Have your Windows machine become stuck on the «Please Wait» screen? Worry no more! This error may arise for various reasons, such as damaged system files, incompatibilities with third-party applications, Windows update issues, or even hardware malfunctions. This guide will address how to solve this irritating issue.
We’ll go into the details of the problem, look into probable reasons, and provide you with 6 top-notch solutions to get rid of it for good. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or the newest version of Windows 11, our solutions are designed to assist you in solving this problem.
Before we get into the answers, you can unplug unnecessary peripheral devices, which may frequently serve as a quick repair.
🌟Recover Data from the Stuck Windows PC with Recovery Software
When you’re trapped on the «Please Wait» page, it’s inconvenient and may raise worries about your data’s security. This is where EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro comes in. This sophisticated data recovery program is your dependable partner when dealing with a frozen Windows PC.
When your Windows machine refuses to start, maybe owing to the «Please Wait» error, you may be concerned that your data is unavailable or lost. You may, however, get files off a computer that won’t turn on comfortably with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro. Let’s explore some of the key features of this software and recover deleted files.
- ✅Recover data from SSD that won’t boot. EaseUS data recovery software can help you create a bootable USB to perform data recovery.
- ✅Support data recovery from hard disks, SSDs, USB drives, external hard drives, SD cards, and more is among its many functions.
- ✅This program can recover data when encountering Windows updates stuck at 100%, system crashes, viruses, and «Please Wait» errors.
You can easily protect and restore your crucial information with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro:
Step 1. Create a bootable disk
Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, choose «Crashed PC» and click «Go to Recover».
Select an empty USB to create the bootable drive and click «Create».
⚠️Warning: When you create a bootable disk, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will erase all data saved in the USB drive. Back up important data beforehand.
Step 2. Boot your computer from the bootable USB
Connect the bootable disk to the PC that won’t boot and change your computer boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, it works well when they restart their computer and press F2 simultaneously to enter BIOS.
Set to boot the PC from «Removable Devices» (bootable USB disk) beyond Hard Drive. Press «F10» to save and exit.
Step 3. Recover data from a crashed system/PC
After booting from EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard bootable disk, select the drive you want to scan to find all your lost files. Preview and recover the files you need to a safe location.
💡Tip: You can restore data on the local disks, external hard drives, and also the cloud storage.
Get your data back even if your computer is frozen or unbootable, and share this helpful method with others who could benefit from it.
How to Fix Windows Stuck on Please Wait [6 Ways]
Experiencing the «Please Wait» error on your Windows PC might be irritating. But don’t worry; we’ve covered you with various practical solutions to this issue. Before going into the remedies, it’s critical to understand how to boot into Safe Mode since this is often the first step in troubleshooting.
Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Press Win+X and choose «Shut down or sign out».
Step 2. Hold Shift and click «Restart» to launch Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 3. Once you’ve entered WinRE, Select Troubleshoot > Advanced > Startup Settings > Restart.
Step 4. After startup, enter Safe Mode by pressing F4, F5, or F6 for corresponding settings.
We’ll offer a detailed tutorial for it in the following passage:
How to Boot in Windows 11 Safe Mode [in 6 Proven Ways] — EaseUS
I was wondering how to Boot Windows 11 in safe mode. Worry no more; this article will help with multiple methods. Read more >>
After learning how to boot Windows into Safe Mode, you can move on with the following six methods:
- Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Fix 2. Disable Windows Services
- Fix 3. Run DISM, SFC, and CHKDSK
- Fix 4. Perform Windows Startup Repair
- Fix 5. System Restore Windows
- Fix 6. Reset This PC
Before we get started on the repairs, we’ve created a video lesson to guide you through the steps. You may view it here to understand better the processes required. Following are some essential pointers from the video.
- 00:33 Diagnosing your PC
- 01:43 Preparing Automatic Repair
- 06:05 Restart your PC
Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
If your system becomes stuck on the «Please Wait» prompt, it might be due to conflicts caused by Windows updates. This problem may be resolved by using the Windows Update Troubleshooter; follow the steps below:
Step 1. Select «Settings» from the Start menu.
Step 2. In Settings, choose «Update & Security».
Step 3. From the left pane, choose «Troubleshoot».
