Troubleshooting Windows 10 Startup Issues – Fixing the ‘Locking’ Problem

Resolving the ‘Locking’ Shutdown Issue on Windows 10

As avid Windows users ourselves, we’ve all likely encountered our fair share of pesky technical issues. One commonly reported problem is the abrupt ‘locking’ shutdown that can leave your PC completely unresponsive.

Not to worry – while frustrating, this issue can often be easily resolved with a few targeted troubleshooting techniques. We’ll walk through several methods to get your Windows 10 machine back up and running.

Use Windows’ Built-In Startup Repair

Fortunately, Microsoft has equipped Windows 10 with a handy Startup Repair tool specifically designed to automatically diagnose and fix common startup problems.

To leverage this utility:

• Boot your PC from the Windows 10 install media. You can use a USB drive or DVD.
• Select your language preferences on the first screen, then click ‘Next’.
• Choose ‘Repair your computer’ on the following screen.
• Select ‘Troubleshoot’ from the next menu, then click ‘Advanced options’ followed by ‘Startup Repair’.
• The tool will automatically complete the repair process.

This automated fix has proven successful for many users struggling with ‘locking’ shutdowns and failed startups. It’s quick, easy, and completely hands-off.

How to disable hibernation on Windows 10?

Here’s how to turn off sleep mode and disable hibernation on your Windows 10 PC. To turn off sleep mode on a Windows 10 PC, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep. Then select the drop-down menu under Sleep and choose Never. If you’re using a laptop, do this for battery mode as well.

Does Windows 11 have sleep & hibernation mode?

How to identify and resolve any issues with the sleep and hibernation mode in the Windows 11 and Windows 10 operating system. S1/S2/S3 – Sleep: Your computer appears to be off. It uses less power than leaving the computer turned on but uses more power than hibernation. S3 consumes less power than S2, and S2 consumes less power than S1.

Investigate Hardware Components

While software is often the culprit, hardware problems can also manifest as startup failures. It’s wise to methodically inspect components like your hard drive, RAM sticks, motherboard, and CPU for any underlying issues.

Check for loose connections, listen for odd noises from the hard drive, test RAM using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool, and monitor CPU temperatures. Replace any aging hardware that could be failing.

Addressing dodgy hardware can instantly restore normal startup operation.

Scan For Malware And Corruption

Corrupted system files or malware infections can readily wreak havoc on startups. Use the integrated Windows Defender antivirus program or third-party software like Malwarebytes to perform thorough system scans.

The System File Checker is another great utility that can scan for and replace corrupted operating system files. To run it, type ‘sfc /scannow’ into an Administrator Command Prompt.

Removing malware and repairing damaged files helps ensure proper startup behavior.

Perform A Clean Boot

A clean boot isolates software conflicts by starting Windows 10 with only the bare essentials. Follow these steps:

Why is my PC not sleeping?

If your PC has Windows updates installed or an installed app requires a restart, then your PC may not sleep at all. If you’re working on a shared computer or a PC that doesn’t belong to you, there’s a chance that someone else might have tweaked the power options.

How do I get my laptop to sleep on Windows 10?

Select Start , then select > Sleep. Or, select Start , then select Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional power settings. If you are using a desktop, tablet, or laptop, select Choose what the power buttons do. Next to When I press the power button, select Sleep, and then select Save changes.

• Open the Run dialog with Windows+R and enter ‘msconfig’.
• On the Services tab, check ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ then click ‘Disable all’.
• Switch to the Startup tab, open Task Manager, and disable all startup items.
• Restart your PC with this clean configuration.

If startups now work normally, methodically re-enable groups of services and startup programs until you identify the problematic software. Update or uninstall it.

Access Advanced Startup Options

Windows 10’s Advanced Startup menu provides additional troubleshooting tools. Access it by:

• Holding Shift while clicking ‘Restart’ in the Start menu
• Using the ‘Advanced startup’ section of the Recovery tab in System Settings
• Typing ‘shutdown /r /o’ into an elevated Command Prompt
• Booting from Windows install media and choosing ‘Repair’

Options like Safe Mode can help determine if third-party software causes the ‘locking’ issue.

When All Else Fails, Reset Windows

If you still can’t resolve the startup failure, resetting Windows 10 to a clean state may be required.

Back up your data, then access the Advanced Startup menu using the steps above. Choose ‘Troubleshoot’ followed by ‘Reset this PC’ to reinstall Windows while retaining files or perform a full factory reset.

How do I turn off sleep mode on Windows 10?

If so, here’s how to turn off sleep mode on Windows 10. 1. Click the start button on your computer — it’s the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen. 2. Click the Settings button. Open Settings. 3. In the Settings menu, you will see several icons. Select the first one, with the image of a laptop, labeled “System.” Click “System.” 4.

How do I fix Windows 10 not working?

Method 2: Run power troubleshooter. Step 1: Press Windows +R key on the keyboard. Step 2: Type troubleshooting in the pop-up box and press Enter. Step 3: Click System and Security on left panel. Step 4: Click Power, new window will popup. Step 5: Follow the on screen instructions. If the issue is not resolved, try the method below.

Why does Windows 10 not sleep?

You can follow a few methods to get around the issue when Windows 10 won’t sleep. These methods include ensuring sleep mode is enabled and that the power settings are configured properly. Also, before you get started, it’s worth checking your BIOS settings to make sure your PC is enabled for suspend or sleep mode.

This scorched earth approach is sometimes needed to eliminate stubborn locking problems.

Call In The Professionals

For startup issues that persist through all DIY troubleshooting attempts, enlist the help of a professional computer technician.

They have additional tools and methods to accurately diagnose boot failures along with the expertise to pinpoint more complex underlying causes.

Well worth the cost when dealing with a critical work PC!

While the notorious ‘locking’ shutdown can certainly be frustrating, a systematic approach helps narrow down and address the root cause – usually without too much headache. Patience and persistence pay off.

Let us know if any other Windows 10 headaches have you vexed in the comments below!

References

1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/performance/windows-boot-issues-troubleshooting
2. https://www.minitool.com/news/advanced-options-windows-10-009.html

How do I stop Windows 10 from sleeping?

Method 1: Power options. Step 1: Go to settings by typing Settings in the search bar next to Start button. Step 2: Select System from the options displayed on the screen. Step 3: Select Power & sleep from the left side panel. Step 4: Select Never in the drop down bar under Sleep option. If the issue still persist, try the following method.

How do I enable sleep mode in Windows 10?

For example, you can edit the Show sleep in power options menu policy in the editor to enable Sleep mode on your system. If that didn’t work, try to tweak the Computer Configuration > Administrative Template > System > Power Management > Sleep Settings. and check for available Windows updates.

How do I stop Windows 10 from shutting down?

Select Search on the taskbar, type control panel, and select it from the results. Select System and Security. In the Power Options section, select Change what the power buttons do. Select Change settings that are currently unavailable. In the Shutdown settings section, select Hibernate. Select Save changes.

Why does Windows 10 not go into sleep mode?

Your installed programs can cause your PC not to go into sleep mode, and it’s often difficult to find what program is causing this issue. Luckily, Windows 10 includes a command to let you view the programs that prevent your PC from entering sleep mode. Launch the Start menu, search for Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.