Stop clock error but won’t fix problem or increase percentage of complete

Lee Glasscock 0 Reputation points
2026-01-14T10:30:03.6233333+00:00

It says windows incurred a problem and needs restarting, it will gather info and work on fixing the problem but doesn’t seem like anything is happening. Does it take a long time or is there a way around it? Force restarting doesn’t seem to be doing anything.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Devices and deployment | Recovery key
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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-14T10:30:12.36+00:00

    It sounds like you're experiencing a stop code error, which can occur when Windows encounters a serious issue that prevents it from operating normally. When Windows is trying to gather information and fix the problem, it can sometimes take a significant amount of time, especially if the issue is complex or if there are multiple problems at play.

    If the process seems stuck and force restarting does not help, you may want to try the following troubleshooting steps:

    1. Wait a bit longer: Sometimes, the system may appear unresponsive but is still working in the background.
    2. Boot into Safe Mode: This can help you troubleshoot the issue by loading only essential drivers. You can access Safe Mode by restarting your computer and pressing F8 (or another function key depending on your system) before Windows starts loading.
    3. Use Recovery Options: If you can access the recovery environment, you might be able to perform a system restore or use the Startup Repair feature to fix the issue.
    4. Check for Hardware Issues: Sometimes, hardware malfunctions can cause stop code errors. Ensure all hardware components are properly connected and functioning.
    5. Run Diagnostics: If your system manufacturer provides diagnostic tools, use them to check for hardware issues.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows or seeking further assistance from Microsoft support.

    References:

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  2. Jason Nguyen Tran 25,690 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-14T11:13:31.17+00:00

    Hi Lee Glasscock,

    The “Stop Clock” error and message about Windows gathering information typically indicate a system crash or critical failure, often resulting in a recovery loop. If the percentage of completion doesn’t increase and force restarting doesn’t help, it’s likely that Windows is stuck during the automatic repair phase. This can happen due to corrupted system files, failed updates, or hardware conflicts.

    To work around this, I recommend booting into Safe Mode or using a Windows Recovery USB to access advanced startup options. From there, you can run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair system integrity. If Safe Mode isn’t accessible, you may need to boot from installation media and choose “Repair your computer.” In some cases, rolling back recent updates or performing a system restore can resolve the issue without a full reinstall.

    I hope this helps you move forward with recovery. If this explanation is useful, please hit “Accept Answer” so I know your concern is resolved. Feel free to leave a comment if you need any further information. 😊

    Jason.

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  3. Jason Nguyen Tran 25,690 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-15T03:12:00.0233333+00:00

    Hi Lee Glasscock,

    Just checking in, were you able to get the issue resolved? If so, it would be great if you could mark the answer as Accepted so others in the community can benefit from your experience. Thank you!

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