Is your Acer laptop stuck on the loading screen with the Acer logo? This frustrating issue can happen to anyone and often leaves you wondering what went wrong. Having your laptop freeze during startup is stressful, especially when you need it for work or school.
You can fix an Acer laptop stuck on the loading screen by first performing a hard reset by holding down the power button until it shuts off completely, then removing all external devices before restarting. If this simple fix doesn’t work, you may need to try more advanced solutions like entering Safe Mode or running startup repair tools.
Sometimes the problem is related to your battery or hardware. Try unplugging the AC adapter and holding the power button, or checking if your laptop works with an external monitor. These quick fixes often solve the problem without needing professional help.
Tips To Fix an Acer Laptop Stuck on the Loading Screen
An Acer laptop getting stuck on the loading screen can be caused by software glitches, driver issues, or even hardware malfunctions. Here’s a step-by-step guide with practical fixes you can try to get your laptop working again.
1. Perform a Hard Reboot
Start with the simplest fix:
- Hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds until the laptop powers off.
- Wait a few seconds, then power it back on.
This can resolve temporary glitches preventing the system from booting.
2. Unplug External Devices
Disconnect all peripherals, including:
- USB drives
- Printers
- External hard drives
- SD cards
Sometimes a connected device can interfere with the boot process.
3. Boot into Safe Mode
If Windows is the issue, Safe Mode can help:
- Force shut down the laptop 2–3 times to trigger the Automatic Repair screen.
- Select Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- After restart, press F4 to enter Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, try uninstalling recently installed software or drivers that may be causing the problem.
4. Use Startup Repair
Windows includes a built-in repair tool:
- From the Automatic Repair screen, choose:
- Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair
- Let the process complete and see if the issue resolves.
5. Check for Corrupted System Files
If you can boot into Safe Mode or use Command Prompt:
- Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options.
- Run the following command:
sfc /scannowThis scans and attempts to fix corrupted Windows system files.
6. Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings
Corrupted BIOS settings can cause boot issues:
- Turn off the laptop.
- Press F2 (or Del) as it powers on to enter BIOS.
- Look for a Reset to Default or Load Setup Defaults option.
- Save and exit BIOS.
7. Try a System Restore
If you recently made a change:
- Go to Advanced Options > System Restore.
- Choose a restore point before the problem started.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
8. Factory Reset the Laptop
If nothing else works and you’re okay with losing data:
- From the recovery screen, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose Remove everything or Keep my files, depending on your needs.
Tip: Back up important files using a bootable USB drive or external OS if possible before doing this.
9. Check for Hardware Issues
If the issue persists after all software attempts:
- Run hardware diagnostics (Acer may have tools built-in).
- Consider issues like a failing hard drive or bad RAM. These can also cause boot hangs.
10. Reinstall Windows from USB
As a last resort:
- Create a Windows 10/11 bootable USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on another PC.
- Insert it into the Acer laptop and boot from it (you may need to change the boot order in BIOS).
- Reinstall Windows.
Key Takeaways
- Try a hard reset by holding the power button and removing external devices before restarting your laptop.
- Enter Safe Mode by tapping F10 and ALT repeatedly during startup to troubleshoot software issues.
- Check your battery connection and test with an external monitor to rule out display problems.
Identifying the Issue
When an Acer laptop gets stuck on the loading screen, figuring out what’s wrong is the first step toward fixing it. You’ll need to spot key symptoms and determine if the problem is related to hardware or software.
Differentiating Hardware and Software Problems
Hardware problems often cause consistent boot failures regardless of what you try. If your Acer laptop makes unusual noises, feels very hot, or doesn’t show any display at all, hardware issues are likely to blame. Check for physical damage signs like liquid spills or broken parts.
Software problems typically have different patterns. Your laptop might:
- Start normally sometimes but fail other times
- Show error messages before freezing
- Get stuck at the same exact point in the boot process every time
Try disconnecting external devices like USB drives, printers, and external monitors. Sometimes these devices interfere with the boot process and create conflicts.
