Windows Is Loading Files Startup Repair

Try launching File Explorer now and check if it is still loading slow. Launch Folder Windows in Separate Process. This setting will open each folder in a separate window. Solution 4: Run Startup Repair. The Startup Repair is also a popular tool built in Windows. Its main function is to scan and repair the errors that may break off the loading process of the computer system. Here’s how to use it: Click on the Windows Start button. Scroll down to select Settings option. In “ Troubleshoot “, click “ Advanced options “, then click “ Startup Settings “. Once you click the “ Startup Settings “, you will need to restart. Before you restart, you will see something like picture above. Press F4 or F5 (it does not really matter which key you press) to load Windows 10 in safe mode.

Is any folder loading very slowly on your Windows 10 device? If it is, then there are a huge number of reasons to blame, starting from a huge number of files in the folder to low free space in Local Disk C, low memory, etc. But, don’t worry. There are quite a few easy fixes available to decrease the loading time. But before going ahead for the main solutions try out these workarounds first and if these don’t work out, go for the main solutions-

Startup Repair is an utility feature of Windows which solves any issues with the startup of Windows. Startup Repair kicks in only when your computer unexpectedly shuts down during the startup due to any faulty hardware or outdated driver issue. But, some Windows 10 users are complaining about an abnormality of the Startup Repair in the. A recent Hardware of Software change might be the cause. If windows files have been damaged or configured incorrectly, Startup repair can help diagnose the problem. If Power was interrupted during startup, choose to start windows normally' with options: Launch Startup Repair (Recommened) Start Windows Normally 1. IF I choose to START WINDOWS.

Workarounds



1. Check if there is enough storage in Local Disk C: (or wherever Windows is installed on your computer).

2. Stop any unnecessary background tasks which take a huge amount of disk processing power (like- antivirus). Further, check the loading time of the folder.

If any of the workarounds didn’t do the trick, go for these solutions-

Fix-1 Change the customization of the folder-

A wrong customization parameter can significantly influence the loading time of a folder.

1. Go to the location of the folder which is loading slowly.

2. Now, right-click on the folder and click on properties.

3. At first, go to the “Customize” tab.

4. Now, under ‘Optimize this folder for:‘ section, click on the drop-down and select “General items“.

5. Don’t forget to check the option “Also apply this template to all subfolders“.

6. Finally, click on “Apply” and then on “OK” to save the changes on your computer.

Close File Explorer window.

Open File Explorer again and navigate to the folder location.

If it still loads very slowly, go for the next solution.

Fix-2 Restart File Explorer-

Restarting File Explorer can be a quick workaround for the problem.

1. Right-clickon the Taskbar and then in the elevated window, click on “Task Manager“.

2. Now, scroll down and right-clickon the “File Explorer” process.

3. Then, click on “Restart” to restart the process.

File Explorer process will be stopped and started again.

Go to the problematic folder and check out the change in loading time.

In case the problem returns, go for the next fix.

Fix-3 Disable Windows Search from Startup-

Disabling Windows Search from ‘Services‘ of System Configuration window may do the trick.

1. Search for “System Configuration“.

2. Then, you need to click on the “System Configuration” from the search result.

3. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.

4. Now, click on the ‘Services‘ parameter at the top of the services list, to list all the services in descending order of alphabetical series.

5. Now, scroll down to find and uncheck the service “Windows Search” to disable it on your computer.

6. Finally, click on “Apply” and then on “OK“. This will save this small change on your system.

Reboot your computer to let the changes take effect.

Upon restarting your computer, Windows Search will be disabled.

After rebooting, open the problematic folder on your computer. It should load faster than before.

Fix-4 Empty Quick Access history-

If a huge number of files or folders are listed in the Quick Access section then it can increase the overall loading time.

1. Press Windows key + E to open the File Explorer window.

2. In File Explorer window, on the left-hand side, right-click on “Quick access“. Then, click on “Options“.

3. In the Folder Options window, go to the “General” tab.

4. In the Privacy section, click on “Clear” to empty the file explorer history.

Windows Is Loading Files Startup Repair

5. After clearing the history, click on “Apply” and then on “OK” to save the changes.

6. Now, click on view tab.

7. Now, locate and check option saying locate folder windows in a separate process.

8. Click on OK and then Apply and close the window.

Now, try to open the problematic folder location.

