The automatic repair loop is common issue on Windows 10, and it remains one of the more frustrating problems that a user can encounter. The automatic repair loop occurs when Windows 10 repeatedly tries to repair itself but fails each time, resulting in a never-ending cycle of reboots. This issue is particularly prevalent among users dealing with corrupted system files, problematic driver updates, or failed system upgrades.
The automatic repair tool is triggered after two consecutive failed attempts to boot your system and is intended to diagnose issues that prevent Windows from loading properly. Unfortunately, in some cases, the tool itself can fall victim to persistent issues, resulting in a continuous loop of reboots and leaving the user staring at a black or blue screen of death.
To avoid getting stuck in this cycle, it's important to know how to fix the automatic repair loop in Windows 10. By understanding the common causes and solutions, users can troubleshoot and resolve the problem on their own, without needing assistance from IT professionals. With Windows 10 updates and new drivers constantly being released, being prepared for potential issues with automatic repair can save time and prevent further frustration.
What causes a Windows automatic repair loop?
The automatic repair loop can be caused by a variety of issues, including corrupted or missing system files, problems with Windows Boot Manager files, incompatible hardware, or corrupted updates. Recognizing the signs of an automatic repair loop is key. Sometimes, the problem can even be a broken Windows update.
Some common symptoms include:
- A black screen displaying an error message such as “Diagnosing your PC” or “Preparing automatic repair”.
- A “Preparing automatic repair” message on a black screen, with no visible progress.
- A blue screen displaying messages like “Automatic repair couldn’t repair your PC” or “Your PC did not start correctly”.
How to fix a Windows automatic repair loop
There are several ways to fix the automatic repair loop issue, and the solution will depend on how the problem manifests itself - either as an unresponsive black screen or a blue screen with an error code. Below, we’ll provide solutions to help you bypass this frustrating problem.
Blue screen – Undo changes using System Restore
System Restore can help resolve the issue by rolling your OS back to a previous working state, overwriting corrupted files that may be causing the loop.
1. Click on "Advanced options" on the automatic repair blue screen.
2. Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "System Restore".
3. Choose a restore point created before the issue began (Windows 10 creates restore points during updates, driver installations, or app installations).
4. Click "Next" and wait for the restore process to finish.
5. Restart your computer.
Blue screen – Run built-in system repair tools
Windows provides two powerful built-in tools to check for and repair missing or corrupted system files: System File Checker (SFC) and CHKDSK.
1. Restart your PC and press the “F8” key to open the Windows troubleshooting menu.
2. Select “See advanced repair options”.
3. Click "Troubleshoot" and then “Advanced options”.
4. Open “Command Prompt”.
5. In the Command Prompt window, type “chkdsk /r c:” and press Enter. This will scan for and repair disk errors.
6. Next, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. This will verify and repair system file integrity.
7. Type “exit” to close the Command Prompt, then restart your computer.
Black screen – Run antivirus scans and update drivers
Using Safe Mode, you can uninstall problematic device drivers, roll back recent Windows updates, or remove any malware causing the issue. Follow these steps:
1. Turn off your PC.
2. Boot using Windows Installation Media and choose "Repair your computer" from the setup window. (Download and install Windows Installation Media from Microsoft)
3. Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings", and select a Safe Mode option.
4. Once in Safe Mode, run antivirus software to check for malware, uninstall any incompatible software, and update your device drivers.
Black screen – Disable automatic repair loop
If all else fails, you can disable the automatic repair feature:
Insert a Windows installation disc or USB drive.
Boot from the installation media, then select your language preferences and click “Next”.
Click on “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options” > “Command Prompt”.
In Command Prompt, type “bcdedit /set {current} recoveryenabled No” and press Enter.
Type “exit” and press Enter.
Boot configuration data repair
In some cases, the automatic repair loop is caused by corruption in the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). To fix this, follow these steps:
Insert a Windows installation disc or USB drive. (You can download installation media from Microsoft)
Boot from the installation media and select "Repair your computer".
Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Command Prompt".
In Command Prompt, type the following commands. Press Enter after each command and wait for the process to finish.
bootrec /fixmbr – Repairs the Master Boot Record.
bootrec /fixboot – Writes a new boot sector.
bootrec /scanos – Scans for Windows installations.
bootrec /rebuildbcd – Rebuilds the Boot Configuration Data.
These commands can help resolve issues related to corrupted boot files that lead to an automatic repair loop.
Other Windows errors and repair solutions
Windows users often encounter other issues, such as the blue screen of death, which can result from insufficient disk space, faulty device drivers, or corrupted hard disks. Fixing this error involves checking for Windows updates, uninstalling problematic drivers, and ensuring enough storage space.
Other general Windows errors can include not being able to update between operating systems, as well as limited storage errors following upgrades and unnecessary notifications in Windows 10.
