for 30-45 seconds. This will release any stored charge in the system and clear the CMOS.
After 30 seconds, plug everything back in and start up your computer. If it boots normally, great! If not, don’t worry; there are a few other things you can try.
3. Boot Into Safe Mode and Roll-Back Drivers
One common reason for a computer getting stuck in a boot loop is because of newly installed drivers. To fix this, you can try booting into Safe Mode. Once in Safe Mode, you can roll back the drivers to their previous versions.
Here’s how:
- Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts loading. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Alternatively, you can force shut down your PC during the Windows loading icon three times and initiate the Automatic Repair screen.
- Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
- Once your computer boots into Safe Mode, go to Start > Control Panel > System > Hardware tab > and open Device Manager.
- Find the driver you want to roll back and double-click it.
4. Run a Complete System Virus Scan
Your computer could likely be infected with malware. To fix this, you’ll need to run a complete system virus scan and purge your system of malicious software.
Here’s how:
- Boot into safe mode.
- First, you’ll need to download and install a reliable antivirus program. We recommend using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
- Once you’ve installed the program, launch it and click the Scan button.
- The scan may take some time to complete, but once it’s done, you should see a list of any malware found on your system.
- Select all of the malware entries and click the Remove Selected button.
5. Use Command Prompt To Stop Windows Update Boot Loop
Unfinished Windows updates can sometimes result in an update boot loop. You can prevent this by uninstalling intermittent windows updates using the command prompt.
To do so:
- Boot your PC into safe mode or access Automatic Repair.
- Launch command prompt with administrator privileges.
- Enter the following command: net stop wuauserv
- Enter the following command: net stop bits
- After this, open the directory at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete everything.
- Restart Windows.
6. Uninstall Recently Installed Software or Games
Boot loops are often caused by new software that hasn’t been properly configured or isn’t compatible with your system. If you can’t remember what you’ve installed recently, try looking through your list of installed programs. Once you’ve found the culprit, uninstall it and see if that fixes the issue. If not, move on to the next fix.
7. Remove Unnecessary Apps From Startup Sequence
Many people don’t realize that some of the apps they have installed on their computers can actually slow down the boot process. Removing these apps from your startup sequence can help your computer boot faster and reduce the chances of getting stuck in a loop.
To do this:
- Boot your PC into safe mode.
- Go to Start and search for “Startup Apps.”
- From the Startup Apps window, turn off any apps that have High Impact labeled against them.
- Additionally, you can uncheck any unnecessary apps.
- Restart your PC.
8. Disable Auto Reboot From Windows Registry
The Windows auto reboot functionality is enabled on most systems by default. This major culprit contributes to auto reboot during crashes and system malfunctions. Although it’s not recommended, you can try disabling auto reboot to see if it resolves your issue.
To disable Auto Reboot:
- Boot into safe mode.
- Open Windows Run by pressing Windows + R key.
- Search for Regedit.
- In the Registry Editor window, search for the following directory from the hierarchy:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control > CrashControl
- Double click the AutoReboot DWORD entry and set the value data to 0.
- Press OK and reboot your system.
9. Run a Memtest and Swap Any Faulty Memory
If you’re having issues with Windows 10 constantly restarting, it could be due to a faulty piece of memory (RAM). Memtest is a tool that can help you test your RAM for errors and, if necessary, swap out any defective modules.
First, download the Memtest program and burn it to a CD or USB drive. Then boot from the Memtest media and follow the prompts to begin the test. Memtest will automatically test all of your RAM modules and report any errors.
If Memtest does find any errors, you’ll need to replace the faulty RAM module. Consult your motherboard’s manual to find out which type of memory it uses and how to replace it.
10. Perform a System Restore
System restore is a feature that allows you to roll back your computer’s settings and files to a previous date. You’ll need to access the recovery options menu to perform a system restore. This can usually be done by accessing the automatic repair menu when the computer starts. Alternatively, you can also restore your system via safe mode.
Once in the recovery options menu, select the system Restore option and follow the prompts. If successful, this should fix the problem, and your computer will start working again.
