Windows 11 Freezing on Startup? Fix with 8 Solutions

Windows is the latest, most secure, and capable operating system that Microsoft currently offers. While it is a very streamlined, adaptable, and popular operating system, much like any other operating system, it comes with its fair share of issues. Many users have encountered the issue of Windows 11 freezing on startup, and it can keep the users on their toes when important work is at stake. This article will tell you how to fix Windows 11 freezing on Startup with eight solutions.

What Causes Windows 11 Frozen at Startup

While there can be numerous causes for such an issue, some in particular are behind most instances. These are:

• Insufficient RAM: If you have heavy apps set to be run at startup or the system is preoccupied with a ton of junk files, it can lead to the occupation of RAM storage. Less available RAM can sometimes cause the system to freeze at startup, lag, and even a blue screen of death (BSOD) error.
• Faulty Peripherals: If you have outdated peripheral devices plugged into your computer or a malicious USB drive, it can cause your system to freeze at startup or crash while booting up.
• Corrupted Or Damaged System Files: System files are essential for PC startup. Any issue with these files can cause the system to freeze or crash during the startup.
• Outdated GPU Drivers: For a successful and smooth system startup, it is essential for all the motherboard components to boot up perfectly. In case of incompatible or outdated GPU drivers, the system may freeze while booting up.

Well, now that you know enough about what causes Windows 11 to freeze at the startup in the first place, let's look at how to fix Windows 11 freezing on startup with 8 solutions in a more detailed way.

How to Fix Windows 11 Freezing on Startup [8 Methods]

We'll introduce eight possible methods to help you resolve Windows 11 getting frozen on startup:

• Fix 1. Run Windows Startup Repair
• Fix 2. Perform a Clean Boot to Fix the Frozen
• Fix 3. Boot into Safe Mode to Troubleshoot
• Fix 4. Disable Windows Fast Startup
• Fix 5. Run DISM Command to Repair Windows 11
• Fix 6. Update Device Drivers in Windows 11
• Fix 7. Check for Available Windows 11 Updates
• Fix 8. Fix Stuck Issue by Performing System Restore

You can also look up the following video according to the timestamps for a quick and easy fix for the issue:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:14 Use the command prompt
• 00:51 Desyncing the clock

Fix 1. Run Windows Startup Repair

Other than the usual Windows settings, you can use some operating system-level settings and utilities to repair Windows 11 and fix issues like Windows 11 freezing at startup. One such utility is the Windows startup repair. Here's how to use it:

Step 1. Open Windows settings by pressing the Windows+I Keys on your keyboard.

Step 2. In the Windows settings, head over to the System settings and then open Recovery.

Step 3. From the recovery options, head to the Advanced Startup and click the "Restart Now" button.

Step 4. This will boot you into a blue screen. From the bluescreen, Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Repair".

Step 5. The startup repair will automatically diagnose your PC for startup issues and suggest a course of action.

Fix 2. Perform a Clean Boot to Fix the Frozen

Sometimes, a conflicting or malicious application or service can cause the system to freeze during the startup. Performing a clean boot can help you identify the application as it boots up Windows with minimal applications and Windows services. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Type in msconfig in the Windows search box and open the first option that appears.

Step 2. Head to the Services tab in the Windows system configuration, check the "Hide all Microsoft services" button, then click "Disable all". After that, click on "Apply" to save all the settings.

Step 3. Next, open the Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl+Shift+Esc buttons on your keyboard. In the task manage, open the Startup apps tab. After that, right-click and disable each app from the startup.

Step 4. Now, restart your PC to perform Windows clean boot. If the PC boots up generally without freezing, you can try uninstalling a few applications and services that you suspect to try and fix the issue.

While we have 6 more fixes to go, if you like this article so far, please make sure that you share it with your friends. This helps us reach more people and solve your PC's day-to-day issues more precisely.

Fix 3. Boot into Safe Mode to Troubleshoot

By booting into safe mode in Windows, you boot Windows with only the essential drivers and services. This helps you eliminate the possibility of an issue with the default and fundamental drivers. Here's how to boot Windows 11 in safe mode:

Step 1. Open Windows settings by pressing the Windows+I keys on your keyboard.

Step 2. In the Windows settings, head over to the System settings and then open Recovery.

Step 3. In the Recovery options, click on the "Restart Now" button next to the Advanced Startup option.

Step 4. Now, this will boot you into a Blue screen. Click on "Troubleshoot" > "Startup Settings". Click Restart to restart the PC into the startup settings interface in the Startup settings settings.

Step 5. Finally, press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

If the PC boots up normally in safe mode, you know there isn't an issue with the default drivers, settings, and peripherals. If you have recently installed an application or a driver, try removing or uninstalling them to fix the startup issues. If your Windows Safe Mode not working, try to fix the issue with the methods mentioned in this passage:

How to Fix Windows 11 Safe Mode Not Working [Simple Fixes⭐] 

Are you having an issue with Windows Safe Mode? Are you unable to troubleshoot in Windows Safe Mode? Read more >>

Fix 4. Disable Windows Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a Windows feature that cuts down on your PC's boot time by not shutting it down entirely after a shutdown but only closing the apps and bringing the PC back from hibernation rather than a complete Shutdown. Due to the complexity of this feature, it can cause the Startup to freeze on some PCs. Here's how to disable Windows Fast Startup:

Step 1. Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu. From the top right corner, change the View to Small icons.