Check the difference in loading time. It should load faster than before.

Fix- 5 Empty AutomaticDestinations folder-

If there are unnecessary numbers of temporary files present in your computer it can slow the loading process of a bulky folder. To delete temporary files follow this process-

1. Press Windows key+R. This will pop up a Run terminal.

2. In Run window, copy-paste this folder location and hit Enter to go to the AutomaticDestinations folder.

Windows 10 startup repair

3. In the AutomaticDestinations folder, select all of the items at once and press the ‘Delete‘ button from your keyboard to empty the folder.

Once you have emptied the folder, close the File Explorer window.

Open File Explorer again and navigate to the problematic folder location. It should load way faster than before.

Fix-5 Empty Quick Access history-

If a huge number of files or folders are listed in the Quick Access section then it can increase the overall loading time.

1. Press Windows key + E to open the File Explorer window.

2. In File Explorer window, on the left-hand side, right-click on “Quick access“. Then, click on “Options“.

3. In the Folder Options window, go to the “General” tab.

4. In the Privacy section, click on “Clear” to empty the file explorer history.

5. After clearing the history, click on “Apply” and then on “OK” to save the changes.

Now, try to open the problematic folder location.

Check the difference in loading time. It should load faster than before.

Fix-6 Change folder attributes

1. Go to the location of the folder which is loading slowly.

2. Now, right-click on the folder and click on properties.

3. Click on advanced.

4. Now, uncheck the option saying Allow files in this folder to have contents indexed.

5. Click ok OK.

Your issue should be fixed.

Sambit is a Mechanical Engineer By qualification who loves to write about Windows 10 and solutions to weirdest possible problems.

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During the process of Windows setup, Windows 7 or Windows Vista users may encounter the Windows is loading files loop or be stuck at the Windows is loading files screen. Given that, we will present you all the potential fixes for the issue and provide an effective way to recover your data with EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard when Windows cannot boot.

Did you wait for a long period for the computer to boot up but it stuck in 'Windows is loading files...'? Don't worry when you come across this error. In the following, you will find 8 fixes to get your computer out of this issue. Pick up one and make your computer work now:

Workable SolutionsStep-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Run Startup RepairInsert Windows installation disk and boot PC on it > Select 'Repair your computer'...Full steps
Fix 2. Update Computer DriversRestart PC and press F8 > Enter Advanced Boot Options > Select 'Safe Mode'...Full steps
Fix 3. Check HDD and RAMIf you have 1+ hard disk or RAM memory stick, remove the additional one and restart PC...Full steps
Fix 4. Reset or Update BIOSEnter BIOS > 'Setup Defaults' > 'Load Setup Default' > Save the changes...Full steps
Fix 5. Uninstall Suspicious ProgramsRestart PC to enter Advanced Boot Options > Safe Mode > Uninstall suspicious programs...Full steps
Fix 6. Run bootrecInsert Windows installation disk and restart PC > 'Command Prompt' > Enter bootrec /fixboot ..Full steps
Fix 7. Run CHKDSKBoot PC from Windows installation disk > Enter Command Prompt > Type chkdsk c: /f...Full steps
Fix 8. Reinstall WindowsRun bootable data recovery software to restore valuable data first > Reinstall Windows...Full steps

Overview of 'Windows is loading files'

'When I run a startup repair on my Windows 10 Dell laptop, the system was stuck at loading circle in a reboot loop. It kept showing the 'Windows is loading files' screen. When the loading process was finished, it went back on the laptop starting page and went to the Windows is loading files screen again and again.'

A similar situation of the 'Windows is loading files' issue is that when you try to reinstall Windows, you may get a black screen that shows you the 'Windows is loading files' message but the loading wheel is frozen and never moved on. Usually, Windows couldn't load correctly can happen for various reasons. And following the issue, users may also encounter other problems like the black screen of death, computer freezing randomly, startup repair loop, disk boot failure, etc.

