Fix Windows 11 Boot Loop with 4 Easy Ways (1 Bonus Tip)

If you are looking for valid and simple solutions to fix Windows 11 boot loop issue, you can try the options presented in this article. Meanwhile, you can gain the best data protection solution to avoid system errors occur.

Clytze

By Clytze Updated on May 23, 2023

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User case

 

How do I fix the infinite boot loop in Windows 11?

Hi, I have a problem with my Windows 11 laptop. A few days ago, I was using it normally but all of a sudden, the screen went black. I was watching a YouTube video, but when the screen went black the audio was still playing. I tried to do CTRL + ALT + DEL, ALT + F4 but my only option was to forcibly shut down the laptop. After I turned the PC back on the loading screen came but then I heard the startup sound but the loading was going endlessly, I also tried to let it load for 30 minutes but it would not start. Safe mode also did not start. Can anyone help, I’d be really grateful, thanks.

- Question from Microsoft Community

Windows 11 Boot Loop

Reasons why Windows 11 keeps rebooting

In the process of daily use, the computer may appear a variety of problems such as Windows 11 gaming issues or 100% disk usage, etc. with the utilization of time to increase. However, no matter what the problem is, it seems that as long as the computer can boot up, there is a way to solve it. Sometimes the computer will inexplicably keep rebooting. As computer amateurs, we are a little overwhelmed.

In fact, the computer has been in a boot loop for many reasons. There may be some simple external interference factors, or it may also be internal system virus infection, system and installed software programs not compatible, hardware failure, and other reasons. In general, the problem is not that severe, just troubleshoot it according to your real situation.

This article summarizes several effective methods for you on how to solve the problem of PC stuck in boot loop. If you have been troubled by this problem, you can refer to the following tutorial. Maybe one of them is the one that settles your issue exactly.

Troubleshoot hardware failures

When infinite boot loop in Windows 11 occurs, the external hardware settings should be troubleshot before further repair. This can be attributed to the failure of the connected external device, poor CPU cooling, damaged power supply, poor contact with the memory slots, etc.

External devices failure. If the connected external devices are incompatible or malfunctioning, it may prevent the operating system from loading. A quick fix is to remove all such peripherals, with just the basic ones connected to the system.

Poor CPU heat dissipation. It may be due to the CPU cooler fixed slot loose, CPU fan after a long period of use in the heat sink too much dust accumulation, cannot dissipate heat. When the temperature reaches the set level of the motherboard, the motherboard starts to protect and automatically reboots. In this case, just clean the CPU cooler dust first, and then connect the CPU cooler to the motherboard properly.

Poor contact between the memory slot and motherboard. You can dial out your current memory, then wipe the area with the copper piece a few times to clear the dust, then insert it back in or plug in a new memory card.

Insert Memory

Troubleshoot system failures

If the computer still can't reboot the system after troubleshooting the hardware devices, then you can troubleshoot the system factors. Here is a list of 4 ways for you to finish the task. I wish one of them do you a big favor.

#1. Run Startup Repair

If your Windows 11 won’t boot up correctly, the first thing you should try is to make Windows 11 automatic repair loop.

1. Force shut down your computer at the startup screen, and repeat it three times to boot into WinRE.

2. Select TroubleshootAdvanced optionsStartup Repair, a built-in utility that fixes problems preventing the OS from booting.

Startup Repair

3. Immediately it starts to detect and will try to fix the errors it has found. But your computer is most likely showing that Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC, click on Advanced options to continue.

Advanced Options

4. Select TroubleshootAdvanced optionsStartup settingsRestart to choose your desired safe mode type to boot into.

#2. Repair Master Boot Record

The master boot record (MBR) is the first sector that must be read when your computer accesses your hard drive after booting, telling your computer how to load its operating system. When the MBR is corrupted, your computer cannot find the instructions it needs to boot and it gets stuck in a loop.

1. After booting your PC into WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.

2. When the cmd window appears, execute the following three commands:

  • bootrec /RebuildBcd
  • bootrec /fixMbr
  • bootrec /fixboot

Repair Mbr

3. After that, execute the below command to repair the boot sector.

bootsect /nt60 sys

4. Finally, restart your computer to allow the modified settings to take effect. Now check if the Windows 11 boot loop/unbootable to OS issue has been resolved.

