Hi, on friday 28/11/25, Avast notified an update was available, but needsd a restart. I restarted the computer, now 2 days later, the computer is still restarting. does anyone have any ideas how to fix ? is there a bug in the latest update ?
- Try starting Windows in “Safe Mode”
This prevents Avast from fully loading and allows you to fix the problem.
How to enter Safe Mode:
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Turn on your PC and, as soon as the Windows loading screen appears, force shutdown (holding down the power button).
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Repeat this three times until “Preparing automatic recovery” appears.
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Go to:
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Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart*.
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Upon restarting, press 4 for Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, do the following:
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Open Avast.
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Go to Menu > Settings > Troubleshoot.
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Disable Self-Defense Mode.
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Restart your PC normally.
If it works, the loop should stop.
Hi, that would work IF the computer actually got that far, i don’t even get to Windows loading, I see the Dell Logo, then straight to Restarting….. i need to go to through BIOS somehow….
Force Automatic Recovery (when Windows doesn’t start normally)
Use this when your PC is stuck and won’t boot into Windows.
Turn on your PC. As soon as the Windows logo appears (or during boot), hold down the power button until it shuts down (force shutdown).
Repeat this process 3 times (turn on → force shutdown).
On the 3rd time, Windows should automatically enter Automatic Repair / Preparing Automatic Recovery.
Wait for the diagnostic screen; then go to Advanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options.
From there, access System Restore, Startup Repair, Remove updates, or Startup Settings (for Safe Mode).
Ha !!! did something nastier, bitlocked me !!! getting the code from microsoft to re-enable the cmpouter ![]()
and, ALL FIXED, i doff my hat to you, i did not know about the 3 strikes of the power button rule. once the computer tried to load windows, it locked out the power button. As it happenned, last weekend I replaced the video card cooling fan and the battery. There were a few hiccups intially, but then settled down once the battery went through a few deep cycle charges, the Avast update on Friday morning caused the, “unannounced” bitlocker issue, I was worried that the new battery had a problem affecting the computer and swapped the old one back in…. now to put the new battery back in again.
once again, my most greatful appreciation. ![]()