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Likely fix

Fix: Windows stuck on getting Windows ready or restarting

Windows can stay on Getting Windows ready or Restarting while finishing update tasks, but it can also get stuck because of update failure or disk problems.

Quick answer

Keep the PC plugged in and wait. If it stays frozen for hours, force restart and let Windows recover.

Important warning

If this happens repeatedly, the update may be failing because of low disk space, corrupted update files, or a driver problem.

Try this

  1. 1 Keep the PC plugged into power.
  2. 2 Wait at least one hour if the PC may still be updating.
  3. 3 Do not close the laptop lid.
  4. 4 If nothing changes for several hours, hold the power button until it turns off.
  5. 5 Turn the PC back on.
  6. 6 Let Windows complete repair, rollback, or startup recovery if it appears.
  7. 7 After Windows starts, check Windows Update history.
  8. 8 Free disk space and run Windows Update again later.

Common causes

Windows is finalizing updates.

Update rollback is happening.

Low disk space.

Slow or failing drive.

Driver conflict.

Corrupted update files.

What to check next

  • Check whether the screen changes over time.
  • Check disk activity.
  • Check update history after reboot.
  • Check free disk space.
  • Check whether it happens on every update.

FAQ

Why is Windows stuck on Getting Windows ready?

Windows may still be finishing updates, or it may be stuck because of a failed update, low disk space, or drive problem.

Can I turn off my PC on Getting Windows ready?

Wait first. If it has been stuck for hours with no activity, a forced shutdown may be necessary.

Why does Windows get stuck on restarting?

Windows may be finalizing updates, waiting on a driver or service, or struggling with update rollback.

Related fixes

Fix: Windows Update installing is stuck

Windows Update installation can look stuck while it is still working, especially on older PCs, slow drives, or large feature updates.

Fix: Windows Update downloading is stuck

Windows Update downloads can appear stuck because the connection is slow, update servers are busy, the update cache is broken, or Windows Update services are frozen.

Fix: Windows says undoing changes after update

Undoing changes means Windows tried to install an update but failed and is rolling back to the previous state.

Fix: Windows Update keeps failing

Repeated Windows Update failures usually come from low disk space, corrupted update cache, driver conflicts, pending restarts, damaged system files, or unsupported hardware.

Fix: Windows is slow after update

Windows can be slow after an update because it is finishing background tasks, rebuilding indexes, installing drivers, scanning files, or waiting for another restart.