Windows is stuck on Getting ready screen after an update
Windows updates look frozen but run in the background for 45 minutes or longer. Wait at least 45 minutes before doing anything. If the screen hasn't changed after an hour, hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut down, then restart. Windows will try the update again.
When Windows installs a major update, it shows Getting ready while installing files. This can take a very long time — sometimes 45 minutes or more. If you force it off too early, the update breaks and you have to start over. The safest approach is to wait, and only restart if nothing has changed for a full hour.
- ✓Know approximately how long it's been stuck. Has it really been 45 minutes or does it just feel long?
- ✓Check if the hard drive light is blinking. That means Windows is still working.
- ✓Try clicking the mouse or keyboard. Sometimes the screen freezes but the system is still running.
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Skip, I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Restarting after 5 minutes because the screen looks frozen. Updates can take an hour, so wait longer before forcing anything.
- Unplugging the computer instead of using the power button. This corrupts the update worse than a normal shutdown.
- Not waiting the full hour before assuming it's broken. Patience is critical during Windows updates.
Signs you need professional help
- The update failed twice in a row and Windows won't start, you see error codes on the blue screen, or Windows won't get past Getting ready even after 2 hours of waiting.
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