Recognizing Boot Up Symptoms
The Stuck on Welcome Screen issue appears when your laptop shows the Acer logo but never proceeds to Windows. This often happens due to corrupted system files or recent Windows updates.
Black Screen problems occur when your laptop powers on (lights and fans work) but nothing displays. This might be caused by display connector issues, graphics driver problems, or power management failures.
Boot Loop happens when your Acer laptop continuously restarts before fully loading the operating system. This frustrating cycle typically results from:
- Corrupt system files
- Failed Windows updates
- Incompatible drivers
- Overheating problems
Pay attention to any beep codes or error messages. These provide valuable clues about what’s wrong with your system.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
When your Acer laptop gets stuck on the loading screen, you can try several basic solutions before seeking professional help. These steps are easy to follow and often fix common boot problems without any technical expertise.
Forced Shutdown and Power Button Reset
If your Acer laptop is frozen on the loading screen, start with a forced shutdown. Press and hold the power button for about 15-20 seconds until the laptop turns off completely. Wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on.
For a more thorough power reset:
- Unplug the AC adapter from your laptop
- Remove the battery (if possible on your model)
- Press and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds to drain residual power
- Reinsert the battery and reconnect the power adapter
- Turn on your laptop normally
This process, often called a “hard reset,” helps clear temporary system states that might be causing the startup problem. Many Acer users report this simple step resolves loading screen issues by forcing the system to restart properly.
Accessing the BIOS Settings
BIOS settings might need adjustment if your laptop continually fails to boot. To access BIOS on most Acer laptops:
- Restart your computer
- Immediately press F2 repeatedly (some models use Del or F10)
- Once in BIOS, look for the “Boot” tab or section
Check these BIOS settings:
- Boot order – Make sure the hard drive containing your operating system is set as the first boot device
- UEFI/Legacy options – Try switching between these modes
- Secure Boot – Temporarily disable this feature to test if it resolves the issue
After making changes, select “Save and Exit.” Your laptop will restart and hopefully boot normally. If not, you can return to BIOS and restore default settings as a fallback option.
External Devices and Peripheral Check
External devices sometimes conflict with the boot process. Try disconnecting all peripherals from your Acer laptop:
- External hard drives
- USB flash drives
- Printers
- External monitors
- Docking stations
- Wireless mice and keyboards
After removing all external devices, restart your laptop. If it boots successfully, reconnect devices one by one to identify which might be causing the problem.
Check your laptop screen carefully. If you see a faint display, adjust brightness settings or connect to an external monitor to rule out screen issues. Sometimes what appears to be a boot problem is actually a display failure.
Advanced Diagnostic Procedures
When your Acer laptop gets stuck at the loading screen, several advanced troubleshooting methods can help identify and fix the problem. These techniques go beyond basic restart attempts and target specific system issues.
Booting into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs, which helps determine if the issue is caused by a software conflict or corrupted driver.
To enter Safe Mode on your Acer laptop:
- Restart your computer
- Press the F8 key repeatedly during startup (before the Windows logo appears)
- Select “Safe Mode” from the boot options menu
If your laptop works fine in Safe Mode, the problem likely stems from a recently installed program or driver. Try uninstalling any software added before the issue started.
For newer Windows versions, you might need to:
- Press and hold the power button to force shutdown
- Power on and off three times to trigger automatic repair
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” > “Restart”
- Press 4 or F4 to enable Safe Mode
Safe Mode lets you run virus scans and uninstall problematic programs without interference.
Using Windows Recovery Environment
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) provides tools to fix startup problems when normal boot fails.
To access WinRE on your Acer laptop:
- Restart your computer
- Press F8, F11, or Alt+F10 during startup (key varies by model)
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options”
The Recovery Environment offers several useful tools:
- Command Prompt for advanced commands
- System Restore to revert changes
- Startup Repair to fix boot issues
- Reset this PC to reinstall Windows while keeping or removing files
If your laptop won’t boot to WinRE normally, you can create a recovery drive on another computer. Insert the drive before starting your laptop and boot from it by pressing F12 during startup to select the boot device.
