Windows 11 Keeps Restarting or Is Stuck in a Boot Loop

Identify the type of restart loop

1. Remove external and recently installed hardware

Shut the computer down and disconnect non-essential USB devices, external storage, docking stations, capture devices and adapters. If you recently added RAM, a graphics card, an SSD or another internal component, reseat or temporarily remove it only when you are comfortable following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Microsoft’s general stop-error guidance also recommends testing without newly added hardware. A loop that disappears after removing one device strongly suggests a device, driver, port or power-draw problem.

2. Open Windows Recovery Environment

After repeated failed starts, Windows often opens recovery automatically. From Choose an option, select Troubleshoot → Advanced options.

Start with Startup Repair

Select Startup Repair and allow Windows to inspect startup components. If it reports that it could not repair the PC, move to the targeted options below instead of running the same repair repeatedly.

3. Reveal a hidden blue-screen stop code

Some loops restart too quickly to show the error. In Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, choose Disable automatic restart after failure. On the next crash, write down the stop code and any driver filename shown.

This setting helps diagnosis; it does not fix the cause. A specific stop code is far more useful than treating every restart loop the same way.

4. Start Windows 11 in Safe Mode

1. Open Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
2. Select Restart.
3. Choose Safe Mode, or Safe Mode with Networking when internet access is required.

If the loop stops in Safe Mode, focus on software that is excluded from minimal startup:

• Uninstall a recently added display, storage, network or chipset driver.
• Remove software installed shortly before the loop began.
• Disable unnecessary startup apps.
• Check Device Manager for warnings or recently changed devices.
• Make sure the Windows drive has free space.

5. Fix a loop that started after a Windows update

Uninstall the latest quality update

From Windows Recovery Environment, choose Advanced options → Uninstall Updates → Uninstall latest quality update. Use this when the timing clearly matches a recent update.

Use System Restore

If a suitable restore point exists, select Advanced options → System Restore and choose a point from before the loop. This can roll back drivers and system changes without intentionally removing personal documents.

6. Use a clean boot when Windows reaches the desktop briefly

A clean boot starts Windows with non-Microsoft services and startup software disabled, helping isolate background conflicts. Use it only when you can remain logged in long enough to change System Configuration.

1. Search for System Configuration and open it as administrator.
2. On the Services tab, select Hide all Microsoft services.
3. Disable the remaining third-party services.
4. Open Task Manager from the Startup tab and disable startup items.
5. Restart and test.

If the loop stops, re-enable items in groups until the responsible service or application is found. Return the PC to normal startup after testing.

7. Repair Windows files when Safe Mode works

Open an elevated Terminal and run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

sfc /scannow

Restart only after both tools finish. If Windows cannot remain running, avoid guessing offline drive letters or copying commands from unrelated machines.

8. Check for overheating, storage and memory problems

A software repair will not solve unstable power, overheating, bad RAM or a failing SSD. Hardware becomes more likely when the PC restarts under load, restarts even in recovery, loses the internal drive, reports memory errors, or cannot stay on long enough to install Windows.

• Make sure vents are not blocked and fans are running.
• Check whether the internal drive remains visible in BIOS/UEFI.
• Run the manufacturer’s built-in hardware diagnostics when available.
• Restore default overclocking or undervolting settings during diagnosis.

9. Reset or reinstall Windows only after diagnosis

When recovery, update removal, Safe Mode and System Restore fail, Reset this PC may be appropriate. “Keep my files” removes installed applications and resets settings even though it aims to retain personal files. Back up first whenever possible.

A clean installation is not proof that the hardware is healthy. If installation also restarts, freezes or loses the drive, stop and investigate hardware.