Falls Technology ServicesA computer that starts but never reaches the desktop is usually a failed update, damaged startup files or a failing drive. The first job is to avoid making it worse, especially if your files aren't backed up.
Try this first
- Unplug everything except the charger: USB drives, printers, phones and docks. A plugged-in drive can stop it starting
- If the screen says it's working on updates, give it time, up to an hour or two, before you turn it off
- Hold the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then start it again. If Windows fails to start several times in a row, it opens its own recovery screen
- On the recovery screen, choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options. Startup Repair, Uninstall Updates and System Restore are the safe ones to try
What not to do
- Don't choose Reset this PC or Remove everything if your files aren't backed up: it can erase them
- Don't keep restarting it over and over if you hear clicking or grinding, or it gets slower each time: a failing drive can get worse
- Don't open the computer up to swap parts unless you're comfortable doing it
What is usually behind it
- An update that stopped part way
- Damaged startup files after a power cut or forced shutdown
- A drive that is starting to fail
- A loose or failed memory module, especially if it beeps or restarts before the logo
What we usually see
Typical situations behind this problem, and what usually fixes them. Every device is different: we check yours before saying what it needs.
- Preparing Automatic Repair, over and over, after a power cut. Usually damaged startup files. Windows' own Startup Repair, or rebuilding the startup files, fixes it without touching your documents.
- Spinning dots that never finish after an update. An update that stopped part way. Uninstalling the latest update from the recovery screen usually gets it back to the desktop.
- It gets slower to start each day, then stops at the logo. Often a failing drive. We copy your files off first, then replace the drive and reinstall Windows cleanly.
When to call us
If the safe repairs don't work, we test the drive first, copy your files off if they're at risk, then fix the startup or reinstall cleanly. We tell you what it takes before we start. Data recovery has no guarantees, which is why we check the drive before anything else.
General self-help steps in plain English, checked when we wrote them. Try only what you're comfortable with: if you're unsure, or something smells hot, sparks or swells, stop and call a technician. This isn't professional advice for your exact device. See our website terms.
Need a hand?
More about our computer and laptop repair help. Or tell us what's going on and we'll tell you what it takes before we start.
Send us a message or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.