WinRE works independently of your main Windows installation, making it valuable when your system won’t start.
Performing a System Restore
System Restore returns your Acer laptop to a previous working state without affecting your personal files.
To run System Restore:
- Boot into Windows Recovery Environment
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore”
- Choose a restore point from before the problem started
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
Restore points are created automatically before significant system changes like software installations or updates. The process reverts system files and settings but doesn’t affect personal documents.
If no restore points exist, this option won’t be available. Make sure System Restore is enabled on your laptop by checking Control Panel > System > System Protection when your computer is working properly.
System Restore takes 15-30 minutes to complete and will restart your laptop during the process.
Running the Startup Repair Tool
The Startup Repair tool automatically fixes common issues that prevent Windows from loading correctly.
To use Startup Repair:
- Access Windows Recovery Environment
- Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair”
- Wait while the tool scans your system and attempts repairs
Startup Repair checks for:
- Missing or damaged system files
- Boot configuration problems
- Disk errors
- Registry corruption
The tool works automatically and usually takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Multiple repair attempts may be necessary as the tool addresses different issues with each run.
If Startup Repair fails to fix the problem, note any error codes displayed. These codes provide valuable information for further troubleshooting or when seeking technical support from Acer.
Hardware-Specific Issues and Fixes
Hardware problems are often behind an Acer laptop stuck on the loading screen. These issues can range from display connection problems to more serious component failures that prevent proper startup.
Testing with an External Monitor
If your Acer laptop is stuck on the loading screen, connecting an external monitor can help determine if the issue is with your laptop’s screen or something more serious.
To test this:
- Power off your laptop completely
- Connect an external monitor using HDMI or VGA
- Turn the laptop on again
If the external monitor displays properly while your laptop screen remains stuck, your laptop’s display connection or screen might be faulty. This could be due to a loose internal cable or screen damage.
Sometimes updating graphics drivers can fix screen display issues, but you’ll need to access Safe Mode first. If the external monitor also shows nothing or gets stuck at the same screen, the problem likely involves internal hardware or system components.
Checking Internal Components
Internal component issues often cause startup problems. RAM and storage devices are common culprits.
RAM troubleshooting:
- Power off your laptop completely
- Remove the bottom cover (check your model’s manual first)
- Reseat the RAM by gently removing and reinserting it
- If you have multiple RAM sticks, try removing one and testing
Storage device checks:
- Ensure your hard drive or SSD is properly connected
- Listen for unusual clicking sounds from hard drives
- Try booting with a recovery USB to test if Windows can see the drive
Overheating can also cause boot failures. Clean out dust from vents and fans if your laptop feels unusually hot or the fan is making loud noises during startup attempts.
Motherboard and GPU Concerns
Serious motherboard or GPU problems often require professional repair. However, you can perform some initial checks.
GPU issues:
- Look for visual artifacts or distorted images during startup
- On laptops with dedicated graphics, try forcing the system to use integrated graphics
- Update graphics drivers through Safe Mode if possible
Motherboard troubleshooting:
- Reset BIOS by removing the CMOS battery (if accessible in your model)
- Check for physical damage like bulging capacitors or burn marks
- Try a power drain: unplug power, remove battery if possible, hold power button for 30 seconds
Repeated failed startups with various troubleshooting attempts might indicate a failed motherboard or GPU. In these cases, professional repair is usually more cost-effective than DIY component replacement.
Software-Related Problems and Solutions
Software issues often cause Acer laptops to freeze at the loading screen. These problems range from corrupted operating system files to outdated drivers or malware infections.
Addressing Windows Operating System Glitches
When Windows 10 causes your Acer laptop to get stuck on the loading screen, try accessing Safe Mode. To do this, restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.
Once in Safe Mode, you can run System Restore to return your computer to a previous working state. Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore and follow the prompts.
If System Restore doesn’t work, try using the Startup Repair tool. Restart your laptop and press F8 to access Advanced Boot Options. Select “Repair Your Computer” and then choose Startup Repair.
