Fix the “Preparing Automatic Repair” Boot Loop on Windows 10

Fix the “Preparing Automatic Repair” Boot Loop on Windows 10

The “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop is one of the most frustrating startup problems in Windows 10. Instead of loading normally, the computer repeatedly shows the Automatic Repair screen, restarts, and then returns to the same message again and again.

When this issue occurs, users may be unable to access the desktop, open files, or use the system at all. In some cases, Windows may display a black screen, blue screen, or endless spinning dots during startup.

This problem is usually caused by corrupted system files, damaged boot records, failed updates, hardware issues, or startup configuration errors. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix the automatic repair loop and restore normal Windows startup.

In this guide, you’ll learn why Windows gets stuck in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop and how to fix it step by step.

What Causes the “Preparing Automatic Repair” Loop?

Windows Automatic Repair is designed to fix startup issues automatically. However, if Windows cannot repair itself successfully, it may repeatedly restart and enter the repair process again.

Common Causes Include

• Corrupted system files
• Damaged boot configuration data (BCD)
• Failed Windows updates
• Corrupted registry entries
• Hard drive errors
• Faulty RAM
• Driver conflicts
• Malware infections

Common Symptoms

You may notice:

• Endless “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen
• Repeated restarts
• Black screen after startup
• Blue screen errors
• Windows never reaching the login screen
• Startup Repair failing repeatedly

How To Fix Windows 10 Stuck in Automatic Repair Loop

Follow these methods carefully.

Force Shutdown and Restart the PC

Temporary startup glitches may resolve after a hard reboot.

Steps

1. Hold the power button for 10 seconds
2. Turn the PC off completely
3. Wait 30 seconds
4. Power it back on

If the loop continues, proceed to the next method.

Disconnect External Devices

External hardware may interfere with startup.

Disconnect

• USB drives
• External hard disks
• Printers
• Game controllers
• Docking stations

Then restart the PC.

Boot Into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Most repair options require entering recovery mode.

How To Enter WinRE

1. Turn the PC on
2. Force shutdown during boot
3. Repeat this process 2–3 times

Windows should eventually enter Advanced Startup Options automatically.

Run Startup Repair

Startup Repair can fix boot-related issues automatically.

Steps

1. Open Advanced Options
2. Select:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair

3. Choose your Windows account
4. Wait for the repair process to finish

Restart the computer afterward.

Boot Into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services.

Steps

1. Open Advanced Options
2. Select:

Startup Settings

3. Restart the PC
4. Press:
   • 4 for Safe Mode
   • 5 for Safe Mode with Networking

If Windows starts in Safe Mode, recent drivers or updates may be causing the issue.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files commonly trigger repair loops.

Steps

1. Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options
2. Run:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete.

Use DISM Tool

DISM repairs damaged Windows images.

Steps

Run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Repair Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

Corrupted boot records often cause startup loops.

Steps

Open Command Prompt and run:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Restart afterward.

Run CHKDSK to Check Disk Errors

Hard drive corruption may prevent Windows from starting.

Steps

Run:

chkdsk /f /r C:

Replace C: if Windows is installed on another drive.

Disable Automatic Repair Temporarily

Sometimes disabling the repair feature helps bypass the loop.

Steps

Open Command Prompt and run:

bcdedit /set recoveryenabled no

Restart the computer.

Uninstall Recent Windows Updates

Failed updates can break startup.

Steps

1. Open:

Advanced Options → Uninstall Updates

2. Remove:
   • Latest quality update
     or:
   • Latest feature update

Restart afterward.

Restore the Registry

Corrupted registry files may cause boot loops.

Steps

In Command Prompt, navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\config

Then restore backup registry files if available.

Perform System Restore

System Restore can undo recent changes.

Steps

1. Open:

Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore

2. Choose a restore point
3. Follow the instructions

Check RAM for Errors

Faulty memory can prevent successful startup.

Try

• Reseating RAM modules
• Testing one RAM stick at a time
• Running memory diagnostics

Check Hard Drive Health

Failing drives often trigger repair loops.

Warning Signs

• Clicking noises
• Slow boot times
• Frequent freezes
• Read/write errors

Backup important files immediately if drive failure is suspected.

Disconnect Battery and Power (Laptops)

Temporary hardware states may cause startup issues.

Steps

1. Power off the laptop
2. Disconnect charger
3. Remove battery if removable
4. Hold power button for 20 seconds
5. Reconnect power and restart

Reset BIOS Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings may affect boot configuration.

Try

• Load BIOS default settings
• Check boot order
• Disable overclocking if enabled

Reinstall Windows 10

If all repair methods fail, reinstalling Windows may be necessary.

Important

Back up files first if possible.

Options

• Reset this PC
• Clean installation using installation media

Tips to Prevent Automatic Repair Loops

To reduce future startup problems:

• Keep Windows updated
• Avoid forced shutdowns
• Maintain healthy storage drives
• Use reliable antivirus protection
• Create restore points regularly

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional assistance if:

• The PC cannot access recovery mode
• Hard drive failure is suspected
• Startup errors continue after reinstalling Windows
• Hardware damage is possible

Final Thoughts

The “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop in Windows 10 is usually caused by corrupted system files, damaged boot records, failed updates, or hardware-related issues. Although the problem can prevent access to Windows entirely, it is often repairable using built-in recovery tools.

By running Startup Repair, rebuilding boot records, checking disk health, uninstalling problematic updates, and repairing system files, many users can successfully restore normal startup functionality.

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