For safety purposes, we all set a lock to our Windows PC with a pin or password. It’s become a necessity. But what if you got stuck on the lock screen before login into your PC?
This dilemma will hit harder when you have to use the PC for urgency. Suppose this happens when you have to send an important mail. Embarrassment will be on the pick.
Several factors are behind this freezing lock screen. You will know all the reasons behind this and how to overcome this problem.
So, read this article until the end. While reading, keep applying all the steps to solve this problem quickly.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Why is Windows Stuck on Welcome Screen Before Login?
You could be stuck on the lock screen before login because of a startup issue, outdated software driver problem, or incompatible softwares. Other factors such as obsolete applications, corrupted registry errors, or even malware can throw this sticking problem while you attempt to log in.
The above reasons are mainly responsible for a stuck login screen. So, why did the login screen get stuck all of a sudden?
A PC failing to ensure specific requirements while starting up will freeze the screen. Outdated softwares which is set to startup apps might trigger this phenomenon. Moreover, drivers are responsible for running a system smoothly, and that’s why driver issues can trigger this too.
Registry error is also in the list of the accused. If a login or startup-related registry key or value is edited wrongly, it may bring chaos to the system. I will not be surprised, and you shouldn’t be when the lock screen freezes due to a registry error.
To get you out of this sticky situation, I have picked up and poured out some best-fixing methods into this article. So, let’s explore them.
Check out our separate post on how to Speed Up Windows 11 Performance by Tweaking Settings.
How to Fix Windows Getting Stuck on Welcome Screen
To solve this stuck at the lock screen before login, you can check for issues in drivers and find out softwares that is incompatible with your system. In addition, you can scan your entire system for malware. Malware is prone to cause this type of problem on Windows PC.
Boot into Safe Mode before Beginning
You must boot into your PC through safe mode; when you cannot access your PC because you are stuck on the lock screen.
To access Safe Mode, press and hold the Shift key on the keyboard and restart the PC. After a restart, you will see a Choose an option screen.
You can also press and hold the power button when your PC starts to boot. Release the power button when your PC turns off. Repeat the process twice, and the third time while booting up, you will see the Preparing Automatic Repair message under the Window logo.
Choose an option screen that will appear before you. Now. go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
You will see several restart options. Press the number 5 key from the keyboard to restart and boot into the system with safe mode with Networking.
Here are the methods to fix Windows is stuck on the welcome screen:
1. Go for Startup Repair
Windows 10 and 11 have many troubleshooting options available in safe mode. It is the only option when you can’t access your PC directly. I told you earlier how to enter safe mode. Now take a look at the steps to begin the startup Repair process.
Here are the steps to run the Startup Repair tool:
- Click on the Power icon. Press the Shift key and select the Restart option.
- Click on Troubleshoot from Choose an option screen.
- Select Advanced options.
- Click on Startup Repair.
- Select the local user from the Startup Repair screen after restart.
- Enter the password if your local account has any. Then click on Continue.
Now, Windows 10/11 will check for any startup issues. You can choose how to handle those errors after the Startup Repair tool finds them.
Note: You can also choose the System Restore option, but this restoring process is only possible when you have created a restore point before. The process is similar; you must also choose your username and enter your password. Next, you will need to select the desired restore point and follow the instructions.
Read more on how to Install & Uninstall Fonts on Windows 11.
2. Run the System File Checker(SFC)
Corrupted system files can create many problems in your OS; lock screen freeze is one of them. When facing a lock screen stuck problem, you can run the SFC tool from the Safe mode.
System File Checker will scan for corrupted, missing, or damaged System files. After checking, it will fix the corrupted or damaged files and update the missing ones.
Here are the steps to run SFC to fix stuck on the login screen:
- Press the Shift key and click on the Restart option.
- Select Troubleshoot from Choose an option screen.
- Navigate to Advanced options and click on Command prompt.
- Type the following command line and press Enter key.
sfc /scannow
After executing this command line, the scanning process will begin. It will take up to 10-20 minutes to finish this process. If SFC scan results fail to find any corrupted files or integrity violations, you can use DISM tools.
3. Use the DISM Tool to Fix Corrupt Files
You can fix corrupt files using the SFC scanner, but with the DISM tool, you can target other areas of your device. You can use the DISM tool to identify and fix corrupted files within the system by running the DISM command lines in the CMD.
The DISM tool can scan for damaged files and automatically attempts to restore damaged or missing files.
Here are the steps to run DISM Tool using CMD in the Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the Shift key and Restart the PC
- Click on the Troubleshooter option after the Reboot.
- Navigate to Advanced options > Command Prompt.
- Type the following commands to fix any issues using the DISM Tool.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- Hit Enter key from the keyboard.
After executing the command, the process will start scanning for corrupted files. Wait for the process to finish, and after completing the task, close the CMD. Restart the PC and check whether you can get past the Windows Welcome screen.
Also, follow our separate guide to fix Date Popup Does Not Work on Windows 11.
4. Eject all USB Devices
Sometimes USB devices can lead you to this problem. Corrupted or malfunctioned USB devices might be the reason you are stuck on the Welcome screen. When the PC is turned on, USB-connected devices also start working. So, a corrupted USB device can halt the Windows beginning process.
Many users reported getting stuck on the Windows login screen when plugged into one or two USB devices. They got rid of this issue when they disconnected all the USB devices from the PC.
And you might be facing this login screen stuck problem for the same reason. So, remove or eject all the USB devices from the PC to solve this problem. You can also try to eject USB devices one at a time to check which one is causing the main problem.