For persistent issues, you might need to refresh Windows. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. Choose the option to keep your files if you don’t want to lose data.
Updating or Rolling Back Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers often cause startup problems, especially graphics and chipset drivers.
To update drivers in Safe Mode:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager
- Look for devices with yellow warning triangles
- Right-click the problematic device and select “Update driver”
- Choose to search automatically for updated driver software
If a recent driver update caused the problem, try rolling back:
- In Device Manager, right-click the device
- Select Properties > Driver tab
- Click “Roll Back Driver” if available
For graphics card issues, download the latest driver directly from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel). Installing from the official source often solves compatibility issues.
Some users find success by completely uninstalling problematic drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) before installing fresh copies.
Scanning for and Removing Viruses
Malware can cause serious boot problems by corrupting system files. If you suspect a virus attack, use Windows Defender Offline scan.
To run Windows Defender Offline:
- Boot into Safe Mode if possible
- Open Windows Security
- Select Virus & threat protection
- Under “Current threats,” choose “Scan options”
- Select “Windows Defender Offline scan” and click “Scan now”
For more stubborn infections, boot from a rescue disk. Many antivirus companies offer free bootable rescue media that can scan your system before Windows loads.
After removing viruses, check if important Windows files were damaged. Run Command Prompt as administrator and type “sfc /scannow” to repair corrupted system files. For deeper repairs, use the “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” command.
Recovery and Reinstallation Options
When your Acer laptop is stuck on the loading screen, recovery options can fix problems that can’t be solved through basic troubleshooting. These methods reset your system or install a fresh copy of Windows when other solutions fail.
Utilizing the Factory Reset Feature
Factory reset is often the quickest way to resolve stubborn loading screen issues on Acer laptops. To access this feature, turn off your laptop completely by holding the power button for 5 seconds. Once off, restart and immediately press Alt + F10 repeatedly when the Acer logo appears.
This will launch Acer Recovery Management. Select “Reset your PC” or “Restore Factory Settings” from the options menu. You’ll need to choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything for a complete reset.
Before proceeding, back up important files if possible. The reset process may take 30-60 minutes to complete. Your laptop will restart several times during this process, so be patient and don’t interrupt it.
Reinstalling Windows Operating System
If factory reset isn’t accessible or doesn’t work, reinstalling Windows might fix your stuck loading screen. First, you’ll need access to the Windows recovery environment.
Start by powering off your laptop completely. Turn it on and press F8, F9, F11, or F12 (depending on your Acer model) repeatedly until you see the boot options menu. Select “Repair Your Computer” when it appears.
From the recovery screen, choose “Troubleshoot” then “Advanced Options.” Select “Startup Repair” first to see if it resolves the issue without reinstallation.
If repair doesn’t work, return to Advanced Options and select “Reset this PC.” Choose between keeping your files or removing everything. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Using Media Creation Tool for Clean Installation
For the most thorough solution, a clean Windows installation using external media often works when all else fails. You’ll need access to another computer to prepare the installation media.
Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC.” Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture settings.
Select either USB flash drive or ISO file as your media type. If using USB, insert a drive with at least 8GB of space and follow the prompts.
Once the media is ready, connect it to your stuck Acer laptop. Power on and immediately press the boot menu key (F12 on most Acer models). Select your USB drive from the boot menu. Follow the Windows setup instructions, selecting “Custom install” when prompted to perform a clean installation.
Preventative Measures and Maintenance
Preventing loading screen issues on your Acer laptop requires regular care and smart usage habits. Taking proactive steps now can save you from frustrating startup problems later.
Regular System Updates and Driver Maintenance
Keeping your Acer laptop’s software updated plays a crucial role in preventing loading screen problems. Windows updates patch security vulnerabilities and fix bugs that might cause startup issues. Set your laptop to automatically install updates or check manually once a week.
Driver updates are equally important. Outdated or corrupted drivers—especially graphics and chipset drivers—often cause boot problems. Use Acer’s Care Center app to scan for and install official driver updates. Third-party driver update tools can sometimes cause more harm than good, so stick with official sources.