Step 4. Scroll down to «Windows Update» and click. Next, select «Run the troubleshooter».
Step 5. The Windows Update Troubleshooter will find and fix problems. Comply with on-screen directions.
Step 6. After the troubleshooter finishes, restart your PC. If the Windows Update Troubleshooter is not working, check the following passage to resolve:
Windows Update Troubleshooter Not Working Windows 10/11 [FIXED]
Windows Update Troubleshooter is one of the most intriguing utilities in a Windows PC. But, when that stops working, users face extra issues. Read more >>
Fix 2. Disable Windows Services
Certain Windows services may occasionally cause the «Please Wait» error. We’ll walk you through the process of deactivating these services with simple steps:
Step 1. Open Run by pressing Windows + «R» simultaneously.
Step 2. Type «services. msc» in Run and hit Enter or «OK.» This opens System Configuration.
Step 3. Open System Configuration and choose «Services».
Step 4. Select «disabled» from startup type.
Step 5. Save changes by clicking «Apply» and «OK».
Step 6. For modifications to take effect, restart your PC.
Share this page on social media to let your friends and colleagues benefit from these methods.
Fix 3. Run DISM, SFC, and CHKDSK
Corrupted system files might be the source of the problem; below, we’ll teach you how to fix the problem with these steps:
Step 1. Search «cmd» on Windows, right-click «Command Prompt,» and choose «Run as administrator».
Step 2. Type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter on Command Prompt. Let the scan finish.
Step 3. After the SFC scan, hit Enter for DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to run the DISM command.
Step 4. Type «chkdsk /f» and enter. Do you wish to schedule the scan for the next restart? Restart your PC after typing «Y» for yes.
Step 5. These scans may take a while. Be patient till they finish.
Step 6. After scanning, restart your PC.
Fix 4. Perform Windows Startup Repair
Windows Startup Repair automatically repairs faults that prevent Windows from booting correctly. Follow the steps below to fix the please wait screen:
Step 1. Restart your computer when inserting a Windows installation USB flash drive or DVD.
Step 2. During startup, press the boot menu key (typically F2, F12, or Del). Choose bootable media.
Step 3. Choose your language and click «Next».
Step 4. In the installation box, click «Repair your computer».
Step 5. In Advanced Options, choose «Troubleshoot».
Step 6. Click «Startup Repair» and follow the on-screen directions to fix Windows startup.
Step 7. Restart your PC after repair.
Fix 5. System Restore Windows
If recent system modifications, such as software installs, have caused the «Please Wait» error, doing a system restoration might assist. We’ll help you through the procedures to get your system back up and running by system restoring Windows:
Step 1. Boot your computer in WinRE mode. Navigate to «System Restore» under Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
Step 2. Log in using your preferred user ID and password.
Step 3. Choose the system restore point generated previously, follow the instructions, and wait.
Fix 6. Reset This PC
If everything else fails, restoring your PC to factory settings may help to address persistent issues. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Select the gear-shaped «Settings» icon from «Start».
Step 2. Open Settings and choose «Update & Security».
Step 3. In Update & Security, click «Recovery» from the left-hand menu.
Step 4. Select «Get started» under «Reset this PC.» You will have two choices:
- Keep my files: It reinstalls Windows 10/11 without deleting your data.
- Remove everything: It deletes all data and reinstalls Windows.
Step 5. Depending on your decision, prompts will appear. Carefully read and follow them.
Step 6. Your PC will restart when you confirm your choices. It may take time; be patient.
Step 7. After the reset, you must set up Windows again, exactly like when you bought your PC.
If you think this is helpful, share this on social media to let the audience know how to solve the window stuck on the «please wait» screen.
To Wrap Up
When Windows gets stuck on the «Please Wait» screen, it may be an unpleasant experience, but with the top 6 approaches presented in this tutorial, you have various options. These techniques cover multiple causes of stuck windows and their solutions ranging from running Windows Update Troubleshooter to a full system reset. Furthermore, if you’ve lost data due to this problem, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro provides a dependable solution for data recovery, even on unbootable PCs.
