7 ways to fix 'Getting Windows Ready' error on Windows 10

In this article, TipsMake will review with readers some ways to eliminate this error.

Anything can cause this problem on Windows 10, TipsMake has compiled the best methods you can follow to get back into your workflow. Let's start with the first and most basic way.

1. Give Windows a little more time

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Sometimes the best thing to do is do nothing. If you are not in too much of a hurry, consider leaving the machine running. It's normal for the update process to take some time, especially if you haven't updated your PC in a while or your Internet connection is slow.

Try letting it update all day. If there is still no progress, the problem may lie elsewhere.

2. Check your Internet connection

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As mentioned above, if there is something wrong with the Internet connection itself, then you will obviously have difficulty updating your PC. Double check that this is not the case and try to resolve it if this is the cause of the problem.

If you are using a wired connection, consider a router. Unplug the router, let the router rest for a bit, then turn the router back on to see if it helps. If you are using WiFi, double check that it is working properly. If you think something is wrong, try some troubleshooting or plug in an Ethernet cable.

3. Perform the forced shutdown process

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If you've tried the two methods above and are still having trouble with the "Getting Windows ready" screen, you should try turning off your computer.

Note : Only try this method after performing the above methods.

When Windows is updating, a sudden shutdown can lead to corruption of important system files. You may even encounter the dreaded blue screen of death error on your computer.

Some people may say that you won't lose files after a forced shutdown, especially after the new componentization structure that comes with Windows Vista, called Component-Based Servicing . Even so, the article always advises you to act cautiously and never take the system to gamble.

If you decide to give it a try, here's how you can perform the force shutdown process: If you're using a laptop, press and hold the power button until the system shuts down. After that, reboot the system and you will see the updates downloaded again or the system will boot normally. If you are using a PC, simply disconnect the power source.

If everything goes smoothly, your computer should be working again without any problems.

4. Use the Startup Repair tool

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Startup Repair is a handy, free tool found in the System Recovery Options menu on Windows operating systems. It helps you automatically solve many complex problems related to accidental data loss, boot problems, etc. Follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1 : Create Windows installation media on USB. If you need advice on how to do this, follow TipsMake's instructions on creating Windows 10 USB installation media.

Step 2 : Boot the computer using USB and select the Repair your computer option from there.

Step 3 : From there, select Troubleshoot.

Now, on the Advanced options screen , click Startup Repair.

The Startup Repair option will start looking for errors and problems on the computer, then resolve as many errors as possible. Once the process is complete, shutdown and restart to see if the problem persists.

5. Run a System File Checker scan

Problems with your PC's file system can also cause problems. To repair or replace system files, you can try running a System File Checker (SFC) scan. You will need to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) again.

Once successfully booted into WinRE mode, use the following steps to run an SFC scan:

1. On the WinRE screen, click the Troubleshoot option .
2. Go to Advanced options > Command Prompt .
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter. Replace with the Windows container letter. Usually, it's the C drive, but that might not be true for everyone.

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=: /offwindir=:windows

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This may take a while, so please be patient. Once the scan is complete, restart your PC and check if the problem persists.

6. Uninstall recent Windows updates

Your PC may get stuck on the "Getting Windows ready" screen due to a faulty update or incorrect installation. In that case, the recent Windows update will have to be uninstalled to fix the problem.

Because you cannot start your PC normally, you must boot your PC into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to uninstall updates. Then, follow these steps:

1. On the WinRE screen, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates .

2. Select the Uninstall latest quality update option .

3. Click the Uninstall quality update button .

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4. Wait for the uninstallation process to complete then click Done .

5. Click Continue to launch Windows.

7. Perform a factory reset

Factory Reset, as its name suggests, completely erases the copy of Windows on your computer. It will then install a new copy of the operating system just like when you first bought it. This is a handy tool from Microsoft that can rescue you from all kinds of Windows problems.

Furthermore, it comes with two different reset modes: Keep my files and Remove everything . Keep my files will remove Windows and any additional apps and updates you have installed on it, but leave your documents intact. On the other hand, the Remove everything option will erase everything on the PC and then reinstall Windows from scratch.

Wishing you success in troubleshooting!

Samuel Daniel

Update 18 June 2024