Windows Not Restarting

Overview

Windows may fail to restart due to stuck background processes, update issues,
corrupted system files, or power settings. This guide covers the most common
causes and how to fix them.

Common symptoms

  • Windows hangs on “Restarting…”
  • Screen goes black but the PC never restarts
  • System shuts down instead of restarting
  • Restart only works sometimes
  • Restart freezes after updates

Possible causes

  • Stuck background processes
  • Windows Update conflicts
  • Corrupted system files
  • Driver issues
  • Fast Startup enabled
  • Power plan or BIOS settings

Step 1 – Wait for background processes

If Windows is installing updates or closing apps, the restart may take longer
than expected. Give it a few minutes before forcing a shutdown.

Step 2 – Force close stuck processes

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look for apps marked as “Not responding”.
  3. Right‑click and select End task.

Step 3 – Run Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
  4. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Step 4 – Disable Fast Startup

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select Power Options.
  3. Click Choose what the power buttons do.
  4. Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  5. Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

Step 5 – Run System File Checker

  1. Press Start, type cmd.
  2. Right‑click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Type:

    sfc /scannow
  4. Press Enter.

Step 6 – Update drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent Windows from restarting properly.

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Update graphics, chipset, and storage drivers.

Step 7 – Perform a clean boot

  1. Press Start, type msconfig.
  2. Select Services.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Restart the PC.

Step 8 – Reset power plan

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Select Power Options.
  3. Click Restore default settings for this plan.

Step 9 – Check BIOS settings

  • Reset BIOS to default settings.
  • Ensure no overclocking is enabled.

When to seek additional help

  • Windows never restarts even after all steps
  • System restarts only after a full shutdown
  • Restart fails after every update
  • Hardware issues are suspected
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