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According to Microsoft, Windows 10 has around 400 million active users to date, making it four times more popular than Mac. While that is still a far cry from the tech company’s initial estimate of 1 billion users by 2018, the figures are still relatively astonishing. However, nothing in this world can be absolutely perfect. So, like many other new technologies, Windows 10 can run into some bugs and problems that are quite challenging to solve.

The operating system is riddled with glitches and issues, including one that affects the reset process.

What if Windows 10 gets stuck in an endless reboot loop after you try to bring it back to its factory settings?

In this article, we will show you several ways to resolve that problem. However, before you learn how to fix Windows 10 stuck in a boot loop after a reset, let’s take a look at the common scenarios related to the issue:

  • Resetting this PC stuck at 35 – It is possible for the reset process to get stuck at any time. In most cases, you just have to wait it out until it is complete. Do note that the process may sometimes take several hours.
  • Dell, HP, and ASUS laptop factory reset got stuck – This problem can affect various laptops. If you are the unlucky victim, you can try removing your device’s battery. Insert it again, then resume the factory reset process.
  • Computer’s factory reset got stuck – If this happens to you, you can try using the Startup Repair feature to resolve the issue.
  • Surface Pro 4 factory reset got stuck – The problem can affect Surface Pro 4 too. However, you can resolve it, using the solutions we’ve shared in this post.
  • Factory reset stuck in a boot loop – This issue can be fixed by performing a clean install. However, remember to create a backup of your files before deciding to proceed with that option.

Method 1: Repairing the System using a Bootable USB Flash Drive or Disk

One of the ways to fix this issue is to run the Startup Repair. Before proceeding, you need to download the Media Creation Tool and create a bootable media. Once you’ve done that, you can proceed to the following steps:

  1. Insert the bootable USB flash drive or disk to your computer, then restart your device. After plugging the bootable media, you should see a list of options, asking whether you want to boot your PC from the USB stick or DVD. On the other hand, if you do not see that message, you must go to your BIOS, then place the USB stick or DVD on top of the boot order.
  2. After booting into the Windows installation, select Repair your Computer, then click Advanced Options.
  3. Now, you have to select Troubleshoot, then click Startup Repair.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Once the Startup Repair process is done, check if the issue persists.

Method 2: Waiting it Out

When the factory reset gets stuck, one of your best options is to simply wait it out. Several factors can cause this issue. If your hard drive LED indicator is still blinking, then it means the reset process is still running. In this case, you just need to wait for it to complete. Many users reported that this can take several hours. You might even need to leave your computer running overnight to ensure that the process finishes completely.

Method 3: Disabling your Internet Connection

You might ask, “What if Windows 10 gets stuck in an endless reboot loop?” Well, it is possible that your Internet connection is interfering with the process. Your computer might have gotten stuck after downloading some updates. To resolve the problem, you need to disable your Internet connection. Simply unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer or switch off your wireless router. Once you’ve disabled your network, you will be able to complete the factory reset.

Method 4: Changing your BIOS Settings

The issue might have something to do with your BIOS settings. It is possible that some features are interfering with your system, disrupting the factory reset process. To resolve this problem, you need to go to your BIOS settings and perform the following:

  1. Disable Secure Boot.
  2. Enable Legacy Boot.
  3. If the option is available, enable CSM.
  4. If necessary, enable USB boot.
  5. Place your bootable disc or USB drive on top of the boot order.

Once you’ve done that, remember to save the changes you made. Try performing a factory reset and see if you can now complete it successfully.

Method 5: Reinstalling Windows 10

If you’ve tried the previous methods and none of them worked, then your last resort is performing a clean installation of Windows 10. However, before you do that, we strongly advise that you create a backup of your files. Keep in mind that this solution will remove all the files in your C drive. Once you’ve created a backup of your files, use the Media Creation Tool to create an installation media. If you have your bootable disc or USB flash drive ready, you can proceed to these steps:

  1. Plug the installation media to your computer.
  2. Boot your device via the installation media.

Note: You might need to go to your BIOS settings to change the boot order, ensuring that the installation media is at the top of the options.

  1. You will now be asked to choose your preferred installation language. Once you’ve made your selection, click Next.
  2. To proceed, click the Install Now button.
  3. You will be asked to submit your product number. If you wish, you can skip this step and opt to activate your system later.
  4. Read the Terms of Service. If you agree with them, select Accept, then click Next.
  5. Choose the ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ option.
  6. The next thing you need to do is select the drive where Windows is installed.

Note: Typically, this is the System and Primary drive. However, that is not always the case. So, to be certain that you’re selecting the system drive, check everything before you proceed. Keep in mind that if you choose the wrong drive, you will end up formatting it and removing all the files it contains. Moreover, you will have two versions of the operating system on your computer. So, it is important that you take precautions, ensuring that you are selecting the drive with Windows.

  1. You can proceed by clicking Next.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

After finishing the installation, the problem should be resolved. Remember that this is a drastic solution. That said, you should only use this method if the other solutions did not work for you.

Pro Tip: If you decided to perform a Windows 10 factory reset because your computer was intolerably slow, you should get to the bottom of the problem to prevent it from happening again. In this case, we recommend installing a powerful tool that can consistently maintain the speed and performance of your PC. There are many programs out there that can perform this job, but you can truly rely on Auslogics BoostSpeed.

What this tool does is tweak non-optimal system settings, helping operations and processes go at a faster pace. Moreover, it adjusts your Internet connection settings, ensuring faster downloads, smooth browsing, and better audio/video call quality. What’s more, you can schedule its cleaning module to regularly sweep out all kinds of junk in your PC, including temporary files, web browser cache, leftover Windows Update files, temporary Sun Java files, and unnecessary system files, among others. It will locate and address speed-reducing issues that may cause application or system crashes or glitches.

We want to know if our solutions helped you fix the error.

Share your thoughts in the comments section!