Step 2. Now open Power options. Open the "Choose what power buttons do" option in the Power options.

Step 3. Click the "Change settings that are currently unavailable" option in the power button options.

Step 4. Now, uncheck the Fast Startup option and save the changes.

Fix 5. Run DISM Command to Repair Windows 11

If there is an issue with the Windows Disk Image, you will encounter issues during Windows startup. Using the command prompt, you can use the DISM command to fix the problems with the Windows Disk Image. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open Windows Start and search for the Command prompt. Right-click it and choose "Run as Administrator".

Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type in DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command and hit enter.

Step 3. Now, DISM will automatically run and try to diagnose issues with the Windows Image. If the problems are diagnosed, the DISM will attempt to replace corrupt disk image files with fresh and working copies.

Step 4. Try restarting your PC to check if the issue is fixed.

Fix 6. Update Device Drivers in Windows 11

As previously stated, outdated or incompatible drivers to crucial components like the GPU can cause the PC to freeze at startup. You can update the outdated drivers using the Device Manager. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Right-click the Windows icon in the Taskbar and open Device Manager from the context menu.

Step 2. In the Device Manager, find the component to which you wish to update the drivers. Expand the option for the list of devices for that component.

Step 3. Now, right-click the device and click on "Update Driver". A new window will open. You can choose for Windows to automatically search and install the latest and compatible drivers, or if you've downloaded the updated drivers, you can choose to use them.

Once the drivers are updated, restart your PC and check if the issue is fixed. You can check more information about the Windows 11 driver update in the following passage:

How to Update USB Drivers on Windows 11 [2023 Guide] - EaseUS

Are you wondering how to update drivers on Windows 11? This article will guide you on how to use and fix your drivers. Read more >>

Fix 7. Check for Available Windows 11 Updates

Microsoft keeps shipping updates for Windows, which can have bug fixes, improvements, and many other features. Updating your Windows 11 to the latest version can help fix the startup freeze issue. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open Windows settings by pressing the Windows+I keys on your keyboard.

Step 2. Head over to the Windows update section from the left pane in the Windows settings.

Step 3. Now, click the Check For Updates Button to check for updates. If any updates are available, make sure you download and install them.

Just one more fix to go. If you've already fixed the issue, share this post with your friends and colleagues to save their time and effort.

Fix 8. Fix Stuck Issue by Performing System Restore

System restore is a feature in Windows that allows you to convert Windows to a state before a software or significant driver update. Windows automatically keeps creating system restore points, which can be used to restore the machine's condition. If, after a recent software installation or driver update, you've been encountering the issue, you can use the System restore:

Step 1. Search for Recovery in the Start Menu. And Open the Control Panel recovery option.

Step 2. In the Control panel. Open System Restore.

Step 3. Now, this will open the System Restore Window. You can proceed with the recommended system restore point or select one from the list.

Once the system restore is completed, check if the issue is fixed for you.

Restore Data After Fixing Windows 11 Freezing on Startup

System freezes during startup can cause data loss on the Windows operating system. Certain crucial parts of your PC's data are lost if your system has recently frozen or crashed. These parts can hamper your workflow and may have other significance for you. When you accidentally delete files on Windows, you need to find a tool to recover deleted files from Windows 11.

While there are countless data recovery software out there, one in particular has produced consistent results and comes from one of the most trusted developers. With a high successful recovery rate, the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro is one of the most trusted data recovery software. It works flawlessly in recovering data from your PC in any situation.

Let's see how to get files off a laptop that won't turn on with the EaseUS data recovery tool:

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.

Summary

Various issues like insufficient RAM, faulty peripherals, corrupted system files, outdated GPU drivers, etc can cause Windows 11 to freeze on startup. The article provided 8 effective solutions to fix the freezing issue, including running startup repair, clean boot, safe mode, disabling fast startup, using DISM command, updating drivers, checking for Windows updates, and performing a system restore.

To prevent potential data loss after system crashes, it's highly recommended that users download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, which can reliably recover lost data in any situation.

Windows 11 Freezing on Startup FAQs

While we tried to ensure that the issue gets fixed for you, some questions can still remain unanswered for you. You can find the answers to those questions here.

Why does my Windows 11 keep freezing at startup?

Insufficient RAM, faulty peripherals, corrupted system files, outdated GPU drivers, or a recent buggy software/driver update commonly cause Windows 11 freezing at startup. The system freezes because critical components fail to load correctly during boot-up due to these issues.

How to fix Windows 11 startup issues?

To fix Windows 11 startup issues like freezing, use the built-in Startup Repair tool, perform a clean boot to isolate conflicts, update drivers, check for Windows updates, or do a system restore. You can also boot in Safe Mode or disable Fast Startup to troubleshoot. Running the DISM command can repair corrupt system files causing startup failure. If fixes don't work, a clean reinstall of Windows may be needed.

Will fixing Windows 11 freezing on startup lose data?

Fixing Windows 11 startup freezing does not directly cause data loss. However, to prevent potential data loss from system crashes, download the EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. This software has a 99.7% successful recovery rate and can reliably restore lost data after fixing startup issues.

What is the most effective way to fix Windows 11 freezing problem?

The built-in Startup Repair tool is the most effective way to fix Windows 11 freezing. Startup Repair will automatically diagnose issues and repair corrupted system files that often cause freezing. Running Startup Repair from the Advanced Options menu consistently resolves startup and freezing problems in Windows 11 without needing more complex troubleshooting.