Windows 10/11 Stuck on Please Wait for Screen FAQs
Following are some of the most common questions that people ask regarding the please wait screen on your device:
1. How long should I wait to get Windows ready stuck?
The length of the issue depends on the severity of the problem. It is often suggested to wait 30 minutes. You may use the troubleshooting procedures described in this tutorial if progress is still being made.
2. How do I fix a stuck Windows 11 welcome screen?
To repair a stuck Windows 11 welcome screen, force restart, boot into Safe Mode, create a new user profile, update or roll back the driver, or do a System Restore. If all else fails, think about repairing your Windows installation.
3. Why does my computer get stuck on loading after Windows update?
If your computer gets stuck during a Windows update, it might be due to damaged data or program problems. You can try Force restarting, entering Safe Mode, or utilizing System Restore to correct this.
4. Will I lose data when Windows is stuck on? Please wait.
Fixing the «Please Wait» problem using proper procedures minimizes data loss. However, before trying any changes, it’s always a good idea to back up your crucial data. If necessary, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro may assist in recovering lost data.
Maybe you just turned your computer on and discover that it is stuck on a screen that displays ‘Please wait’ with a waiting gif similar to the picture below:
Many users have reported that they get stuck on the ‘Please wait’ screen during starting the Windows. If you are also facing the same problem, then you are not alone. As this is a common cause for many Windows users, we have identified three best ways to fix this issue which helped most of the users. You can fix it with these easy steps from this article.
Why Does It Happen – ‘Windows 10 Stuck on the Please Wait Screen’
The major causes behind the Windows stuck on the welcome screen are:
- The computer is trying to connect to the available internet connection.
- Because of the faulty hard drive or the SD card that is attached to the computer.
- Faulty external peripherals such as USB drive, WiFi adapter, Bluetooth adapter, keyboard, and mouse that are connected to the device.
How to Get Past the Please Wait Screen on Windows 10?
If you are stuck on the ‘Please wait’ screen during starting the windows, then you will not able to bypass it by pressing ALT + CTRL + DEL. Because it will not work on the welcome page before starting the Windows. The only thing that you can do is reboot your computer at that time. Here are the three steps using which you can fix this error:
- Go to Safe Mode.
- Disable Some Windows Startup Services.
- Perform System Restore.
Step-1: Automatic Startup Repair Process
The easy method would be to boot into the safe mode using a Windows 10 bootable USB drive. But if you don’t have any other computer or bootable device, then don’t worry you can perform an automatic startup repair on your computer. For this, follow the instruction carefully:
- Eject all the USB devices or external devices from your computer and wait for some moments.
- Then, turn on your computer and perform the force shut down by pressing and holding the power button.
- Repeat this process three times in a row and your computer will be taken to the Automatic Startup Repair Process.
- After the Advanced Recovery mode is launched, go to Troubleshoot option and click on Safe Mode.
Step-2: Disable Startup Services
There are three startup services that you need to disable after switching your Windows to the Safe Mode. These three services are –
- Windows Error Reporting Service,
- Network List Service,
- Network Location Awareness.
Here are the instructions to perform this process:
- Open the Command Prompt, type services.msc and press the Enter key.
- It will take you to the Windows Service Manager application.
- Find the three services from the list that are mentioned above and take the following steps for each of those services.
- Double-click on the service to open its properties.
- If you find the service is running currently then click on the Stop button.
- Then, click on the dropdown list of Startup type option and select Disabled.
- Finally, click on the Apply button and restart your computer.
Step-3: Perform System Restore
After restart, your computer will boot normally it should not wait on the ‘Please wait’ screen as you have disabled some startup options. But this doesn’t mean that you have fixed the error. You have suppressed the error on your computer by disabling the startup services but you need to find and solve the error to fix your computer completely.
The first thing you have to do is go to flashback and think about what changes you have made on your computer before the issue started. If you can remember it then you have to reverse it. If you can’t figure out the changes that you have made, then you have to restore your computer to the previous state when it has not used to be stuck on the ‘please wait for the screen.
Follow the instruction to perform the system restore:
- Open the Control panel and navigate to Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.
- Choose the reason problematic app, driver, or update and click on Next > Finish.
Now perform a restart and your computer will not be stuck at the ‘Please wait’ screen anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Windows 10 Keep Freezing?
