If you have an MSI laptop and are in a situation where your computer gets stuck on the MSI logo screen and doesn’t boot up, there are some hardware and software reasons that might be causing it. This can happen due to software conflicts or hardware issues. However, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this problem. When your laptop is unable to go beyond the logo screen during startup, it can be frustrating as it blocks access to all functions and applications.
What to Do When Your MSI Laptop Won’t Boot
This issue can be caused by software glitches or hardware failures. To address this, start by identifying the specific cause. Check for any error messages or unusual beeps that could indicate hardware issues. Also, review any recent changes to the laptop such as software updates or hardware modifications. Once you have identified the likely cause, you can take appropriate recovery or repair actions, such as performing a hard reset, accessing recovery options, or restoring the system from a backup.
Try a Hard Reset
The first tactic is to carry out a hard reset. This usually solves basic glitches. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off your laptop completely.
- Unplug it from the power source and remove the battery (if possible).
- Hold the power button for 30-60 seconds to fully drain any remaining power.
- Re-insert the battery (if removed) and connect your power adapter.
- Try turning on your laptop again.
Enter Safe Mode
If a hard reset doesn’t work, try booting your MSI laptop in Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and programs, helping you isolate software issues. Here are the steps:
- Force shutdown your laptop, then restart it.
- While it’s booting, repeatedly press F8 or F11 to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Select “Safe Mode with Networking.”
- If your laptop boots successfully into Safe Mode, try uninstalling recently installed programs, updating drivers, or running a system scan to fix potential problems.
Perform Automatic Repair
Windows includes a built-in Automatic Repair tool to fix common boot issues. Here’s how to use it:
- Force shut down and restart your laptop. Repeat a few times until the Windows Recovery Environment appears.
- Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Automatic Repair.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
Hardware Issues
If none of the software solutions work, the problem might lie with your hardware. Here’s a brief hardware troubleshooting table:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No display at all | Faulty display, loose display cable, damaged RAM | Check connections, test with external monitor, try replacing RAM |
| Laptop powers on, but no boot | Hard drive failure, corrupt boot sector | Try booting from a recovery drive, consider replacing the hard drive |
| Beeping sounds | Component failure | Refer to your MSI manual to identify the beep code and the failing component |
Important Note: If you suspect serious hardware damage, it’s best to contact MSI’s support team or consult a qualified technician.
Key Takeaways
- Stuck MSI laptop screens can stem from both hardware and software issues
- Identifying the cause is a necessary step before implementing a fix
- Solutions include hard reset and system recovery options
Diagnosing the Issue
Before jumping into fixes, it’s essential to properly diagnose the problem with the MSI laptop. This part of the article will guide you through checks that can help pinpoint the issue.
Power and Battery Check
First, ensure the laptop has power. Check the power cable is connected and the outlet works. If the laptop runs on battery, perform a power reset. Remove the battery if possible. Press and hold the Power button for 15 seconds. Reinsert the battery and turn the laptop on. This may resolve the issue if it was due to a temporary power glitch.
Peripheral and Hardware Inspection
Inspect all connected peripherals. Devices like external keyboards, drives, or USB gadgets can cause startup problems. Disconnect all peripherals and restart the MSI laptop. If this fixes the issue, reconnect devices one at a time to find the culprit. Then check internal components, such as RAM and drives (Hard Drive/SSD). Make sure they are seated correctly in their slots.
BIOS and Boot Issues
If the MSI logo screen still appears, there might be a boot or BIOS issue. To resolve this, restart the laptop and tap the BIOS key, often Del, F3, or F11, to enter the BIOS configurations. Look for any incorrect settings that might hinder booting. Resetting the BIOS to default may help. If comfortable, remove the CMOS battery for a few minutes to reset the BIOS.
Recovery and Repair Solutions
When an MSI laptop gets stuck on the MSI screen, the right recovery and repair solutions can help get things back to normal. The section offers practical steps divided into two distinct parts to fix the problem on Windows 10/11 devices.
Windows Recovery Options
For laptops that won’t boot past the MSI logo, Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) can help. The user should restart their laptop and promptly press the F3 or F11 key to access WinRE. Once there, they can follow these steps:
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Click on Advanced options.
- Select Automatic/Startup Repair.
- Pick the user account and enter the password when prompted.
- Wait for the repair process.
If this does not work, starting the laptop in Safe Mode is another route. To do this, use the same steps to get to the Advanced options but this time select Startup Settings and then Restart. When the laptop reboots, the user can choose Enable Safe Mode to perform troubleshooting.
Factory Reset and System Restore
In cases where automatic repair fails, a factory reset may be the next step. The reset discards all files and reinstalls Windows. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to WinRE as previously described.
- Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- Choose to remove everything or keep files, then follow the prompts.
Alternatively, if the laptop was functioning well at an earlier point, System Restore can roll back to a previous state without affecting personal files. To do this:
- Access WinRE and head to Advanced options.
- Click on System Restore and select a restore point.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If all else fails, reinstalling Windows using USB installation media is a solid option. This involves creating a bootable USB with the Windows installation files and using it to install a fresh copy of Windows on the MSI laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laptops can encounter various issues, and a common problem users may face is when their MSI laptop gets stuck on the boot screen. Below are solutions to specific situations for those experiencing boot-related problems with their MSI laptops.
How can I resolve my MSI laptop being stuck on the boot screen during startup?
One can often fix this by restarting the laptop and pressing F3 or F11 until the Windows Recovery Environment pops up. Then, select “Troubleshoot,” click “Advanced options,” and try “Automatic/Startup Repair.”
What steps should I take if my MSI laptop is continuously looping on the MSI logo screen?
Remove the battery and hold the power button for 15 seconds. After reinserting the battery and powering on, the laptop may boot up normally.
What should I do when my MSI laptop’s screen goes black after the MSI logo appears?
Checking the laptop’s display connection is a good start. It could be a hardware issue. If it’s related to software, accessing the Windows Recovery Environment as detailed before might help.
Why won’t my MSI laptop turn off, and how can I fix it when it’s frozen on the MSI screen?
Holding down the power button until the laptop shuts off can work. If it persists, a deeper hardware issue may be present, or the cooling system may not work properly.
How can I fix the issue of my MSI laptop continually restarting and not progressing past the MSI logo?
One solution is to disconnect all external devices and restart the laptop. If this fails, entering recovery mode and performing a system restore might resolve the issue.
What are the troubleshooting steps for an MSI laptop that won’t proceed past the BIOS screen?
Users need to enter the UEFI/BIOS and ensure the boot order is correct, prioritizing the hard drive. If necessary, users can try booting from a USB drive with Windows setup to diagnose further.
