Steps to Fix 'Getting Windows Ready' Error on Windows 10

This practical guide walks through steps to fix 'getting Windows ready' error on Windows 10, explains the main requirements, and highlights common issues that may appear along the way.

5 useful ways to resolve the 'Getting Windows Ready' error

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

1. Give Windows a little more time

Sometimes the best thing to do is to do nothing. If you're not in a hurry, consider leaving the machine running. It's normal for the update process to take a while, 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, then the problem may lie with another cause.

2. Check Internet Connection

As noted above, if there's something wrong with the Internet connection itself, then you're obviously going to have a hard time updating your PC. Double check to make sure that's not the case and try to resolve if this is the cause of the problem.

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

3. Perform the forced shutdown process

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

Note : Only try this method after having done the above methods.

When Windows is updating, an abrupt shutdown can result in damage to important system files. You may even experience the dreaded blue screen of death error on your computer.

Some might say that you won't lose files after a forced shutdown, especially after a new componentization construct that comes with Windows Vista, called Component-Based Servicing . Even so, the article always advises you to act with caution and never bet the system.

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

If everything goes well, your computer should be up and running again without any problems.

4. Use the Startup Repair tool

Startup Repair is a handy, free tool found in the System Recovery Options menu on Windows operating systems. It helps you to automatically solve many complex problems related to random 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 this guide's guide on how to create Windows 10 installation media on USB.

Step 2 : Start the computer with the USB and select the Repair your computer option from there.

Step 3 : From there, select Troubleshoot.

Now, on the Advanced options screen , click on 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 reboot to see if the problem persists.

5. Perform a factory reset

Factory Reset, as the name implies, completely erases the copy of Windows on your computer. It will then install a fresh copy of the operating system just like it did 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 delete Windows and any additional apps and updates you've installed on it, but keep your documents intact. On the other hand, the Remove everything option will delete everything on the PC and then reinstall Windows from scratch.

Good luck with your troubleshooting!