The reason behind windows 10 freezing could be an outdated driver. You need to update all your drivers to fix this problem. You can do it manually or can use any tools that automatically update the drivers on a computer.
If you are stuck because your screen is frozen, then you can perform a restart or open the task manager by pressing and holding Ctrl + Alt + Del keys simultaneously and kill the app that freezes your computer.
How Do I Perform Automatic Repair on Windows 11/10?
- Open Settings on your Windows 11.
- Then, click on System Settings.
- After that, scroll down and find the option named Recovery and click on it.
- Next, click on the Advanced startup on the Recovery option.
- Click system restore.
- In the end, restart your computer.
How Do I Fix Windows 10 Stuck Update?
If you are stuck at windows Update , then you can do several things to get rid of that issue which are:
- Perform the force restart on your computer.
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- Find the Temporary Windows Update files and delete them.
- Update your computer manually using Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Roll back to the previous state or perform the System Restore.
How Do I Start Windows 10 in Safe Mode?
- Open the Run command by pressing and holding the Windows + R key.
- Type MSConfig on the search box of it.
- Click on the Boot tab and select the Safe Boot option from there.
- Click on the Apply button and perform a restart.
How Do I Bypass Automatic Repair?
To disable automatic repair, you need to go to your Command Prompt and type the code below –
bcdedit /set {default} recovery enabled No
Then you need to press the ‘enter’ button and perform a restart.
Now your computer will never go to the automatic startup repair page and will start normally.
Conclusion
You may get stuck on the opening screen on your Windows 10 system and it is a normal issue that many users have faced at least once. It generally happens because of corrupted windows files due to malware or virus or some unwanted programs. But you don’t need to worry about this issue as this is a common issue and very easy to solve. You can fix this problem using the steps described above.
I hope you have understood everything in this article. Please don’t hesitate to inform us in the comment section below if you are facing a problem handling this issue or have any further queries.
The Windows stuck on please wait issue often happens on Windows 11 and 10. If your computer is also stuck on the please wait screen, what should you do? From this MiniTool post, you can find some useful methods to help you get out of trouble.
Windows 11/10 Stuck on Please Wait Screen
Windows operating system is used by many people since it is reliable, secure, and easy-to-use. When using Windows 10/11, you may run into some common system issues, for example, Windows 11 freezes randomly, Windows 10 stuck on loading screen, blue screen errors, and more.
Today, we will show you another common issue in this post. When booting your Windows 11/10 PC, you may find the machine gets stuck on the please wait screen for several minutes. Sometimes you get an error asking you to restart. After a restart, the PC gets stuck on the same screen again. Many users reported that they still saw the screen after 15 minutes.
This is not a normal situation and it indicates something goes wrong. Sometimes you encounter Windows 10 upgrade stuck on please wait. So, how to fix the issue? Take it easy and some troubleshooting tips are worth trying.
Solutions to Stuck on Please Wait Windows 10/11
According to many forums like Reddit and Microsoft’s official forum, we find some useful means recommended by some users. If you also run into the issue – Windows update stuck on please wait or Windows 11/Windows 10 stuck on please wait, you can also have a shot. Let’s look over them one by one.
Remove Peripheral Devices
Your PC may get Windows 10 stuck on please wait due to peripheral devices. Trying to remove them could be a good solution. Just remove all external devices other than your mouse or keyboard. Then, restart the PC to check if it still gets stuck on the please wait screen. If yes, go on the following workarounds.
Boot PC to Safe Mode for Some Fixes
Since the system is stuck on please wait screen, you cannot normally boot the PC to Desktop for an issue fix. In this case, try to boot the machine to its Safe Mode to fix it.
How to Enter Safe Mode Windows 11/10
When the OS fails to boot, you can restart the PC several times when seeing the Windows logo to let it force enter WinRE. Then, click Advanced options to go on. Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Next, press F4/F5/F6 to enter Safe Mode. Here, we recommend enabling Safe Mode with Networking.
Tips:
According to some users on Reddit, they cannot enter Safe Mode since the computer gets stuck on this screen before restarting completely. In this case, you can prepare an ISO of Windows 11/10, burn it to a USB flash drive, change the boot order and start up the PC from the drive. Then, click Repair your computer to enter WinRE and then go to Safe Mode.
