Some users who upgraded to Windows 11/10 are reporting that their PC is now stuck at the log in screen. In some cases, the field to enter the password is missing, in other cases, the keyboard is missing or the password is not being accepted. In yet a related case, the mouse just appears on a blank black screen with the blue spinning circle. If you are facing such issues and cannot log into Windows, read on.
Windows 11/10 stuck at log in screen
While the reason for each user could be different, here are some general troubleshooting steps which come to my mind. I cannot say that they will help you, but go through them and see if any of these help you.
- Check if your keyboard and mouse
- Restart using the Power button
- Access On-screen keyboard from the Ease of Access menu
- Use the Wi-Fi button on the login screen
- Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
- Reconnect the router
- Run ChkDsk in Safe Mode
- Check the status of Credentials Manager Service
- Repair Windows via Advanced Startup Options
- Use Reset This PC option.
Let us take a look at them.
1] Check if your keyboard and mouse
Check if your keyboard and mouse are working properly. Unplug then and reconnect them if you are working on a desktop.
2] Restart using the Power button
Using the Power button in the bottom right corner, restart the computer once or twice, and see if you can proceed.
3] Access On-screen keyboard from the Ease of Access menu
Can you use the On-screen keyboard from the Ease of Access menu at the bottom right corner of the login screen? If so, see if you can type using it.
4] Use the Wi-Fi button on the login screen
Using the Wi-Fi button in the bottom right corner, connect to an Internet connection and then see if the PC accepts your Microsoft Account login credentials. If not, then try your PIN.
5] Reconnect the router
If you are already connected, unplug the router, terminate the connection and try. Some have reported that this helped.
6] Press Ctrl+Alt+Del
If you do not see the box to log in, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and see if it brings up the login box to enter your password.
7] Run ChkDsk in Safe Mode
Restart and boot Windows in Safe Mode and run ChkDsk. Restart your PC and try.
8] Check the status of Credentials Manager Service
In Safe Mode, Run services.msc and make sure the Credentials Manager Service is set on Automatic.
9] Repair Windows via Advanced Startup Options
In Safe Mode, access the Advanced Startup Options and see if you can repair the installation.
10] Use Reset This PC option
Else while in Safe Mode, either Reset This PC or Rollback to your earlier OS.
This post shows you how to access Safe Mode or Advanced Startup Options when Windows is stuck on loading some screen with the spinning dots animation moving endlessly, welcome mode, login screen, starting Windows, or will not boot.
Related reads:
These are the only thing that comes to my mind. If anyone has any ideas, please do share them below in the comments.
All the best!