Laptop does not finish rebooting: reasons and solutions for Windows/Linux

For Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch):

If a hang occurs during the initialization phase systemd, try:

• 🐧Load into recovery mode (select the kernel marked (recovery mode) in GRUB).
• 🔄 Execute the commands:

  sudo fsck -fy /
  sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install --reinstall linux-image-generic

• 📝 Check error logs: journalctl -xb -p 3 (for systemd).

4. Driver and update conflicts: how to roll back changes

A common reason for endless reboots is incompatible drivers, especially after updates via Windows Update or manufacturer's utilities (for example, Dell Update, HP Support Assistant). Typical culprits:

• 🖥️ Drivers NVIDIA/AMD for discrete video cards (errors VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE).
• 🔊 Drivers Realtek Audio (may block loading at the stage cls.sys).
• 🌐 Network drivers Killer Networking (known problems with MSI And Alienware).

To roll back a driver manually:

1. Boot into safe mode with network support.
2. Open Device Manager (devmgmt.msc).
3. Find the device with a yellow exclamation mark, right-click → “Properties” → “Roll back driver”.
4. If a rollback is not available, uninstall the driver and reboot - Windows will install the base version.

For Linux conflicts are more likely to occur with proprietary drivers (e.g. nvidia-driver). Solution:

sudo apt-get purge nvidia-* && sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

⚠️ Attention: If an endless reboot started after the update BIOS, do not under any circumstances attempt to flash it again without a stable power source. On laptops ASUS And Gigabyte unsuccessful firmware BIOS may block the chip - you will need a programmer.

5. Viruses and malware: hidden causes of failures

Some viruses (for example, rootkit-families ZeroAccess or TDL4) modify boot sectors, which leads to cyclic reboots. Signs of infection:

• 🛡️ The antivirus refuses to update or is blocked.
• 🔍 B Task Manager unknown processes with random names appear.
• 📁 Files on the system drive are encrypted (ransomware like WannaCry).

To check:

1. Boot from Kaspersky Rescue Disk or Dr.Web LiveUSB.
2. Scan the disk for threats (pay attention to folders C:WindowsSystem32drivers And C:WindowsTemp).
3. If viruses are found, perform disinfection, then restore system files via sfc /scannow.

On Linux Viruses are less common, but can infect startup scripts. Check:

sudo chmod -R 755 /etc/cron*
sudo grep -r "wget\|curl" /etc/cron* /var/spool/cron/

6. Problems with BIOS/UEFI: reset and update

Incorrect settings BIOS or a failure of its firmware can cause a freeze at the stage POST (power-on self-test). Typical scenarios:

• 🔧 Reset settings: if you have previously changed the parameters Secure Boot, Fast Boot or boot priority.
• 📋 TPM conflict: on laptops with Windows 11 may require inclusion TPM 2.0.
• 🔄 BIOS update failed: for example, interrupted due to a power outage.

To reset BIOS:

1. Turn off the laptop, unplug the charger.
2. Remove the battery (if possible).
3. Locate the jumper on the motherboard CMOS (usually signed CLR_CMOS) and close it for 10 seconds.
4. If there is no jumper, remove the battery CR2032 for 5–10 minutes.

To update BIOS in emergency mode (if the laptop does not boot):

• Download the latest firmware from the manufacturer's website (for example, for Lenovo — pcsupport.lenovo.com).
• Unzip the file to FAT32-flash drive, renaming it to BIOS.bin (name depends on the model!).
• Connect the flash drive to the switched off laptop, hold down Fn + Esc (for Lenovo) or Win + B (for MSI) and turn on the power.

7. When to contact service: signs of serious damage

If all of the above methods do not help, the problem may be hardware and require professional repair. Contact the service if:

• 🔥Laptop overheats (turns off after 5-10 minutes of operation) - there may be a malfunction of the cooling system or thermal paste.
• ⚡ Visible on the motherboard swollen capacitors or traces of oxidation.
• 💾 SSD not defined in any BIOS, nor when connected to another PC.
• 🔌 The laptop does not respond to charging (the indicator does not light up), but runs on battery power - the power controller is faulty.

The cost of repair depends on the diagnosis:

For laptops with a valid warranty (e.g. Apple MacBook or Huawei MateBook) Do not attempt to repair it yourself - this will void the warranty. Contact an authorized service center with a receipt and warranty card.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about endless reboot