Next, start some fixes to fix Windows stuck on please wait.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
If you meet this situation – Windows 10 upgrade stuck on please wait, you can choose to run a troubleshooter in the system for troubleshooting.
Step 1: Open the Settings app via the key combination – Win & I and click Update & Security.
Step 2: Under the Troubleshoot tab, locate Windows Update and click on the Run the troubleshooter button. This troubleshooter starts detecting problems and if some are found, follow the on-screen instructions to fix them.
Install Windows Updates
If Windows updates are not completed normally, the issue of Windows stuck on please wait after update may happen. To fix this issue, you should finish installing updates. In Safe Mode, go to Settings > Update & Security and check for updates under the Windows Update section. Once some available updates are found, download and install them.
Disable Windows Services
In Safe Mode, you can try to turn off some Windows services like Windows Error Reporting Service, Network List Service, and Network Location Awareness. See how to do the task:
Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon and choose Run.
Step 2: Type services.msc into the text box and press Enter to open the Services window.
Step 3: Locate the services mentioned above one by one and double-click on one to open the Properties window. If the service is running, stop it and then change Startup type to Disabled.
Step 5: Save the changes by clicking Apply and then OK. Then, restart your PC to see if the issue of Windows stuck on please wait is resolved. If not, go on troubleshooting.
Run SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK Scan
Corrupted or damaged Windows system files could get Windows 10 stuck on please wait. To get rid of the stuck screen from Windows 10/11, you can perform some scans like SFC and DISM in Safe Mode.
Step 1: Type cmd into the search box, locate Command Prompt, and right-click on it to choose Run as administrator.
Step 2: In the CMD window, input sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Tips:
When performing the SFC scan, you may run into a situation: beginning verification gets stuck and the scan cannot finish. Take it easy and you can find some fixes from our previous post — Windows 10 SFC /Scannow Stuck at 4/5/30/40/73, etc.? Try 7 Ways.
After an SFC scan, you can try to perform a DISM scan. DISM, short for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is used to service and prepare Windows images. If images are damaged, system issues like Windows stuck on please wait can appear. To get rid of this screen, perform a scan.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt window.
Step 2: Execute the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Besides, if there is something wrong with the file system or disk errors appear, the issue – Windows 11/Windows 10 stuck on please wait may be triggered and you can perform a CHKDSK scan. In the CMD window, type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
Run System Restore
If you have created system restore points before, you can easily revert the machine to its normal state when you see the stuck please wait screen in Windows 10/11. To do this work, you can boot your PC to WinRE. Step 1: Just prepare an installation USB drive and boot the PC to Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 2: Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
Step 3: Choose a restore point and start the restoration operation.
Tips:
You can also do this task in Safe Mode – open CMD with admin rights, type rstrui.exe to call up the System Restore window, and follow the on-screen instructions to finish all the operations.
Run Startup Repair
Startup Repair can help to fix some system issues that stop Windows from loading. If Windows 11/10 stuck on please wait screen appears, you can also have a try.
Step 1: Just run the PC to WinRE.
Step 2: Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
Step 3: Finish the fix by following the wizards on the computer screen.
Reset Your PC
If all of these ways fail to fix Windows stuck on please wait, the last resort is to reset your PC. This operation can help to reinstall Windows and fix many issues.
PC Backup Before You Do
Before PC resetting, you had better create a backup for your important files, especially data saved on the Desktop although you choose to keep your files during the process since files may get lost due to potential errors.
To back up your critical files, you can use the professional and free backup software – MiniTool ShadowMaker. It is designed to back up files, folders, the operating system, disks, and partitions within simple steps. It allows you to create a bootable USB drive or external drive to boot the PC once it fails to start up and then perform data backup and system recovery.
When your computer gets stuck on the please wait screen in Windows 10/11, you need to get MiniTool ShadowMaker Bootable Edition – download & install Trial Edition and use Media Builder to get the bootable drive, boot the PC from it and then enter the main interface of this software.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 1: After MiniTool ShadowMaker Bootable Edition opens, go to the Backup page.
Step 2: In Backup, click SOURCE to find the items you want to back up and click DESTINATION to choose an external hard drive or another device as the storage path.
