Wait 2–4 hours if the hard drive light blinks or disk activity occurs, as Windows may still be processing; 2. Force restart by holding the power button for 10 seconds and repeat 2–3 times to trigger Windows Recovery Environment; 3. Boot into Recovery Mode and use Startup Repair, System Restore, or run sfc /scannow and DISM commands in Command Prompt to fix corrupted files; 4. Disconnect peripherals, run chkdsk C: /f /r to check disk errors, and uninstall recent updates if the issue persists; 5. Reset Windows via Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, choosing to keep files or remove everything as needed, ensuring resolution of deep configuration problems.

If your PC is stuck on the "Preparing to configure Windows" screen during startup, it can be frustrating—especially if it's been hours. This screen usually appears after a Windows update or reboot and should only take a few minutes. If it's frozen, here’s how to fix it step by step.

1. Wait a Bit Longer (But Not Too Long)

Sometimes, Windows just needs more time—especially after a major update.

• Wait at least 2–4 hours before assuming it’s truly stuck.
• Signs it’s still working:
  • Hard drive light is blinking occasionally.
  • You can hear disk activity.
  • The progress bar (if visible) moves slightly.

If there’s no activity at all after 4 hours, it’s likely frozen.

2. Force Restart the PC

If it’s truly stuck, a forced reboot won’t hurt and may trigger recovery mode.

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to shut down.
2. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.
3. Repeat this 2–3 times during startup (interrupt booting each time).

? This usually triggers Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) on the fourth try.

3. Boot into Recovery Mode and Repair

Once in recovery mode:

1. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options.
2. Try these in order:

? Startup Repair

• Lets Windows automatically fix boot issues.
• May resolve configuration loop.

? System Restore

• If you have a restore point from before the issue, use it.
• Go to: Advanced Options > System Restore

? Command Prompt (SFC & DISM)

Run these commands to repair system files:

sfc /scannow

DISM /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

?? Make sure C: is your Windows drive. If not, adjust accordingly.

These can fix corrupted system files preventing configuration.

4. Check for Update or Disk Issues

If the problem keeps recurring:

• Disconnect unnecessary peripherals (printers, external drives).

• Check disk health:

  • Run chkdsk C: /f /r in Command Prompt (from recovery).
  • This scans for disk errors and bad sectors.

• Uninstall recent updates (if possible):

  • In recovery: Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates
  • Remove the latest quality or feature update if it’s causing the loop.

5. Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing works:

• Go to: Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
• Choose:
  • Keep my files (removes apps/settings, keeps personal data), or
  • Remove everything (clean slate).

This reinstalls Windows but can resolve deep configuration issues.

Final Tips

• Avoid turning off your PC during updates.
• Ensure stable power (especially laptops—keep them plugged in).
• Consider updating your BIOS/UEFI if this happens repeatedly (check manufacturer’s site).

Basically, most "Preparing to configure Windows" hangs are fixable by forcing entry into recovery and using built-in repair tools. The key is patience first, then intervention.

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