PC Not going past the windows loading screen (installation media and OS drive)

Troubleshooting a PC Stuck at the Windows Loading Screen: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you experiencing a frustrating issue where your computer stalls during the Windows loading process? Specifically, if your PC fails to proceed past the Windows logo, even when using installation media or your OS drive, you’re not alone. Many users encounter this boot problem, and while it can be challenging to diagnose, there are systematic steps you can follow to identify and resolve the underlying issue.

Understanding the Problem

The symptom often manifests as the Windows logo appearing briefly during startup, followed by a repetitive bootloop or failure to load Windows fully. This issue can occur across different hardware configurations and can be caused by multiple factors, including hardware failures, corrupted system files, or misconfigured BIOS settings.

Common Causes and Troubleshooting Steps

1. Hardware-Related Issues

2. Power Supply Problems: An unstable or failing power supply can prevent Windows from booting properly. If you have replaced the PSU and still face the issue, it’s prudent to verify other hardware components.

3. Motherboard or RAM Faults: Hardware failures or incompatibilities can also lead to boot failures. Conduct RAM tests using tools like MemTest86 and check motherboard connections.

4. BIOS/UEFI Configuration

5. Boot Mode Settings: Ensure BIOS is configured correctly. For example, if you’re using UEFI-mode installation media, your BIOS should be set to UEFI, not Legacy. Conversely, if your OS is installed in legacy mode, the BIOS setting should match.

6. Secure Boot and Boot Order: Disable Secure Boot temporarily and verify that your primary drive is set as the first boot device.

7. Boot Loop and Corrupted Files

8. Corrupted System Files: If critical system files are damaged or missing, Windows may fail to load. Using Windows recovery options or installation media, you can attempt repairs.

9. Boot into Recovery Mode: Use Windows recovery tools to access Startup Repair, Command Prompt, or advanced troubleshooting options.

10. Trying to Boot via Installation Media

11. If the system doesn’t boot from your OS drive but does from installation media, this indicates a potential drive or file corruption issue.

12. Use the recovery environment to perform repairs or reinstallation if necessary.

Practical Solutions

• Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

• Insert Windows installation media and boot from it.

• Select “Repair your computer.”
• Navigate to “Troubleshoot”