Clear unnecessary startup programs through Task Manager. Too many programs launching at startup can overload your system and lead to freezes during boot. Keep only essential programs in your startup queue.
Ensuring Adequate Cooling and Physical Care
Overheating is a common cause of startup failures in Acer laptops. Make sure your laptop’s vents remain clear of dust and debris. Place your laptop on hard, flat surfaces rather than on beds or cushions that can block airflow.
Clean your laptop’s cooling system once every 6 months. Use compressed air to blow out dust from vents and fans. For older laptops, consider having a professional clean the internal cooling components and replace thermal paste.
Protect your laptop from physical damage. Even minor drops can loosen internal connections or damage storage drives, leading to boot failures. Use a quality laptop bag when traveling and handle your device with care.
Optimizing Boot and Shutdown Processes
Always shut down your Acer laptop properly. Forcing shutdowns by holding the power button can corrupt system files and lead to loading screen issues. Use the Windows shutdown option from the Start menu.
Run regular disk checks to find and fix file system errors. Use the Command Prompt with administrator privileges and type “chkdsk /f /r” to schedule a disk check at the next restart.
Create system restore points when your laptop is working well. This allows you to roll back to a working state if problems occur. Windows typically creates restore points automatically before updates, but making manual ones before installing new software adds extra protection.
Defragment traditional hard drives (not SSDs) periodically to improve boot times and prevent file system errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acer laptop users often face loading screen issues that can be fixed with specific steps. These problems may occur with different Windows versions and manifest as frozen screens, restart loops, or black screens during startup.
What steps can be taken to resolve an Acer laptop stuck on the Windows 11 loading screen?
For Windows 11 loading screen issues, first try a hard reset by holding down the power button for 10 seconds to shut down the laptop completely. Then restart it.
Boot into Safe Mode by turning on the laptop and pressing F8 repeatedly during startup. From Safe Mode, you can check for driver issues or recent software changes.
Check for Windows updates by connecting to the internet in Safe Mode and running Windows Update. Outdated system files might cause loading screen freezes.
How do I troubleshoot an Acer laptop that remains on the Windows 10 loading screen?
Perform a power reset by removing the power adapter and holding down the power button for 30 seconds. This drains residual power and often fixes minor glitches.
Use Startup Repair by booting from a Windows 10 recovery drive or installation media. Select “Repair your computer” and follow the prompts to fix boot issues.
Run System Restore if available. This will return your computer to a previous working state without affecting your personal files.
What should I do if my Acer laptop is continuously restarting and never fully boots?
Disable automatic restart by pressing F8 during startup and selecting “Disable automatic restart on system failure.” This helps identify any error messages.
Boot in Safe Mode with Networking to check for malware. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.
Check for overheating issues. Clean dust from vents and fans, as overheating can cause restart loops.
How can I fix my Acer laptop if it is stuck on a black screen during startup?
Try connecting an external monitor to determine if the issue is with your laptop display or something more serious.
Reset the BIOS to default settings by entering BIOS (typically by pressing F2 during startup) and selecting “Load Default Settings” or similar option.
Check the battery by removing it (if possible) and trying to power on using only the AC adapter. Battery issues can sometimes cause black screen problems.
What are the methods to solve the ‘preparing automatic repair’ loop on an Acer laptop?
Boot into Advanced Startup Options by pressing F8 or Shift+F8 during startup. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Run the command “chkdsk C: /f /r” to check your disk for errors and fix them. Restart your computer afterward.
Disable early launch anti-malware protection in the Advanced startup options. This sometimes conflicts with the boot process.
What solutions are available for an Acer laptop that won’t proceed past the initial boot screen?
Remove all external devices including USB drives, external hard drives, and peripherals. Sometimes these can interfere with the boot process.
Reset the hardware by removing the battery (if possible) and AC adapter, then holding the power button for 30 seconds. Reconnect and try again.
Check for BIOS updates on Acer’s support website from another computer. Outdated BIOS can sometimes cause boot issues.