#3. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Another reason why your computer may not boot is that the recent update is not compatible with your computer. You can uninstall the update to check if it is back to normal.

1. After booting your PC into WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates.

Uninstall Updates

2. On the Uninstall Updates window, choose an option according to your needs.

Choose an Option

3. Sign in using your administrator credentials, then click the Uninstall quality update button. After you complete the steps, the computer will uninstall the recent update from your device (if available).

#4. Remove drivers

1. When you boot into WinRE, select TroubleshootAdvanced optionsStartup settingsRestart to choose your desired safe mode type to boot into.

2. Now once you start Windows in safe mode, you need to open Device Manager. Uninstall Graphics driver, System Firmware driver, Network driver.

Remove Drivers

3. Once you removed, Restart your PC.

Bonus tip: Always backup your Windows system for disaster rescue

Many problems inevitably arise when we use computers on a daily basis. Some simple ones can be fixed easily and quickly, but some complex system problems can leave you at a loss. To avoid the risk of data loss due to system failure, it is recommended that you always create a system backup image of your computer so that you can easily recover in the event of a disaster.

When it comes to the best free backup and restore software, AOMEI Backupper Standard is highly recommended and worth trying. Once you encounter some system errors, you can use the created system image to restore Windows 11 to previous date with ease. You can benefit from its prominent features:

Various backup types: this freeware provides you with 4 backup types which are System Backup, Disk Backup, Partition Backup, and File Backup.
✮Different backup paths: You are allowed to backup data to cloud devices, internal/external hard drives, NAS devices, and network, etc. 
✮Data recovery: It enables you to perform data recovery when an accident occurs as long as you created a backup image in advance.
✮Schedule backup: It allows you to set automatic backup frequencies for your tasks, such as daily, weekly, monthly.

Now download AOMEI Backupper Standard and install it on your computer, and follow the specific steps shown below to create a full backup. Note this version only supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. For server users, try AOMEI Backupper Server.

Download FreewareWin11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1.  Click System Backup under the Backup option in the left panel.

System Backup

Step 2. The software will automatically select the system-related partitions as the source data for you. You just need to click the box below to select a destination path.

Select Destination Path

Before click Start Backup, you can set your backup task as you like:

Options: It allows you to modify the backup image, like compress, split, encrypt (in the Professional edition). You can also write comments to your backup tasks and set notification.
Schedule Backup: You could enable schedule backup option to run this backup task at daily, weekly, monthly, event triggers, USB plug in. 
✄ Backup Scheme: You can choose backup method here, such as full, incremental backup or differential backup. In Pro edition, you can enable differential backup to backup only changed data based on the last full backup. Also, you can enable Automatic Backup Cleanup to delete old backup files automatically.

Step 3. Click Start Backup to backup your Windows 11 for a disaster recovery solution.

Start System Backup

Create bootable media in case your PC fails to boot up:

After creating a system image backup, once you need it, you can use it to restore your computer to its previous date in case your computer can start normally. However, if your Windows system crashes or has stuck in infinite boot loop on Windows 11, you need to use the "Create Bootable Media" feature under "Tools" to create bootable media, thus to restore the previously created system backup without Windows. Follow the prompts to complete this operation process.

Create Bootable Media

Tip: Besides, you can create recovery environment that can be accessed from Windows boot menu, so you don’t have to create a bootable device to boot a failed system. (Upgrade to higher editions to enjoy this feature).

Final words

In short, do not panic when you encounter Windows 11 boot loop issue, just determine what the cause is and follow the steps listed above to fix it effectively as you wish. If you have not managed to solve the problem after following the above solutions, you can try the best free backup and restore solution recommended in this article – AOMEI Backupper to create a backup of your PC so that you can easily restore it in case of a failure.

In addition, it is also the best WD Green clone software. With it, you can clone HDD/SSD to WD SSD in just a few clicks. Now download this freeware and explore more features by yourself.

Clytze
Clytze · Editor
Clytze, an editor at AOMEI Technology, is passionate about safeguarding your digital world. She dedicates her expertise to empower users like you in data security and recovery. She firmly believes that everyone should have the tools and knowledge to protect their digital assets through computer backup, seamless disk cloning, and efficient file synchronization. Clytze is your trusted guide on the journey to data safety.