How to Fix Windows 10 Stuck on Welcome Screen

Finding your Windows 10 computer stuck on the Welcome Screen can be a frustrating experience. Worry not, for several solutions can help you get past this hurdle and back to your desktop. Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting this issue:

1. Force Restart (Simple but Effective):

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches. Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds to force a restart. Once your computer is off, wait 30 seconds before pressing the power button again to turn it back on.

2. Enter Safe Mode:

Safe Mode allows you to boot Windows with minimal drivers and applications, potentially helping identify conflicting software causing the issue. Here’s how to enter Safe Mode:

• Hold down the Shift key while clicking the Restart button on the sign-in screen.
• Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
• After restart, press 4 or F4 on your keyboard to boot into Safe Mode.
• Once in Safe Mode, try logging in. If successful, you can troubleshoot further to identify the culprit.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC):

SFC scans your system files for corruption and repairs them if necessary. To run SFC:

• In Safe Mode, open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• This process may take some time, so be patient.
• If SFC detects and repairs corrupt files, restart your computer normally and see if the issue persists.

4. Perform a System Restore:

System Restore can revert your system to a previous point in time when everything was working properly. Here’s how:

• In Safe Mode, search for “Create a restore point”.
• Click on “System Restore…”.
• Choose a restore point from a date before the issue started and follow the on-screen instructions.

5. Disable Fast Startup:

Fast Startup can sometimes cause conflicts during bootup. Here’s how to disable it:

• In Safe Mode, open Control Panel.
• Search for “Power Options” and open it.
• Click on “Choose what the power buttons do”.
• Click on “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
• Uncheck the box next to “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” and click Save changes.
• Restart your computer normally.

6. Update Windows:

Outdated system files can also lead to boot issues. Here’s how to update Windows:

• If you can access Safe Mode with networking: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
• If you cannot access Safe Mode with networking: Download the Windows 10 media creation tool on another computer, create a bootable USB drive, and use it to boot your computer and access the “Repair your computer” options. From there, you can choose “Update now” to update your system files.

7. Reset This PC:

If none of the above solutions work, you can reset your PC. This will erase your personal files and settings, so be sure to back up any important data beforehand. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Click on “Get started” under “Reset this PC”.
• Choose to “Keep my files” or “Remove everything”.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Advanced Options:

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to consider advanced troubleshooting options that involve modifying system files or using boot diagnostics tools. These approaches are recommended for experienced users only, as they can potentially cause further issues if not performed correctly. It’s essential to consult a qualified technician or research extensively before attempting such methods.

Remember:

• Always back up your important data before attempting any major troubleshooting steps.
• If you’re unsure about any specific steps, consult a qualified technician for assistance.
• Keeping your Windows and drivers updated can help prevent such issues in the future.

By following these steps systematically, you should be able to identify and fix the cause of your Windows 10 getting stuck on the Welcome Screen and get back to using your computer normally.