Several times while performing important task such as installing new updates or security patches Windows Operating System might get stuck on preparing to configure Windows screen and prevent users from accessing or booting into the operating system after the update. Similar has been reported by many different users and is becoming frequent day by day.

There are various reasons why users have to face this problem like update patch is very large, error with update package file, corrupted or missing system internal file and other similar reasons. If you are finding yourself in a similar situation then don’t worry we have listed all the possible methods and fixes by which you can get rid of the screen and boot normally.

How to resolve stuck on preparing to configure Windows

Fix 1: Reboot Your Computer

If your system has temporary issue and glitches then this could become the cause of issue like this. To fix all related problem, perform a clean boot of your system to remove those discrepancies and issues with file. Follow the steps below to know how:

1. Hold your Power button for 5 seconds or more.
2. Now wait till a black screen appears.
3. Remove the power cord from the socket and unplug any unnecessary peripherals from your system.
4. Again wait for couple of minutes.
5. Put the power cord back into the socket and switch ON your computer.
6. If the boot menu takes back to the update screen then wait till it finishes.
7. After the update is completed restart your computer system once again.

If your computer stuck again during the update procedure then follow the other steps mentioned below.

Fix 2: Boot Into Repair Mode and Troubleshoot 

If you want to know how to boot into Repair mode then do these steps:

1. Force Restart your computer.
2. While on configuration screen, rapidly press F11 key on your keyboard.
3. If done successfully, you will be prompted with an Advance Startup

If the above method doesn’t work then, power off your operating system forcefully by pressing and holding down the power button till the black screen appears. Repeat the same process 3-4 times and you will automatically be booted into Repair Mode with the Advanced Startup menu.

After entering into the Advanced Startup menu you can choose different troubleshooting method like booting into safe mode, uninstall system update or Run System File Checker (SFC), DISM or CHKDSK scan through Command Prompt.

Fix 3: Repair through Safe Mode

As mentioned earlier you can boot your system into safe mode via Repair mode, this will let you open Windows Operating System with only the essential drivers and application and from here you can look for the error and repair the problem.

Follow these steps to boot your computer into Safe Mode:

1. Go to Windows Repair Mode. (Follow the above steps for help)
2. Click on Troubleshoot and move to Advanced Option then Startup Settings.
3. A new window will appear on your screen, select the Restart
4. Now from your Keyboard press F5
5. You will now be booted into Safe Mode.

Resolve the issue and after it is done head over to Start menu and choose Sign out or Shut Down then Restart to normally boot your computer.

Fix 4: Uninstall System Updates

Missing files in update package or problem with patch files are common during update and this can also becomes the reason for stuck on preparing to configure Windows issue. All you need to do is uninstall your last update by following these mentioned steps:

1. Head over to Repair Mode and move to troubleshoot
2. Now navigate to advanced options and choose Uninstall Updates.
3. Click on Uninstall latest quality update from the next screen.
4. Choose the Uninstall quality update
5. Click done after the uninstallation is finished.
6. To continue with normal boot, press

Fix 5: Run Command Line Tools

Every Windows Operating System is pre-loaded with command line tool such as System File Checker SFC, DISM and CHKDSK to scan the system looking for issue and fixing them. To use these tools, below are the required steps:

1. Launch Repair Mode.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot then Advanced Options.
3. Select Command Prompt from the list of options.
4. First type BCDEDIT and press Enter.
5. Then type the following command and replacing the Drive_Letter with your correspondent drive letter where Windows Operating System is installed, press Enter afterward.
6. sfc /scannow /offbootdir=<Drive_Letter>:\ /offwindir=<Drive_Letter>:\windows
7. Wait for it to complete then type other commands followed by Enter after each.

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth /source:F:\Sources\Install.wim:1 /LimitAccess
• chkdsk [driverletter] /f /r /x

8. After each of the command is completed then reboot your computer to check if the issue persists.

These command line tools have their significance for certain case scenarios and hence cannot be relied upon all the time, therefore we recommend you to use PC Repair Tool, it will scan your whole system thoroughly looking for error like corrupted system file, damaged registries or missing dlls and repair then automatically using its advanced algorithm mechanics and logical system.

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Conclusion

While updating your system to latest patch you are stuck on preparing to configure Windows then don’t worry there are other users experiencing the same. For that reason we have listed all the fixes and solution with adequate instructions.