Possible Causes

The Windows loading process is a process that will happen each time you start your computer. Generally, it will go through so quickly that you cannot even notice it. But if you are stuck on the screen, there must be something wrong with your computer.

The 'Windows is loading files' loop may occur when you try to start your computer or reinstall Windows. If you come across this issue when you start your computer, it may result from a damaged BOOTMGR. (BOOTMGR, Windows Boot Manager, is a small piece of software that helps your Windows operating system start.) While if it occurs when you try to reinstall Windows 7 or Windows Vista, the culprit may be your computer drivers.

Fixes for Windows is Loading Files Loop

Important
Before starting, note that you should have a corresponding Windows installation media, be it a bootable USB drive, CD or DVD disc. And make sure the bootable disk is set up as the first in the BIOS boot sequence. If you don't have the CD/DVD or USB boot drive, visit Microsoft's page about how to create Windows 10 installation media (www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10) for help.

Whether the 'Windows is loading files' loop is due to BOOTMGR damage or problematic computer drivers, you can apply the following solutions to fix it.

Method 1. Run Startup Repair

The first tip we recommend you try is to perform Startup Repair with the Windows installation disc.

Files

Step 1. Insert your Windows 7/Vista installation disc to your computer.

Windows Is Loading Files Startup Repair

Step 2. Start your computer and boot from your installation DVD.

Step 3. Select 'Repair your computer' in the Windows Welcome screen.

Step 4. Choose your corresponding OS. When you see the System Recovery Options, choose 'Startup Repair'.

Step 5. Wait for the repairing process to finish. After that, restart your computer.

If 'Startup Repair' cannot fix your PC that is stuck at the 'Windows is loading files' screen, continue to try the 'System Restore' option.

Method 2. Update Computer Drivers

Device drivers server as the communication media between your Windows OS and the device (motherboard, video card, sound card, printer, keyboard, mouse, etc.). Computer and hardware manufacturers always include a group of drivers for different hardware devices, like driver CD or DVD. The driver related problems can also be fixed by updating the drivers. To update drivers on a computer that cannot boot, you need to enter the Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your computer with only necessary drives and services. By doing so, it limits your Windows operations to basic functions, which can serve as a troubleshooting function.

Step 1. Restart your computer. Once it starts, press 'F8' in 1-second intervals until you see the Windows logo.

Step 2. Then you will see the menu of 'Advanced Boot Options'. Under it, choose 'Safe Mode'.

Step 3. Insert your driver CD/DVD and find the drivers.

Step 4. Run the .exe file or setup file in the driver folder and follow to install the driver. If there is a .inf file only, you can install the driver using the .inf file.

Method 3. Check HDD and RAM

A problematic hard disk or RAM is also likely to cause the 'Windows is loading files' loop. If you have more than one hard disk or RAM memory stick on your computer, you can try to remove the additional devices and restart your computer.

Method 4. Reset BIOS or Update BIOS

According to user feedback, it's also helpful to reset BIOS to its default settings or updating BIOS to the latest version. Here we will show you the way to reset BIOS:

Step 1. Restart your computer.

Step 2. Press the proper key to enter BIOS. (Depending on the computer you are using, the keys to enter BIOS vary.)

Step 3. Find the 'Setup Defaults' option. It may be called Load Default, Load BIOS Defaults, Load Default Settings, Load Setup Default or something similar.

Step 4. Save the changes and exit BIOS.

Method 5. Boot into Safe Mode

If you have recently installed new programs or drives on your computer before the 'Windows is loading files' error happens, you can take a chance to remove the program or drive by booting into Safe Mode.

Step 1. Restart your computer. Once it starts, press 'F8' in 1-second intervals until you see the Windows logo.

Where Is Startup File Windows 10

Step 2. Then you will see the menu of 'Advanced Boot Options'. Under it, choose 'Safe Mode'.

Step 3. Uninstall the suspicious programs or drivers that lead to your PC stuck at 'Windows is loading files'.

Step 4. When you have finished troubleshooting, repeat the first step and choose 'Start Windows Normally' under the 'Advanced Boot Options'.

