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How to Fix Windows 11 Logo Freeze: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

If your Windows 11 PC freezes on the logo screen during startup, it can be frustrating. This issue prevents you from accessing your desktop and using your computer normally. Fortunately, there are several basic troubleshooting steps you can follow to fix this problem.

In this guide, we will walk you through simple, step-by-step solutions. Each step is designed to help you identify the cause and get your system working again. No advanced technical skills are required.

By following the instructions carefully, you can resolve the Windows 11 logo freeze and avoid costly repairs or data loss. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the fixes.

Remember to be patient and read each step fully to understand why it is important.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

Before trying any fixes, make sure you have the following:

  • Stable power supply: Ensure your PC is plugged in or has sufficient battery.
  • Disconnect unnecessary devices: Remove USB drives, external hard disks, printers, or other peripherals that could interfere with startup.
  • Wait patiently: Sometimes the freeze may resolve on its own after a few minutes.
  • Backup your data: If possible, once your PC starts, back up important files to avoid data loss.

Step 1: Perform a Hard Reboot

Sometimes, temporary glitches cause the freeze. A hard reboot can clear this and help your PC start fresh.

  1. Press and hold the power button on your PC until it completely shuts down (usually about 10 seconds).
  2. Wait for about 30 seconds to one minute before turning it back on.
  3. Press the power button again to restart your computer.

This simple step resets the hardware state and can fix minor issues preventing startup.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. If the freeze does not occur in Safe Mode, the problem is likely caused by software or drivers.

To enter Safe Mode when stuck on the logo screen, follow these steps:

  1. Force shutdown your PC by holding the power button.
  2. Turn on your PC and as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button to force shutdown again.
  3. Repeat this process 2 to 3 times. Windows will automatically enter the Recovery Environment on the next startup.
  4. In the Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings.
  5. Click Restart. After reboot, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

Once in Safe Mode, you can uninstall recently installed programs or update drivers that might cause the freeze.

Step 3: Run Automatic Startup Repair

Windows 11 includes a tool that scans and fixes common startup problems automatically.

  1. Enter the Recovery Environment as explained in Step 2.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
  3. Select your user account and enter your password if required.
  4. Let Windows diagnose and fix issues. This may take some time.

Startup Repair can resolve corrupted system files or misconfigured settings that cause freezing.

Step 4: Check and Repair Disk Errors

Hard drive problems can lead to startup freezes. Running a disk check can find and fix these errors.

To do this, you need to access the Command Prompt from the Recovery Environment:

  1. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk /f /r C:

This command checks the C: drive for errors and attempts to repair them.

Note: Replace C: with your system drive letter if different.

The process may take some time. Once complete, restart your PC.

Step 5: Use System Restore to Revert Changes

If the freeze started recently, a recent update or software installation might be the cause. System Restore lets you revert your PC to a previous state.

To use System Restore:

  1. Access the Recovery Environment.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  3. Select a restore point dated before the issue began.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This step can undo harmful changes without affecting your personal files.

Step 6: Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause boot issues. If you can access Safe Mode, try these steps:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for devices with a yellow warning icon.
  3. Right-click the device and choose Update driver. Follow prompts to search automatically.
  4. If a recent driver update caused the problem, right-click the device and select Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

Keeping drivers up to date or reverting problematic updates can solve startup freezes.

Step 7: Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If none of the above steps work, resetting Windows can restore your system to factory settings. This will reinstall Windows but allows you to keep personal files if you choose.

To reset your PC:

  1. Open the Recovery Environment.
  2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  3. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

This process takes time but often fixes deep system issues causing freezes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my Windows 11 freeze on the logo screen?

This can happen due to corrupted system files, driver issues, hardware problems, or software conflicts during startup.

Can I fix the freeze without losing my data?

Yes, many troubleshooting steps like Safe Mode, Startup Repair, and System Restore do not delete personal files. However, resetting Windows or reinstalling may cause data loss unless you choose to keep files.

How long should I wait before assuming the PC is frozen?

If the logo screen stays for more than 10-15 minutes without progress, it is likely frozen and requires troubleshooting.

What if my PC doesn’t enter Recovery Environment after multiple shutdowns?

Use a Windows 11 installation USB drive to boot into Recovery Mode manually.

Is it safe to run chkdsk from Recovery Mode?

Yes, running chkdsk helps identify and fix disk errors that may cause startup issues.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and your Windows 11 PC still freezes on the logo screen, it may indicate a serious hardware problem or system corruption. Here are some final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft’s official support page for personalized assistance.
  • Check hardware components: Faulty RAM, hard drive, or motherboard can cause freezes. Consider consulting a professional technician to diagnose hardware.
  • Use Windows 11 installation media: Create a bootable USB drive to reinstall Windows completely if recovery tools fail.

Conclusion

Freezing on the Windows 11 logo screen can be caused by various issues, but most can be fixed with simple troubleshooting. Start with basic steps like hard reboot and Safe Mode, then move on to system repair tools and driver fixes.

Always perform troubleshooting in order from simplest to more advanced to avoid unnecessary complications. If you back up your data regularly, you will be better prepared for any system problems.

By following this guide, you increase your chances of resolving the freeze quickly and safely, restoring your PC to full functionality.

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