Issue started 2 days ago (8/11/23). I have Windows 10 and there was Windows Update installations recently (8/8/23) which I think might have caused the issue.
After logging in with my password at the initial sign-in before we reach the desktop screen, there is around a 5 minute black screen with only a mouse cursor showing. After 5 minutes the desktop shows up as usual. Restarting with Safe Mode doesn't have the black screen issue.
Things I tried before the latest solution I used:
Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B
Windows + P
Updating Drivers
Turning off Fast Startup
Malwarebytes + Adwcleaner + Windows Defender/Offline Defender full scans
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow
chkdsk /scan
The last thing I tried, which I found from a post in 2016, is stopping and disabling from startup a service called "App Readiness". This currently is working but the post mentioned and I am also experiencing it is that by disabling/stopping App Readiness, you wont be able to have Windows Updates. Even the post I read it from said that it is only a temporary fix and he will post again if there is a better fix but there was no further inquiry after.
Is there an updated fix to this where I can still receive Windows Updates? Especially since my main antivrus/antimalware is Windows Defender and its Security Intelligence gets new definitions from Windows Updates.