Windows loops back to the sign-in screen after an update
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MellowCedar47
I shut down my HP Omen laptop, but it began installing an update. Since then, Windows shows my profile on the sign-in screen, but clicking Sign in only brings up a gray box briefly before returning to the profile selection. Restarting and shutting down repeatedly hasn't helped. The laptop's built-in display is broken, so I'm using an external monitor. Whenever I try to enter Windows Recovery, the external monitor disconnects and I can't see the recovery options. What's the best way to get past this login loop?
Answers
Try performing a true power cycle rather than letting the laptop sleep or hibernate. Hold the power button until it fully shuts off, disconnect the charger, and if the battery is removable, remove it for a short while before powering back on. Clearing the system’s current power state can sometimes fix a login screen that got stuck after an update.
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Try starting Windows in Safe Mode. The blue recovery screen has options under Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, then Startup Settings. Choose Restart and select Safe Mode. Since the external monitor stops displaying during recovery, you may need to connect a different display, use the laptop’s built-in panel temporarily, or try the laptop’s display-output shortcut while recovery starts.
MellowCedar47: Is Safe Mode the option accessed through the blue recovery screen? I can’t see that screen because the external monitor disconnects when recovery loads.
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BrightMango22: A complete power cycle is worth trying here since repeated normal restarts may not fully clear the suspended state.