PC stuck at a blurry login screen

Anonymous
2019-07-31T17:27:31+00:00

I recently updated my PC and now it is stuck at the login screen. It boots up normally to the lock screen, after pressing any button or using the mouse it goes to the next screen for the login but does not load the password box and the screen remains blurry. I can use the power, network and easy of access buttons but that is it.

Safe mode will not start, restarting 3 times does not take me to the repair screen, ctrl+alt+delete does nothing, I even tried using ctrl+F8 and nothing has worked. Anyone have any ideas on how to fix/bypass the login screen?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows Hello, lock screen and sign-in

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2019-09-05T01:28:41+00:00

***FIX***

Initial Steps (Enter Recovery Environment):

  1. Enter Recovery Environment (If you are unable to get into the recovery environment via a menu, you can turn off your system during the initial boot when the Windows logo is on the screen and the dots are circling. Do this at least twice and you'll see the message "Starting Automatic Repair").
  2. Once the recovery environment loads select "See advanced repair options", then "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced options".

Method #1 (Via Command prompt - assumes basic command prompt knowledge):

  1. Click "Command Prompt".
  2. Change directory to your boot drive if necessary (for example, type c: and press <ENTER>)
  3. Type "CD %windir%\system32\config\systemprofile\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\caches <ENTER>
  4. Type "DIR <ENTER>" and make sure you are in the right path. You should see one or more .db files -- usually just cversions.3.db. If there are no files in this directory see the addendum below.
  5. Type "DEL *.* <ENTER>"
  6. Reboot and test

Method #2 (Via Safe Mode and File Explorer - may require adjusting permissions):

  1. Click "Start-up Settings" and "Restart" to reboot the system and get the option to enter Safe Mode.)
  2. At the Startup Settings screen press "4" to boot in Safe Mode.
  3. Log into your administrator-level account.
  4. Open File Explorer and browse to**%windir%\system32\config** (example: c:\windows\system32\config)
  5. Gain access to systemprofile (you may be able to just double-click it to gain access)
  6. Drill down to**%windir%\system32\config\systemprofile\appdata\local\microsoft\windows\caches**
  7. Delete all files inside caches
  8. Reboot and test

Addendum

Some have reported that it is necessary to clear the caches folder of the local user account also or instead of the systemprofile account. If the above procedure does not work for you, delete the file(s) in the local user cache folder (located in %localappdata%\microsoft\windows\caches) using either Safe Mode or the recovery environment command prompt.

Good luck!

Special thanks to John_E_M for first suggesting the localappdata caches folder, and to Artaeos who also narrowed down the problem to the systemprofile caches folder at the same time I did. Great job guys!

**Edited 9/6/2019 to add command prompt method, local account provision, and acknowledgements**

-Forjo

Was this answer helpful?

100+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

158 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2019-08-23T20:28:50+00:00

    Further I have now gone thru your Clean-Boot steps and it did not resolve.  In addition, I don't have a restore point to use, and in other posts I've read for those experiencing this problem when it is available it won't roll back.

    I apologize for the inconvenience.

    If the folks on this thread could confirm their make/model of device that would be great.

    Also:

    -Do you have Hello Face or Fingerprint Login enabled?

    -Could you please Remove those Login options via Control Panel: Sign-In Options > Windows Hello Face > Remove  // etc.

    -Is it also possible to disable security devices in devmgmt.msc as pictured here?

    https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln155141/fingerprint-reader-installation-guide?lang=en
    https://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/04/sln286129/how-to-uninstall-dell-data-protection-security-tools?lang=en

    (Smart Card Readers, Biometric (fingerprint) devices etc.)

    Note: If you disabled Windows Biometric Services in a previous step - make sure to re-enable that.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2019-08-23T14:49:01+00:00

    In Microsoft store now.  Can’t fix without reinstall. Have notes in their system from many other stores reporting same problem starting 8/16. The reports involve Dell laptops. Anyone not using a Dell laptop experiencing this?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2019-08-23T13:19:28+00:00

    Same issue JB I'm waiting for a patch or just going to reinstall windows and loose my apps  Its so frustrating !

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2019-08-23T10:36:38+00:00

    I have the same issue with the login screen on my Dell Inspiron 15z 5523. First noticed it on Wednesday 21-Aug-2019. I have been able to startup and login in safe mode by powering down twice during bootup as described elsewhere. Tried a System Restore to the last checkpoint which was dated 13-Aug-2019, but still have the same problem with the login screen on normal bootup.

    Solution urgently required!!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments