Are you frustrated with your Windows 10 computer stuck in an endless Preparing Automatic Repair loop? This issue can be a real headache, but fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through various effective methods to break free from this loop and restore your system’s functionality. Whether it’s using system restore points, repairing system files, or adjusting system configurations, we’ve got you covered.
How to Fix Preparing Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 10
The Preparing Automatic Repair loop in Windows 10 can be a frustrating experience, causing your computer to become inaccessible. Fortunately, you can escape this cycle and get your system working properly again in no time. In this guide, we’ll explore ten proven solutions to tackle this issue head-on. So, let’s begin!
Quick Answer
To get rid of the automatic repair loop on your PC, fix Windows using DISM:
1. Access Safe Mode through the Advanced Options menu.
2. Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) by right-clicking on the Windows icon.
3. Execute the following command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. After the scan, run sfc /scannow command and restart your PC.
What Causes Preparing Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 10?
Here are some reasons that can result in the said issue:
- Windows Registry Problems
- Windows Boot Manager Issue
- Issue with Recently Installed Hardware or Applications
- Missing or damaged System Files
- Other Unidentified System Issues
Now that you know the possible reasons for this problem, let us focus on fixing it using the methods given below:
Method 1: Perform Hard Reboot
A hard reboot involves forcefully restarting your computer by holding down the power button. This can help resolve minor glitches, freezing, and Preparing Automatic Repair loop.
1. Press and hold the power button until your PC shuts down.
2. Disconnect the power cable.
3. Press the power button for 30 seconds to drain all batteries from the capacitors.
4. Reconnect the power cable and switch on your PC to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Disconnect Recently Installed Devices or Applications
Newly installed devices or applications can sometimes cause compatibility issues. To fix Windows Preparing Automatic Repair boot loop of death, try disconnecting or removing any recently installed peripherals devices and restart the PC to help identify whether they are causing the issue.
Method 3: Boot in Safe Mode
If you’re facing continuous Automatic Repair problems in Windows 10, where your system can’t finish booting and crashes on startup, entering Safe Mode might offer a solution. You can read our guide on How to Boot to Safe Mode in Windows 10 to perform this method with accuracy.
Also Read: Fix Windows System Components Must be Repaired Issue
Method 4: Repair Windows Image using DISM
Running scans in Safe Mode targets potential malware or driver-related problems that might trigger the loop. Here’s how to perform a system scan in Safe Mode to fix Windows Preparing Automatic Repair boot loop of death.
1. Access Safe Mode through the advanced options menu using steps from Method 3.
2. Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) by right-clicking on the Windows icon.
3. Execute the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. After the scan, run sfc /scannow command and restart your PC.
Method 5: Rebuild BCD with Command Prompt
The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) manages the boot process. If the BCD is corrupted or misconfigured, it can result in startup issues and the Preparing Automatic Repair loop stuck in Windows 10.
1. Restart your computer and press the F8 key (or the Fn key in some cases) while the boot screen is showing to access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Select Troubleshoot.
3. Click on Advanced options.
4. Open Command Prompt in winRE (Windows Recovery Environment).
5. Execute the following commands:
bootrec /fixmbr bootrec /fixboot bootrec /scanos bootrec /rebuildbcd
6. After the repair process is completed, the PC will show a message saying Successfully scanned Windows installations.
7. After this, type exit to close cmd and reboot the PC.
Method 6: Run Fixboot and CHKDSK Commands
In case your Windows 10 PC is not able to go into safe mode and is stuck in an automatic repair loop, using the below-given steps can provide you access to the Windows Recovery Environment. Running the Fixboot command can address boot-related errors, while CHKDSK scans and repairs file system errors.
1. To begin, prepare a bootable USB drive containing Windows 10.
2. Next, power off your computer, then turn it back on. Access the BIOS settings and opt for the USB drive as your boot source.
3. Choose your preferred language and click Next.
4. Choose the Repair your computer option.
5. Select Troubleshoot and click on Advanced options.
6. Open Command Prompt and run chkdsk C: /r to scan and repair file system errors.
7. If the chkdsk command does not work, run fixboot C: to fix boot-related issues.
Also Read: How to Fix Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC
Method 7: Restore the Windows Registry
A corrupted Windows Registry can lead to various system errors. By restoring the registry to a previous state, you aim to undo potential registry-related changes that might have contributed to the loop. To do so, you can read our detailed guide on How to Backup and Restore the Registry on Windows.
Method 8: Disable Automatic Repair Tool
Disabling the Automatic Repair tool prevents it from interfering with the boot process. If Automatic Repair is causing issues, you can disable it using the below given steps:
1. Access the Command Prompt in winRE.
2. Execute the following command to disable the tool:
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled no
If this command doesn’t work, then replace the default with the current word as follows:
bcdedit /set {current} recoveryenabled no
Method 9: Use System Restore
In the case of Windows 10 automatic repair loop no safe mode, System Restore allows you to revert your system to a previous state. However, if you haven’t created restore points before, using System Restore might not be effective. To perform this method, please refer to our guide on How to use System Restore on Windows 10.
Method 10: Reset PC
Resetting your PC is a last-resort option. It reinstalls Windows while either keeping or removing personal files. While this can help resolve persistent issues, it also involves a complete system reset, potentially resulting in data loss. Therefore, to prevent data loss, please refer to our guide on How to Reset Windows 10 Without Losing Data for this method.
The Preparing Automatic Repair loop in Windows 10 can be a frustrating obstacle, but with the right methods, you can overcome it. By now you must have successfully fixed it but if you still have any questions regarding this guide please feel free to ask them in the comment section.