Before you start: This is for a PC that turns on (lights, fan, logo) but doesn't reach Windows. If nothing at all happens when you press power, skip to When to stop.
Steps
- Stuck on "Working on updates" or a percentage? Give it time — up to two hours if the number is still moving. Don't switch it off while it's moving.
- To reach the repair menu: turn the PC on, and as soon as you see the maker's logo or the spinning dots, hold the power button until it switches off. Do this three times. On the next start Windows says Preparing Automatic Repair.
- When you see Automatic Repair, click Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
- Try Startup Repair first. Let it run; it may take a while and may restart the machine.
- If it comes back with couldn't repair, go back to Advanced options and try System Restore, choosing the most recent restore point from before the trouble started. Your files are not affected by System Restore, only recent programs/updates.
- If Windows starts, run Settings → Windows Update and let it finish anything pending.
If that didn't work
- If it asks for a BitLocker recovery key, see the locked-out guide — the key is on your Microsoft account.
- Don't choose Reset this PC unless you're certain everything is backed up — it can remove your programs and, with the wrong option, your files.
When to stop and call
Startup Repair and System Restore both fail, it's asking for a recovery key you don't have, or the machine shows no signs of power at all. Your data is almost always still recoverable — that's a visit.
Book a visit →