Windows Setup in Continuous Reboot Loop – What is it?
After upgrading to Windows 10 operating system from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1, a lot of Windows users are complaining about the Windows setup in a continuous reboot loop. The computer would just keep on rebooting every time the machine is booted and this incites frustration for a lot of Windows users.
Solution
Error Causes
When Windows launched the third update for Windows 10, users trying to upgrade to Windows 10 encountered an endless reboot loop problem. The computer will crash repeatedly. The KB3081424, which is a roll-up of bug fixes of Windows 10, continuously fails once you start the update process and then triggers a message showing: “We couldn’t complete the updates, undoing the changes.” The undoing process will then cause a system reboot mandatorily.
Once you log back on your computer again, the Windows 10 update will try to reinstall KB3081424. You will not be able to stop the update which will cause your Windows setup in a continuous reboot loop.
The KB3081424 will not be successfully installed since if it fails for the first time, that initial failure can be detected to create a bad entry in your Windows 10 registry. This will then prevent your subsequent attempts to reinstall KB3081424 to make it work correctly.
Further Information and Manual Repair
In order to fix the problem of Windows 10 setup in a continuous reboot loop, there are a few methods you can try. Try following these simple steps and you’ll be able to get rid of the problem.
Note: If you’re not highly confident to solve this issue on your own, it is highly recommended to consult an authorized computer technician who would be knowledgeable enough to fix the issue for you. In addition, you can also use a system optimizer to resolve the issue.
Method One: Check For Windows Update
Microsoft Windows released an updated fix for the Windows setup in continuous reboot loop problem. You can try fixing the issue through Windows Update.
- Open Settings
- Go to Update & Security
- Select Windows Update then choose Check for updates
Method Two: Eliminate Bad Registry Entry
Before KB3081424 attempts to install again, you can try doing this solution:
- Click on the Start menu then type regedit
- Once the window opens, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList
- Create a backup for your registry key (since this process is a bit risky). Select ProfileList then click on File and Export then choose your backup name.
- From the ProfileList IDs, remove anything with ProfileImagePath in it.
- Close Regedit then reboot. By this time, the KB3081424 should properly install.
Method Three: Perform A Startup Repair
Another thing you can try to solve the Windows setup in continuous reboot loop problem is to perform a startup repair from a working computer.
- Ensure that all unnecessary devices are disconnected from your computer as your computer might detect them.
- If you are connected to a network, you need to disconnect from this as well.
- On a working computer, download the Windows 10 ISO then you can perform a startup repair.
- Boot your computer from the Windows 10 DVD.
- Boot your computer then press the F2 function key to enter setup.
NOTE: You must do this quickly since the BIOS loads rapidly.
- Once you’re inside the BIOS, navigate to the Boot Configuration screen. On this screen, you’ll be able to change the first device to be loaded.
- Go to Removable Devices then hit Enter. Removable devices could either be a thumb drive or DVD. Select DVD to put it at the top and be the first boot device.
- Save your changes by pressing on the F10 function key. A setup confirmation box will appear with a message Save configuration changes and exit now. Select Yes.
- Exit BIOS by pressing on the ESC key. You should be prompted to boot from the Windows 10 DVD at this point.