How to fix Windows not restarting?

Question

Issue: How to fix Windows not restarting?

Hello. When I press restart on my Windows PC, it does not work. I can shut down the computer but not restart it. How can I fix this?

Solved Answer

Some users have faced the annoying and disruptive problem of Windows not restarting, especially those who upgraded from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 and later. It has also been reported by individuals who experienced the issue following a major update in Windows 11. This problem may create annoyance and seriously interrupt a user's workflow.

A computer's inability to restart correctly can have a variety of effects on users. The inability to apply security patches and important system updates – which are necessary to keep the operating system stable and secure – is among the most noticeable effects right away. Users may occasionally not be able to take advantage of the upgrades' new features and enhancements, which could result in a less-than-ideal computing experience. Furthermore, if the system doesn't shut down correctly, it can result in data loss or lost work, which could be frustrating and reduce productivity.

For people who depend on their computers for business, the problem can be especially annoying because improper restarts can interfere with everyday activities and workflow. Users who are not experienced in resolving technological issues may find it difficult to solve this problem on their own, which could cause stress while they spend time looking for assistance.

Depending on what's causing the problem, there are many measures that can be taken to fix Windows not restarting. These fixes could involve updating drivers, fixing corrupted system files, or restoring the system to a previous state before the issue started. Users can also attempt to start their computers in Safe Mode^[1] in order to locate and fix any third-party applications or drivers that are causing issues.

In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix Windows not restarting. You can also run a maintenance tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,^[2] corrupted files, and registry^[3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1. Run the Power troubleshooter

• Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
• Choose the Update & Security option.
• Select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
• Choose the Additional troubleshooters option.

• Click the Power option.
• Now, click the Run the troubleshooter button.

Step 2. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
• Click on Disable all button.

• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.
• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.

Step 3. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 4. Enter Safe Mode

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
• Choose Update & Security.
• Select Recovery from the left pane.
• Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

• Choose Troubleshoot.
• Select Advanced options and then Startup settings.
• Click Restart.
• Choose Safe mode or Safe mode with Networking from the list.
• Try restarting your PC from Safe mode.

Step 5. Disable Intel Management Engine

• Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
• Double-click on System devices to expand it.
• Right-click on the Intel(R) Management Engine Interface option.

• Choose Disable device from the contextual menu.
• Shut down your PC and start it again.
• Try restarting it again.

Step 6. Reset Windows

• Open the Settings app.
• Choose the Update & Security option.
• Choose Recovery from the left pane.

• Click Get started under the Reset this PC section.
• Choose the Keep my files option.
• Finally, click Next, followed by the Reset button.

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