How to Fix a Computer That’s Stuck on the Loading Screen
How to Fix a Computer That’s Stuck on the Loading Screen
There’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your computer, expecting to get work done, and finding it stuck on the loading screen. It’s one of those common computer problems that can leave you feeling stuck, too. Whether you’re seeing the spinning wheel of death on a Mac or the loading circle on Windows, this issue can be caused by several factors.
At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve helped plenty of customers with computer repair in Albuquerque, and we know how to fix this problem quickly. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to help you get your computer back up and running.
1. Perform a Hard Reboot
The first thing you’ll want to try is a hard reboot. Sometimes, computers get stuck because of a minor glitch, and restarting can fix the issue. To do this:
For a desktop or laptop: Hold down the power button for about 10 seconds until the system powers off completely. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.
For a Mac: If your Mac is stuck on the loading screen, try holding down the power button until it shuts off, then restart it.
If the system starts up as normal after this, it could have been a temporary glitch. If not, don’t worry—we’ll move on to more detailed troubleshooting.
2. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in both Windows and macOS that loads your system with only the essential files and drivers. If your computer can boot into Safe Mode, it usually means that the problem lies with software or drivers that load during normal startup.
For Windows: Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly as it boots up. Select "Safe Mode" from the menu that appears. If Safe Mode works, you can try uninstalling any recently installed software or updates that may be causing the issue.
For Mac: Restart your Mac and hold down the Shift key as it boots. Once in Safe Mode, you can check for updates or uninstall any recently added applications that might be causing the loading problem.
3. Disconnect External Devices
Another reason your computer may be stuck on the loading screen is due to a faulty external device. External hard drives, USB sticks, printers, or even a mouse can sometimes conflict with the boot process.
Try disconnecting all external devices from your computer, then restart it. If your computer boots normally after this, reconnect the devices one by one to identify the culprit.
4. Check for Corrupted Files or Hard Drive Issues
If your system still won’t load after trying the above steps, there could be an issue with corrupted system files or even a failing hard drive. Windows users can try using the Startup Repair tool, which automatically scans and repairs any corrupted files:
For Windows: Boot from your Windows installation media or recovery drive, select Repair Your Computer, and choose Startup Repair.
If you suspect your hard drive may be failing, running a diagnostic test or using a third-party tool to check the health of your hard drive can help pinpoint the problem.
5. Reinstall the Operating System
If all else fails, reinstalling the operating system can resolve most issues related to software corruption or malware. Be sure to back up any important files before doing this, as reinstalling will likely erase everything on your system.
At ABQ Computer Pros, we offer professional data recovery and computer repair in Albuquerque to ensure your files are safe before any major repairs are made. If you’re uncomfortable reinstalling the OS yourself, we can take care of it for you.
When to Seek Professional Help
While the above steps can help fix a computer stuck on the loading screen, more complex hardware issues like failing hard drives, faulty RAM, or a malfunctioning motherboard might require expert assistance. If you’ve tried the DIY methods and your system still won’t boot, it’s time to call in the pros.
At ABQ Computer Pros, we specialize in solving common computer problems like this one. Whether it’s a simple software fix or a full hardware replacement, our team is here to help with fast, affordable computer repair in Albuquerque.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a computer that’s stuck on the loading screen can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road for your device. With some basic troubleshooting, you can often fix the problem yourself. And if you need help or want to ensure your system is in the best hands, ABQ Computer Pros is just a call away. We’ll get your system back up and running in no time!