11. Reinstall Windows
If you’ve made it this far and your computer is still restarting itself without warning or notice, it might be time to reinstall Windows. This can be a big decision, but sometimes it’s the best way to fix a severe problem.
If you’re not sure whether or not you should reinstall Windows, here are a few things to consider:
- Is your computer restarting on its own without any specific error messages?
- Have you tried other troubleshooting methods, like updating your drivers or running a virus scan?
If you’ve decided that you need to reinstall Windows, here’s what you need to do:
- Boot into safe mode with networking.
- Backup all of your essential files. This includes things like your documents, photos, and music.
- Download the latest Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
- Create a bootable Windows installation media using Rufus.
- Use the BOOT menu to install Windows from the bootable media (USB recommended).
12. Clean PC and Properly Remove Dust
Over time, dust can build up inside your computer and cause it to overheat. This can cause all sorts of problems, including random restarts. To clean your PC, you’ll need to open it up and remove the dust from inside. Once you’ve done that, you can prevent future dust buildup by using a can of compressed air to blow out the dust regularly.
If you’re not comfortable opening up your PC, you can take it to a computer repair shop, and they’ll be able to clean it for you. Make sure you find a reputable shop that won’t damage your computer.
13. Change Hard Disks
If you have more than one hard disk, try unplugging the others and see if that fixes the problem. If not, try plugging in a different hard disk and see if that fixes the problem. If you only have one hard disk, try swapping it with a different hard disk. If that fixes the problem, then you have a faulty hard disk. Check out this guide for details on recovering data from a faulty hard drive.
14. Verify Power Supply Is Not Faulty
There’s always a chance of a problem with your power supply. To rule out this possibility, you can verify that your power supply is not faulty.
Check to see if there is a green light on your power supply by pressing the built–in–self–test (BIST) button. If the light is green, then your power supply is most likely functioning properly. However, if the light is not green, then there could be a problem with your power supply.
If you’ve determined that there’s a problem with your power supply, there’s nothing more that you can do. It’s best to either take your PC to a certified repair shop or contact your PC’s manufacturer for further assistance.
15. Replace Motherboard or Entire System
Suppose you’ve tried all the other troubleshooting steps, and your Windows operating system still keeps restarting. In that case, you may need to replace your motherboard or the entire system. While this may seem like a daunting task, it’s actually not that difficult–and it’s often the only way to fix the issue.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to do:
- Purchase a new motherboard or system.
- Follow the instructions that came with the new motherboard or system to install it.
- Boot up your computer and check to see if the issue is resolved.
If you’re not comfortable replacing your motherboard or system yourself, you can always take it to a computer technician. They’ll be able to do it for you and likely get your computer up and running again in no time.
Why Does My Computer Randomly Restart While Gaming? (3 Causes)
1. Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for a computer to restart randomly during gaming. When your computer’s CPU or GPU gets too hot, it can cause the system to restart to prevent damage.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent this from happening:
- Make sure your computer is in a well-ventilated area.
- If possible, use a laptop cooling pad.
- Avoid using demanding applications or games for long periods without taking breaks.
- Check your computer’s CPU and GPU temperatures regularly using a program like HWMonitor or CoreTemp.
2. Your System Doesn’t Meet the Minimum Requirements.
Games are resource-intensive, and if your system doesn’t have the minimum specs required, it can’t handle the load. As a result, your computer will restart. The fix is to upgrade your system so that it meets the minimum requirements for the game you’re trying to play.
3. Display Driver Malfunction
If your computer is restarting while you’re in the middle of playing a game, it’s likely due to a display driver malfunction. This can be caused by outdated or corrupted drivers, so be sure to update them. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling the drivers. You can also try running the game in compatibility mode.
Conclusion
If your computer is stuck in an infinite boot loop, there are several things you can try to fix the problem. We hope this article has provided you with a solution to this problem. If you’re still facing the same issue after trying all these solutions, you can try contacting your PC’s manufacturer’s customer support or take your PC to a certified technician.