How to fix an ASUS laptop stuck on the loading screen

You sit down at your ASUS® laptop, eager to start the workday. After powering up your device, you wait for the desktop to load. But something's wrong—the ASUS boot-up screen displays, but nothing else happens. What's wrong with your computer?

Asurion Experts have a reputation for solving the most perplexing tech issues. Whether we're advising on how to extend battery life or repairing a phone with a broken screen, you can count on our team to have the answers. Here's how to fix an ASUS laptop that is stuck on its loading screen.

Why your ASUS laptop is stuck on the loading screen

Drilling into the "whys" of a problem is often the first step to solving it. When you know the cause, it's easier to pinpoint potential fixes and implement them. Some reasons why an ASUS laptop shows an infinite loading screen include:

• Corrupted system files or operating system (OS) issues: ASUS laptops rely on a host of hardware and software components to operate. If any of them fail, it can disrupt the startup process.
• Hardware malfunctions: Hard drive and Random Access Memory (RAM) failures may cause the laptop to become stuck at the ASUS boot-up screen.
• Power supply or battery issues: A failing battery or minimal power can prevent the ASUS laptop from fully booting. 

Troubleshooting steps for ASUS loading screen issue

There are several ways to troubleshoot an ASUS with boot-up issues. Start with the first one, then move on to the others until you find the right fix for your device.

Perform a force restart

A force restart clears out temporary files that conflict with hardware and software. To perform a force restart, hold the power button down until the device shuts down. Wait several seconds before turning it back on. If the ASUS laptop fully reboots and loads the desktop, it may have been a one-time error.

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode provides a basic operating system environment free of non-essential software, apps, and other tools. It's useful for diagnosing potential hardware and software conflicts that cause booting issues.

Access the Windows Recovery Environment

Since your ASUS laptop in its current state can't load Windows™, you can use an alternative method to enter the Windows Recovery Environment. This method involves shutting down and restarting your laptop several times.

1. When the device powers on, press the Power button for at least 15 seconds to shut it down.
2. Press the Power button again to turn it back on.
3. When the ASUS logo appears, press the Power button for 15 seconds to shut it down.
4. Press the Power button to turn the ASUS laptop on.
5. Repeat steps three and four one more time.
6. When the laptop restarts, it will enter the Windows Recovery Environment. 

Enter Safe Mode

You can access Safe Mode through the Windows Recovery Environment.

1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings. 
2. Click Restart.
3. Press the F4 key to Enable Safe Mode.

The desktop appears. If you reached Safe Mode successfully, the booting issue is likely a driver or software conflict. 

Disconnect external devices

External devices sometimes cause booting issues. Try removing any external devices connected to your laptop to see if that resolves your issue. Examples include USB drives, external hard drives, external monitors, and wireless mice.

Reset BIOS settings

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) controls the processes that allow a laptop to boot. Incorrect BIOS settings can prevent your ASUS laptop from moving past the loading screen. You can fix the issue by restoring the BIOS to its factory settings.

To enter the BIOS screen, shut down your laptop. Press and hold the F2 key. While holding the key, press the Power button to turn the device on. Release the F2 key when the BIOS screen appears.

Your next steps depend on which BIOS utility your laptop uses. 

UEFI mode

1. Press the F9 key or click Default.
2. Click the OK option to load optimized defaults.
3. Click Save & Exit or press the F10 key to save the settings.
4. Click OK to save the configuration and exit the BIOS screen.

Legacy mode

1. Press the F9 key. 
2. Click Yes to Load Optimized Defaults. 
3. Press the F10 key to Save & Exit.
4. Click Yes to confirm the settings adjustments and exit the app.

MyASUS in UEFI mode

1. Press the F7 key or click Advanced Settings.
2. Press the F9 key. Click Confirm to load the default settings. 
3. Press the F10 key. Click Confirm to save and exit.

The ASUS laptop will restart after saving the updated BIOS settings.

Run startup repair

Windows Recovery Environment includes a Startup Repair tool that identifies booting issues. Follow the earlier instructions to enter the Recovery Environment. Then, move on to these steps.

1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair.
2. Wait for the Windows repair scan to run.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to resolve problems that impact the startup process.

Startup Repair usually takes a few minutes to complete and won't impact personal files. Once it's done, restart the ASUS laptop to see if it boots correctly.

Perform a system restore

A system restore is the most drastic of the options. It reinstalls the Windows operating system. You'll have a choice to delete all personal files or retain them. 

To initiate a system restore, follow the earlier instructions to access the Windows Recovery Environment. From there, proceed with these steps.

1. Click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
2. Click Keep my files or Remove everything based on your preferences.
3. Select your account and enter its password. Click Continue.
4. Click Local reinstall.
5. Click Reset to initiate the system restore.

System restore is a lengthy process that may take several hours to complete. Confirm your ASUS laptop is plugged in so it has a power source throughout the reset process. Let the process run completely before attempting to use your device again.