Step 3: Click Back Up Now to start the data backup.
Tips:
If you want to know more details about how to back up files when your computer cannot boot normally, refer to our previous post — How to Back up Data without Booting Windows? Easy Ways Are Here.
After file backup, start resetting your PC.
How to Reset PC
Step 1: In WinRE, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
Step 2: Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Step 3: Click Cloud download or Local reinstall.
Step 4: Follow the wizards on the screen to finish the resetting operation.
“After trying these solutions here, you can easily solve the issue of Windows stuck on please wait. You can share them with those persons who also have the same issue. Twitter is a good option.”Click to Tweet
Back up Windows
After reading so much information, you can find it troublesome to fix your system issues. You will spend much time on that thing. If you are not familiar with the Windows operating system, you may be confused and don’t know what to do although you follow the given guide. Thus, we strongly recommend you to back up your Windows when it is in a normal state.
Once something gets Windows 10 stuck on please wait, you can use the created backup to directly restore the PC to the previous state. To do this work, you can also use MiniTool ShadowMaker Trial Edition.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
Step 1: Launch this software and click Keep Trial to continue.
Step 2: Go to the Backup page, system partitions are selected as the backup source and a path is also selected. To create a system image, you should choose another disk to save the backup image.
Step 3: Click Back Up Now to execute the system backup.
Further Reading: Remote Desktop Stuck on Please Wait Windows 10
According to users, another situation – Remote Desktop may get stuck on please wait when remotely accessing your work computer on your home PC (both use Windows 10). What should you do in this case? Some methods can be tried.
1. Update to the Latest Windows Version on the Client PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates and download & install available updates.
2. Run Windows PowerShell and execute the command:
Command Line:
$ID=query session /SERVER:WSMC027|select -skip 1|%{$_.Split(‘ ‘,[System.StringSplitOptions]::RemoveEmptyEntries)}
Disconnect-RDUser -HostServer WSMC027 -UnifiedSessionID $ID[8] -Force
exit 0
3. Run CMD with admin rights and execute the command – taskkill /f /im msrdc.exe. Then, restart the PC.
4. Perform a clean boot (Related article: How to Clean Boot Windows 10 and Why You Need to Do So)
Bottom Line
Encounter Windows stuck on please wait in Windows 10/11 or Windows update stuck on please wait? After trying these methods above, you can easily fix your issue. Besides, if you find Remote Desktop stuck on please wait, also try the given ways.
If you have any idea about the stuck please wait screen, leave it in the comment below. We will reply to you soon.
If you start your Windows 10 computer and it gets stuck on the “Please wait“, Then here’s how to fix the problem. After starting the computer, many system services start before you even connect to the computer. Network, UI related services and much more should be ready by the time you reach your desk.
If you find that your computer screen is frozen on the screen please wait, here are some steps that will help you. On this screen, you will not be able to use ALT + CTRL + DEL and therefore the only option you have is to restart the computer.
- Force automatic repair on startup
- Disable certain Windows services
- Discard changes or perform a system restore.
1) Force automatic repair at startup
It would have been a good idea to use a bootable Windows 10 USB drive to boot into safe mode, but assuming you don’t have access to any other computer, let’s force that.
First, disconnect external drives, peripherals, etc., wait a minute and turn on your system.
Now force shutdown and then power on your computer thrices in a row. To do this, first turn on the computer, then immediately press the power button again, but this time hold it down. This will shut down the computer. If you are using a desktop computer, you can also turn off the power. Repeat this three times.
The next time you start the computer, it will start the automatic startup repair process, which will eventually launch the advanced recovery mode.
Go to Troubleshooting, then select Safe Mode.
2) Disable services
Once the computer starts in safe mode, you need to disable three services:
- Windows Error Reporting Service,
- Network list service
- Knowledge of network location.
To do this, open the Run prompt and type services.msc, then press the Enter key.
It will open Windows Service Manager.
Look for the services we mentioned and follow the steps for each of the services.
Double-click to open the service properties
Stop it if the service is running
Change its startup type to disabled
Click on Apply.
Restart the PC.
3) Cancel changes or perform system restore
When you return to normal startup, the, Please wait the screen should not stay long and you should get the login screen or the desktop if there is no password set.
