If you’re unable to get past the login screen, try one of the following solutions for Windows 10 and 11.
What is the Infinite Reboot Loop Error?
An infinite reboot loop means that the Windows startup screen has to automatically refresh in the middle of an ongoing boot operation. This leads to a black screen that will not advance to a next boot phase. The Windows PC fails to start up during infinite reboot loop because of sudden interruptions in the booting process. The PC is unable to complete its standard boot sequence which ensures that the startup fails to take place. Determining the cause of an infinite boot loop error is easier since it’s usually down to one of the following culprits.
Bad Windows updates: your PC may slow down after installing a faulty Windows update.Rogue drivers: sometimes bad drivers may get installed.Unverified driver signatures: some of your existing drivers may be lacking their necessary digital signatures.Corrupt Master Boot Record (MBR) entries: corrupt registry or system files will prevent PC firmware from reading the MBR.Slow response from lockscreen/screensaver: the lockscreen and/or screensaver could be preventing the login screen from loading.Unnecessary apps and Windows services in startup sequence: sometimes, unwanted programs in Windows startup sequence can cause a bottleneck.Too many startup apps: there might be too many startup programs loading during a Windows boot.Hard to remove programs: some difficult programs and apps including antiviruses can cause slower boot times.
If you’re dealing with the infinite boot loop issue yourself, here are some things you can try in an attempt to try and resolve it.
1. Using Advanced Troubleshooting Options in Safe Mode
When you find your computer stuck in infinite boot loop, chances are you may not be able to access your login screen. Here’s how to regain access.
Uninstall Recent Windows Updates
If you noticed your PC slowing down after a recent Windows update, it means that the update is not compatible with your PC and needs to be uninstalled. Microsoft always withdraws problematic updates so you won’t really be missing them in the future.
System Restore
While not exactly a magic bullet, System Restore is a safe insurance against undiagnosed system errors that accumulate over time. If you cannot pin down the exact cause of the infinite boot loop issue, but it has surfaced very recently, restoring your system to an earlier configuration will solve the problem. The best part of the procedure is that it is very easy to perform.
Reset Your PC
If you can’t find out the exact cause of Windows infinite boot loop, resetting the device in Safe Mode is one of the easiest ways to regain your PC’s stability. Before attempting a reset, you should first try one of the many solutions listed below as they’re faster. Instead of a simple System Restore, you can also do a “Factory Image Restore” but for just the Startup boot loop problems, it is rather unnecessary.
2. Fix Driver Validity Issues Using Sigverif
Faulty and incompatible Windows drivers are a major cause of slow boot and other startup problems. Microsoft uses a Signature Verification Tool (Sigverif) to manually determine whether or not all your computer drivers have valid digital signatures. If not, you can fix those driver issues immediately.
3. Remove Lock Screen Picture and Screensaver During Startup
When you boot the Windows 11/10 PC, it always gets to the Lock Screen and screensaver first. Sometimes it hangs in there for several minutes without loading the username and password input screen. If you want faster booting into your login screen, it’s always a good idea to remove these non-essential components.
4. Remove Unwanted Third-Party Apps from Startup Programs Sequence
Do you have any unwanted programs in your Startup activity? You can remove them so that they do not cause any interruptions in the future. Some installed third-party app widgets have a tendency to load with the next Windows boot phase. They are the ones that should be removed. Warning: do not tinker with your existing Windows processes. The simple rule is if it’s an integral Microsoft process, then you should leave it alone. Just narrow it down to third-party apps. They can be removed conveniently.
5. Uninstall Bloat
There are many bloated programs which can have a huge impact on the Windows startup process. It might be safer to uninstall them completely from your Windows PC. Many of them are antiviruses or premium software from several companies.
Adobe family products: if you’re a designer, you might need Adobe products. But you can always use its Cloud-based interface. To remove Adobe products from Windows, consider using the Creative Cloud Cleaner tool. McAfee products: McAfee is a good antivirus but it can be very painful for a Windows system. Download the McAfee Removal Tool from this link.
6. Clean Install Windows
Performing a clean installation of Windows is one of the Microsoft-recommended ways to eliminate slow boot problems. Image credit: Unsplash All screenshots by Sayak Boral
