How to Fix Windows 10 Just a Moment Screen Issue [Easy Ways]

If you are someone that has been using Windows for a long time, and more specifically Windows 10, then you might have encountered a number of error screens on your system at least once or probably numerous times. These are usually known as BSODs or Blue Screens of Death. It is indeed an annoying screen that is displayed when your system runs into some sort of error. Many reasons could fire up the blue screen. One of the worst offenders of such error is the Just a moment error. Let’s take a look at how to solve and fix Just a moment screen issue on Windows 10.

The Just a Moment error is, to be honest, very annoying. While the error says that you need to wait for a few moments, these moments can take anywhere between 5 minutes to 5 hours. Yes, 5 hours. It can even increase if you are on a little slower or older PC. There are many reasons why this Just a Moment screen pops up. Let’s take a look at during what situations these screens popup and what are the fixes and solutions to get done with the error screen.

Fix Windows 10 Just a Moment Screen

The main purpose of the Just a Moment screen is that the system is performing some changes, and it should put you back on the desktop within 5 to 10 minutes or so. But, when it takes longer than a few minutes, the user will simply be annoyed. There are multiple scenarios where this screen is displayed.

• When your system is Installing an Update.
• When you are installing a new OS
• When your PC fails to install the update
• Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11
• When your system crashes from a blue screen.

Now that you have seen the number of scenarios as to where and when this Just a moment screen appears, let’s take a look at all the fixes to get away from the Just a Moment screen.

When Installing a New OS

Now, if you are someone that is performing a clean install of Windows 10 or Windows 11, then you might see the Just a Moment screen a few times. While this screen should last a few seconds, it can sometimes last between 35 and 50 minutes. And, in all fairness, it is normal, You shouldn’t worry about it.

But, if it is taking a bit way too longer than an hour or so, then it would be recommended to perform a  clean reinstall of the OS. Also, the screen appears if the system wasn’t able to access the internet during its initial setup. SO, when you perform an installation, it is best to leave the system connected to the internet and the setup do its thing.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11

When you are performing an upgrade to Windows 11 from the Windows 10 update page, then it is normal. The Just a moment screen will appear at the end of the installation and can stay for 5 to 20 minutes. In this type of situation, there is no need to worry. Yes, it can take even longer time if you are installing the update on a slower system. You do not need to worry about it. The OS will take you to the desktop right away.

Other Scenarios

Now, if we look at other scenarios such as when an update is being installed, an update fails, or for that matter even if the Windows file gets corrupted, then you can expect the Just a Moment screen to show up. So, what is the system doing when this screen shows up? Well, it is trying to fix up issues if possible. This might be in the form of reversing the update or even a possibility that the system is trying to boot, but a few files have been corrupted. There are a few ways you can follow to get out of this Just a Moment screen.

1. Boot into Safe Mode

If and whenever your system is stuck at the Just a Moment screen, you will have to forcefully shut your system down. If you are on a PC, then you need to disconnect it from the power source. And, if you are on a laptop, you will need to press the power button for a few seconds till your laptop shuts itself down. Once it has shut itself down, do the following.

1. Power up your system and keep mashing the F8 key (or whatever key is designated for your system to boot into recovery mode.)
2. With the blue screen showing up, choose the Troubleshoot option.
3. Now, select Advanced options.
4. Here, you can select Startup Settings and finally pick Restart.
5. Now, when your system restarts, you will be able to see a list of different startup options.
6. Simply press the number on your keyboard that corresponds to.
7. You can also pick the Enable Safe Mode with the networking option.
8. Once the option has been selected, your system will restart to boot into a safe mood.

2. Disable Automatic Restart

Once you have booted into safe mode, it’s time to make some changes.

1. Now, press the Windows Key and R.
2. This will bring up the Run dialogue box.
3. Type in system.cpl in the search box and hit the enter key.
4. A system properties window will now open up.
5. Click on the Advanced tab and then click on the Settings button under the Startup and Recovery option.
6. Now, uncheck the Automatic Restart option and check the Write event to system log option.
7. Press OK and now restart your system to boot out of safe mode.

3. Make Changes To Registry Editor

Apart from just disabling automatic restarts, you can also make changes to the profiles with the help of the registry editor. Here is how you can make the changes.

1. Make sure that you are booted into Safe Mode.
2. Now, pull up the Run dialog by pressing the Windows and R keys.
3. Type regedit in the search bar and hit enter.
4. The Registry Editor will now open up on the desktop.
5. In the address bar of the Registry Editor, paste or navigate to this file path Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList
6. Now, select the first folder under the ProfileLists.
7. You will see a registry key value called ProfileImagePath.
8. Select the value and simply delete it.
9. You will see 4 or more other folders like it. Go to each folder and delete the above registry key.
10. Once you have done that, restart your system. You should no longer face the Just a Moment screen.

Reset The PC

Because if your PC is unable to boot or load some files because they are either missing or have got corrupted, your best option is to perform a reset. Performing a Reset is simple and easy. Here is how you can go about it.

1. Open up the Settings app by latching it from the Start menu.
2. With the Settings app open, click on the update and recovery option.
3. And finally, click on the Recovery option.
4. You will see a Reset This PC button. Click on it.
5. There are two options to choose from. Either select to keep all files, or remove everything.
6. Once you have made the choice, the reset process will begin.
7. It should take around 20 minutes or less to get the system reset.
8. By performing a reset, all the corrupted files will be fixed, and you will no longer keep getting the Just a Moment screen on your PC.

Conclusion

And there you have, the troubleshooting methods you can follow whenever you find the Just a moment screen on your Windows PC. While most of the time it is harmless and gets done with itself, at times, it can simply go on for hours and hours. We hope this guide has helped you solve the Just a moment screen on your Windows PC.

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