What are the consequences of restarting the computer while updating Windows?

Windows is the most popular operating system for computers in the world today. The process of installing and updating Windows usually takes a lot of time and you will not be able to do anything during that process.

Usually, when updating Windows you will see a message that says: "Do not turn off your computer". However, have you ever wondered what happens if you shutdown or restart your computer during Windows installation/update?

Reddit user Risky69 found the answer in a way that no one expected.

"I'm trying to update my computer to Windows 11 and it's on the install screen. 8 hours later I checked and it's still stuck at 0%. I Googled it and it said reboot. computer (hard reset). But then my laptop went into a reboot loop. Please help me, the situation is urgent. I am using Lenovo L340 Gaming laptop, "said Risky69.

What are the consequences of restarting the computer while updating Windows? Picture 1

As you can see in Risky69's situation, your computer can get fatal error if you shut down/reboot the machine during Windows install/update. Turning off/rebooting the machine while it is installing/updating Windows will damage the system files, leading to an error in the operating system and you can't access it as usual.

Not being able to access the machine also means the risk of losing the data you have saved. In most cases, users will have to fix it by reinstalling Windows from scratch.

Therefore, what is important must be repeated over and over again:

1. Never shutdown/restart your computer while updating/installing Windows.
2. If using a laptop, make sure that the charging cord is plugged in to avoid power failure while installing/updating the operating system.
3. This should also apply to mobile devices. Even Apple's iPhone or iPad only allows users to install iOS (iPadOS) updates if the battery is over 50% or plugged in.

Remember to be careful not to have unpleasant problems!

Jessica Tanner

Update 24 February 2022