Although I want to suggest this earlier, but now that you are here, you must find the reason. If you changed the computer before the problem, you may need to cancel it. If you can understand, it will be easy to correct the cause. Otherwise, the best option is to restore your computer to a previous operating state.
POINT: There are more suggestions here which will help you if your Windows 10 gets stuck while loading a screen.
I hope this message was easy to understand and that you managed to get past the stuck Windows 10 Please wait screen.
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Windows updates are a critical process to the running of your system, but sometimes, they can cause your PC to get stuck on the please wait screen. If something like a power surge interrupts the update process, the next time you try to start your PC may be a long wait.
Still, it could be a slow boot issue, but if you’re stuck for more than 10 minutes, there might be another problem affecting your PC. If you have come across this issue, in this article we explore various ways to get past the please wait screen.
Why is Windows stuck on the Please Wait screen?
Windows can get stuck on a please wait screen for many reasons. Below are some of the most common ones:
- Unsuccessful update – You might get stuck on the please wait screen because of an unsuccessful update or a pending install.
- New software issues – If you have updated any software recently, then it may be causing problems with your PC.
- Malware infection – This can affect your operating system and make it so that it doesn’t respond as it should. Always ensure you have a comprehensive antivirus.
- Hardware failure – This can happen if there are problems with the motherboard or other parts of your system. It’s also possible that a hardware device has been added or removed that is causing problems.
- Corrupt hard drive – You may also see this message if the hard drive is corrupted and cannot boot properly through the operating system.
- A damaged or missing DLL file – If Windows can’t find some DLL files required for programs to run properly, it displays this message if one is missing or damaged in certain circumstances.
- App crashes – Sometimes, this can be caused by an application crashing or having trouble accessing the internet.
Other similar instances where Windows may get stuck include:
- Windows 11 stuck on Just A Moment
- Getting Windows ready stuck
- Windows stuck on login screen
- Please wait while Windows configures
What do I do if my laptop is stuck on the please wait screen?
A few preliminary checks to try out first include:
- Unplug all USB devices from your computer, including the keyboard and mouse.
- Make sure that all cables are correctly connected and securely fastened into place on both ends.
- Before restarting your PC, remove the network cable and plug it in once logged in. Also, check out what to do if your Ethernet cable is not working.
1. Run DISM and SFC scans in Safe Mode
- Start the PC in Safe Mode.
- Hit the Search icon, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
- Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealthsfc /scannow
- Now restart your PC normally.
2. Disable Network services
- While your PC is still in Safe Mode, hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
- Type services.msc and hit Enter to open.
- Locate the Network List Service and Network Location Awareness.
- For each, right-click on it and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Startup type, in the drop-down menu, select Disabled then click Apply and OK.
- Proceed to repeat the steps for the other service.
- Once completed, restart your PC normally and see if the issue persists.
- Recent Windows 11 update lets you disable profanity filter in voice typing
- Microsoft wants Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or Copilot + PCs
- Windows 11 KB5055627 update makes File Explorer more fluid
3. Perform a clean boot
- While still in Safe Mode, hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
- Type in msconfig and hit Enter.
- In the System Configuration window that opens, navigate to the Services tab and check Hide all Microsoft services option.
- Click on Disable all.
- Press OK, then restart your PC normally.
4. Perform a Startup Repair
- Hold the Shift key down and press the Power button simultaneously.
- Continue holding the Shift key, while the machine is powered on.
- When the PC restarts, you’ll see a screen with a few options. Click on Troubleshoot.
- Next, click on Advanced options.
- In the Advanced options menu, choose Startup Repair.
- Next, choose an account. You’ll need an account with Administrator privileges to continue.
- After entering the password, click Continue.
- Wait for the process to finish and restart your PC normally.
While these options have proven to work for some users, others may be down on their luck, and none of these solutions work. If that’s the case, it’s probably time to contact your PC’s manufacturer. They should be able to fix your laptop remotely if necessary.
Aside from Windows, the Microsoft Store update may also get stuck on pending. If you encounter the issue, don’t hesitate to check out our detailed guide on how to fix it.
Hopefully, this guide has helped get you out of the please wait screen. For any additional thoughts on this topic, feel free to comment below.
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products.
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.