Windows not booting properly after update | need help restoring HP laptop

[thomas1210]

Hi everyone,
I’m having an issue with my HP notebook after the latest Windows update. The system gets stuck on the loading screen and doesn’t boot into Windows. I tried running automatic repair, but it didn’t fix the problem.

I’m not sure if this is a driver issue or something wrong with the recovery partition. Is there a way to use HP Recovery Manager or create a bootable recovery USB to get my system working again without losing files?

Any guidance or step-by-step suggestions would really help.
Thanks in advance!

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @thomas1210 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

You can restore your HP laptop without losing files by using HP Cloud Recovery or Windows Safe Mode with System Restore. If those fail, creating a bootable recovery USB is your next best option.

I understand how stressful it is when your system won’t boot after an update—especially when automatic repair doesn’t help. 

Let’s walk through a recovery plan that prioritizes preserving your data.

Step-by-Step Recovery Options for HP Laptop Stuck on Loading Screen

 

1. Try Safe Mode with System Restore

This can undo the update without affecting your personal files.

• Power off your laptop completely.
• Turn it on and immediately press F11 repeatedly to enter Recovery Environment.
• Select Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart
• Choose Safe Mode with Networking
• Once in Safe Mode:
  • Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore
  • Choose a restore point before the update

If F11 doesn’t work, try Shift + Restart from a bootable USB (see below).

 

2. Use HP Cloud Recovery Tool

This tool can reinstall Windows and HP drivers while preserving your recovery partition.

• Download from HP:
  https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c06162205
• Run the tool on a working PC and create a recovery USB (8GB or larger)
• Boot your HP laptop from the USB:
  • Power off > Insert USB > Power on and press Esc, then F9 for boot menu
  • Select the USB drive and follow on-screen instructions

During setup, choose Keep my files if available.

 

3. Create Windows Installation USB (If HP Tool Doesn’t Work)

This is a fallback method using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool.

• Download from Microsoft:
  https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
• Create a bootable USB (8GB+)
• Boot from USB > Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair or System Restore

 

4. Check Recovery Partition Access

If your recovery partition is intact, HP’s built-in recovery may still work.

• Power on and press F11 repeatedly
• If prompted, choose System Recovery
• Select Keep my files option if available

Let me know your laptop’s exact model and whether you can access BIOS or Recovery Environment—I’ll tailor the next steps accordingly. If you’re unsure which tool to use, I can help you decide based on your current access level.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye

[Firstation]

Boot into safe mode and uninstall the update.