Laptop Stuck on Preparing Automatic Repair Loop? Here’s How to Fix It

Automatic Repair is a built-in recovery feature in Windows 11 and Windows 10 PC, designed to diagnose and fix common issues that prevent a computer from booting properly. The “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen is usually triggered when the system fails to boot successfully on two or three consecutive attempts. This process scans for and attempts to resolve problems with system files, drivers, and other boot-related components. However, sometimes instead of helping, this feature gets stuck itself, leaving your laptop stuck in a continuous “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop. Well, this can occur due to various reasons such as corrupted system files, damaged Master Boot Record (MBR), or issues with the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). Here are some methods to resolve this issue and start Windows normally

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1 What causes the Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 11?

What causes the Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 11?

The Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 11 can be caused by several factors. Issues, including corrupted or missing system files, problems with the boot configuration, faulty hardware, or even a bad Windows update are common.

Corrupted or Missing System Files: If essential files needed for booting are damaged or missing, Windows will attempt to repair them, potentially getting stuck in a loop.
Boot Configuration Data (BCD) Issues: Problems with the BCD, which tells the computer how to start Windows, can lead to boot failures and the repair loop.
Hardware Problems: A failing hard drive, faulty RAM, or other hardware issues can also trigger the automatic repair process and cause it to get stuck.
Faulty Updates: A failed or corrupted Windows update can sometimes lead to this problem.
Driver Conflicts: Incompatible or outdated drivers can also interfere with the boot process.
Registry Problems: Corruption in the Windows registry can also cause boot issues.

Power Cycle Your Laptop

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor glitches that cause the loop.

Press and hold your laptop’s Power button for about 10-15 seconds until it completely turns off.
Disconnect the power cord and remove the battery (if it’s removable).
Unplug all external devices – USB drives, external hard drives, printers, keyboards, mice, and even charging cables (if safe to do so for a moment).
Press and hold the Power button for 15–20 seconds to discharge any residual electricity.
Reconnect the battery and power cord, then turn your laptop back on.

Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Windows with minimal drivers and services. Since Safe Mode disables problematic drivers or services, it helps identify what’s causing the boot failure.

Start your device and wait for the Windows logo (or the manufacturer’s logo) to appear
As soon as the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button until the device shuts down
Turn your device on again and repeat step 2
On the 4th boot, you’ll enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Click on Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Click Restart

Now, Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode, F5 to enable Internet access in Safe Mode.

When your PC starts in safe mode, you can try uninstalling recent drivers or updates that caused the issue. Perform system scans (SFC, DISM) to scan and repair corrupt files or roll back software changes.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

Sometimes corrupt system files are common reason behind the preparing automatic repair Windows 11 loop. Running SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan and repair corrupted or missing system files.

Again, access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select Advanced Options, then Command Prompt.

First, run the sfc /scannow command to scan for and replace corrupted, missing, or changed system files with known good versions.
Next, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command to repair the Windows image itself, which includes the system files, updates, and other components. This uses Windows Update to restore corrupted system images.

Once the scanning is complete, reboot your PC and check if Windows starts normally.

Use Startup Repair Tool

Windows 11 includes a dedicated startup repair utility that automatically identifies and attempts to fix problems that prevent Windows from booting, such as incorrect configuration files, corrupted registry entries, or missing boot records.

Go to Advanced Options → Startup Repair
Select your user account and input your password.
Let Windows attempt to fix the issue.

Rebuild Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores information about boot options, such as the location of the Windows installation, boot loader entries, and various boot parameters. If it’s damaged, you can end up stuck in a boot loop.

Access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), select Advanced Options, then Command Prompt. Type the following commands, and press Enter after each.

bootrec /fixmbr (Fixes the Master Boot Record)
bootrec /fixboot (Writes a new boot sector to the system partition.
bootrec /scanos (Scans for Windows installations)
bootrec /rebuildbcd (Rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data. Type Y if prompted.)

These commands repair and rebuild your system’s boot files, which are essential for successful startup.

After running these commands, type exit and press Enter, then restart your laptop.

Run CHKDSK to Fix Disk Errors

Disk issues, especially bad sectors on your hard drive or SSD, can trigger automatic repair loop Windows 11. Running the CHKDSK utility scan and fix physical and logical disk errors, ensure your system can access required files for booting.

Go to Command Prompt via Advanced Options.
Type chkdsk C: /f /r and then press Enter
/f – fixes disk errors and /r – locates and recovers bad sectors
Restart your PC to see if the problem is fixed or not.

Perform a System Restore

If the issue started recently, and you had System Restore enabled, you can roll your system back to a working state. System Restore undoes recent system changes, like new driver installations or registry modifications, without affecting personal files.

Go to Advanced Options → System Restore
Choose a restore point created before the issue started
Follow the on-screen instructions

Check Device Partition and OSdevicePartition

Sometimes, if your device partition values aren’t correct, you will stuck in the Windows Automatic Repair loop. Now, follow these steps to remove the Windows 10 Automatic Repair that couldn’t repair your PC error.

In Command Prompt, type bcdedit and press Enter.
Find device partition and os device partition values and make sure their values are correct or set to the correct partition. Because Windows comes preinstalled on C partition only, the default and correct value is C:.Enter the following commands and press Enter after each one if the value isn’t set to C:

bcdedit /set {default} device partition=c:

bcdedit /set {default} osdevice partition=c:

After that, reboot the PC and fix Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC error.

Disable Automatic Startup Repair

Still, need help? Let’s disable the Automatic Startup Repair option

In Command Prompt, type bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No and press Enter.
Restart your PC, the Automatic Startup Repair should be disabled and you might be able to access Windows 10 again.
If you need to re-enable it, you can type bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled Yes in CMD and press Enter.

When none of the above works, consider resetting Windows while keeping your files. From WinRE, select Reset this PC. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

FAQs
Q1. What causes the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop in Windows 11?
It’s usually due to corrupted system files, hardware issues, or faulty updates that prevent Windows from starting normally.

Q2. Is the automatic repair feature safe?
Yes, it’s part of Windows 11’s recovery system and is designed to fix boot issues safely. However, when it fails, it can cause a boot loop.

Q3. How long should automatic repair take in Windows 11?
Usually, it completes within 5–15 minutes. If it runs indefinitely, it’s likely stuck.

Q4. Can I skip automatic repair in Windows 11?
No direct option exists to skip it permanently, but fixing the root issue will prevent it from appearing repeatedly.

Q5. Will resetting my PC delete everything?
Choosing “Keep my files” during Reset preserves your personal data, but apps and settings are removed.

Kelvin smith

I am Kelvin Smith, founder of TechAIThreads. I have completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and am a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications, I love writing practical guides on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.), Android, cybersecurity, WordPress, and more.