5. Disable the Fast Startup Feature
The first startup is a feature in Windows that enables your computer to boot as fast as possible, which is excellent but problematic at the same time. A fast startup can create issues during a shutdown, and for this, you could face Windows getting stuck on the login screen after a restart.
You must disable this fast startup feature from the Safe Mode to fix this error.
Here are the steps to disable fast startup from Safe Mode:
- Restart and boot your computer into Safe Mode.
- Press Windows Key + R and type control in the Run.
- Click on Power Options from the Control Panel Items. Make sure the View by option is set to Large icons.
- Click on the What the power buttons do link from the left-side pane.
- Select the Change settings that are currently unavailable It will unlock all the locked options.
- Uncheck the Turn on fast startup(recommended) option.
- Click on the Save changes button to apply the changes before restarting the PC.
After disabling the fast startup feature, you will find no stuck on the lock screen. Even if this problem is not solved, you can use the following method.
Read more on how to Fix Windows 11 Install Error 0x800f0922.
6. Boot the System With Clean Boot Mode
Clean boot is a process where you can run the system without any third-party services. Systems files sometimes conflict with third-party applications and their services when booting up. Those apps enabled as startup apps can cause Windows to be stuck on the login screen.
To resolve this issue, you need to perform a clean boot which only boots with only required services.
Here are the steps to boot the system with clean boot mode:
- Boot into the Safe Mode first.
- Press Windows Key + X and select Run.
- Type msconfig and click on OK.
- Select the Service tab and check the box labeled as Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click on the Disable all button.
- Restart the PC.
After reboot, check if the problem is solved. The best way to find out the rogue application is to enable each program individually and then reboot to check for the issue.
After enabling which app causes the login screen to be stuck, keep an eye on that. After finding out the culprit, uninstall the app.
7. Uninstall the latest Windows Updates
Windows updates are very prominent, and Microsoft fixes all the unwanted bugs through this. Updates make your OS more stable, but sometimes they can do the opposite. Some updates can cause trouble.
Corrupted updates are among the accused ones which trigger this problem. Fixing is easy by uninstalling all the recent updates. So, boot into the Safe Mode first, then follow the below steps.
Here are the steps to uninstall the latest Windows updates:
- Press Windows Key + I and select Windows Update from the Settings.
- Navigate to Update history and scroll down.
- Select Uninstall updates.
- Choose the Updates and uninstall the updates that caused this problem after installing them.
- Click on the Uninstall option on the right side of the updates.
This update process will take you to the classic control panel installed update section. After completing the uninstalling process, reboot the PC. And check whether it works for you or not.
8. Restart Windows Update Service
Windows updates require rebooting of the system to finish the updating process. But when the update system gets stuck, it freezes the login screen. So, to fix this frustrating issue, you will need to restart the Windows Update service.
Since you can’t use the PC due to a stuck screen issue, you will need to boot the system. After entering into the Safe Mode, follow the below steps.
Here are the steps to restart the Windows update service:
- Restart the PC and press F11 to enter into Windows Recovery Mode. This F11 key is not fixed. Some PCs may use the F9 or F12 key.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt from the Choose an option screen.
- Run the below commands to restart the update process. Press Enter Key to execute each line.
net stop wuauserv
cd %systemroot%
ren SoftwareDistribution SD.old
net start wuauserv
- Restart the PC.
After rebooting, wait for the login screen to appear, and I hope you won’t see the screen stuck problem this time.
9. Disconnect the Internet
From time to time, it is reported by users that they successfully unfreeze the login screen after they disconnect the PC from the internet. The explanation is quite simple when Windows OS tries to connect to the internet for several reasons during startup.
It might be for update purposes or other software-related requirements. And that’s when the problem arises, and the login screen freezes.
To resolve this problem, restart the PC; this time, you just need to disconnect the internet while booting up the PC. Then check for the login screen stuck problem. I hope it’s gone by now if the internet is behind all this.
Related content you should read: how to Fix cFosSpeed Driver Preventing Windows 11 Installation.
10. Remove Laptop Battery If Possible
If you have this problem with your laptop, you can try removing or unplugging the battery from the board if possible. Sometimes unplugging or removing the battery from the laptop fixes the stuck screen problem while attempting to log in.
The process is simple, and you don’t need to be a pro technician. Simply shut down the PC and remove the battery if it is removable without opening the laptop. Wait for at least five to six minutes and place the battery again.
Next, press the power button and turn on the laptop. If disconnecting the battery for a while solves the issue, check whether this problem repeats again or not.
Sorry to say it’s time to replace the battery if it does.
FAQs
Why is my laptop stuck on the login screen?
Failure of the Windows updating process or HDD storage issue can sometimes cause freezing reboot loop issues during the login process. Corrupted systems files or third-party apps can throw this type of error.
How to unfreeze the Windows lock screen?
You can run SFC or DISM tools using CMD in the Safe Mode to unfreeze or unstuck the Windows lock screen. You can also try disconnecting the internet and all the USB devices from the PC to fix the issue.
How to boot into the Windows Recovery Environment or WinRE?
You can boot into WinRE by holding the Shift and restarting the PC. When you cannot do that, press the F11 key immediately when the PC is restarting. You may need to press the F9 or F12 key on some PCs to go WinRE mode.
Conclusion
I know how annoying it is to get stuck on the PC’s lock screen during emergency work. Factors like malfunctioned apps, outdated drivers, or malware can invoke this problem.
You can quickly fix this with the above methods, but booting into the Safe Mode is a must. You can try startup repair or use the SFC or DISM scanning and fixing tool. Disconnecting the internet and all the USB device will solve this problem also.
I hope you have already fixed the issue by reading this article till the end. For further assistance, let me know by commenting.