Tip
There are 'Last Known Good Configuration (advanced)' and 'Disable automatic restart on system failure' options under Advanced Boot Options. You can also try to apply these options to have a try.

Method 6. Run bootrec

Bootrec, also called bootrec.exe utility, is a tool provided by Microsoft in Windows Recovery Environment. When your computer fails to start, bootrec.exe can be used to fix the Master Boot Record (MBR), Boot Sector, Boot Configuration (BCD), and boot.ini.

Step 1. Insert your Windows 7/Vista installation disc to your computer.

Step 2. Start your computer and boot from your installation DVD.

Step 3. Chose 'Command Prompt'.

Step 4. Enter the following command one by one:

  • bootrec /fixboot
  • bootrec /scanos
  • bootrec /fixmbr
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd
  • Exit

Step 5. Restart your computer.

Method 7. Run Chkdsk

CHKDSK is a command that can check and repair errors founded in a disk. As mentioned above, a problematic hard disk is likely to lead to the 'Windows is loading files' error. Thus, it is useful to run CHKDSK to repair your disk errors.

Step 1. Insert your Windows 7/Vista installation disc to your computer.

Step 2. Start your computer and boot from your installation DVD.

Step 3. Chose 'Command Prompt'.

Step 4. Type chkdsk c: /f and hit 'Enter'. (Replace 'c' with your system partition.)

Step 5. Enter exit and restart your computer.

Method 8. Reinstall Windows

If none of the solutions above works to fix the 'Windows is loading files' error, the last solution provided is to reinstall Windows. Generally speaking, reinstalling Windows won't lead to data loss. But in rare cases, OS reinstallation may cause data loss to your system partition. Thus, it's necessary to keep the data on your system partition safe before the operation. Here EaseUS bootable data recovery software can help access data without OS! With it, you can rescue data and save it to a safe place like an external disk or USB device, even when your PC won't boot into Windows.

Windows Is Loading Files Startup Repair Tool

Download the EaseUS bootable data recovery software and follow the guide below to solve your problem.

To export data before fixing Windows is loading files stuck loop by reinstalling Windows:

Step 1. Create a bootable disk.

Prepare an empty USB. If you have important data on it, copy the data to another device. When you create a bootable disk, the data on the USB will be erased. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard WinPE Edition will help you create a bootable disk. Connect the USB drive to PC, launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard WinPE Edition. Select the USB drive and click 'Proceed' to create a bootable disk.

Step 2. Boot from the bootable USB.

Connect the bootable disk to PC that won't boot and change your computer boot sequence in BIOS. For most users, it works well when they restart their computer and press F2 at the same time to enter BIOS. Set to boot the PC from 'Removable Devices' (bootable USB disk) or 'CD-ROM Drive' (bootable CD/DVD) beyond Hard Drive. Press 'F10' to save and exit.

Step 3. Recover files/data from a PC/laptop hard drive that won't boot.

When you boot from the USB, you can run EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard from the WinPE bootable disk. Select the drive you want to scan to find all your lost files.

Windows Is Loading Files Startup Repair Software

Click Scan to start the scanning process.

Recover data from the computer or laptop. After the scan completed, you can preview all recoverable files, select the targeted files, and click the 'Recover' button to restore your files. You'd better save all of the recovered data to another place to avoid data overwriting.

Now you can reinstall Windows without worrying about any data loss:

Step 1. Insert your Windows 7/Vista installation disc to your computer.

Step 2. Start your computer and boot from your installation DVD.

Step 3. Select a keyboard method and choose a language you prefer. Click 'Next'.

Step 4. Choose 'Install Now'.

Step 5. Follow the wizard to finish the installation process.

Windows Is Loading Files Startup Repair Loop Windows 10

The Bottom Line

The 'Windows is loading files' error generally occurs on computers running Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Driver issues and corrupted BOOTMGR are the two main causes of the problem. All the solutions above are worth trying. If you are worried about data loss, don't hesitate to use EaseUS data recovery software to access and recover your computer files when your computer cannot boot.