Windows 11 stuck on Preparing Automatic Repair? Try these fixes

⚡ Fast fix

• Try a power cycle. Forcing your PC to shut down and restart clears minor glitches.
• Figure out what changed. A recent update or application download may be the culprit.
• Enter the Windows™ Recovery Environment. From here, you can run a troubleshooter to fix known issues.

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You power up your PC and get the fright of your life: a frozen "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen. No matter what you try, you can't reach your regular desktop. Is your computer hopelessly broken?

Take a deep breath and let Asurion guide you. We've helped thousands of people recover PCs that won't boot properly, and we can help you, too. Here's what to do if Windows 11 is stuck in automatic repair loop mode.

Why is my PC stuck in this loop?

The automatic repair loop in Windows 11 is often caused by corrupt system files or a failed Windows update. Damaged or buggy files can affect your PC's ability to start up, which may cause it to get stuck in a Windows 11 boot loop.

Other common Windows 11 problems include driver issues, startup corruption, or disk errors. Don't let these terms scare you—they're often fixable through the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).

Get into the Windows recovery environment

Diagnosing your PC Windows 11 loop starts in Windows RE. Here, you'll have a menu of options to work through as you troubleshoot the problem. Take these steps to access it:

1. Turn off your PC and start it again. When the Windows logo displays, press and hold the power button until it shuts down.
2. Turn on your PC and wait for the Windows logo. When it appears, press and hold the power button to shut it down.
3. Turn on your PC for a third time. You should see the Automatic Repair screen.

Undo whatever changed recently

Most Windows 11 automatic repair loops are caused by a recent change to your device. Fortunately, there are two easy ways to restore your PC to its previous working state: rolling back an update or using System Restore.

If you suspect a recent Windows update is at fault, follow these steps from the Windows RE menu.

1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates.
2. Click Uninstall latest feature update. If a cumulative patch is the problem, click Uninstall latest quality update.
3. Wait for your PC to reverse the update before restarting your device.

Performing a System Restore allows you to roll back your PC to a previous point in time. It's a better alternative if you can't trace the problem to a specific Windows update. Take these steps:

1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore.
2. Choose your restore point from the list.
3. Click Next > Finish.
4. When the restore completes, click Restart.

Repair the system files causing the loop

Startup Repair can identify driver, registry, and system files that cause a Windows 11 auto repair loop. If it detects a problem, it will try to fix it. Here's how to run Startup Repair in Windows RE:

1. Click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
2. Click Restart.
3. Wait for your PC to perform the scan and resolve the issue.

If you're comfortable working with Command Prompt, you can attempt to run an SFC or CHKDSK scan from Windows RE. These scans check for disk and driver-related errors that may cause a Windows "Preparing Automatic Repair" boot loop of death.

Reset your PC as a last resort

Still battling an auto repair loop? There is one other option to try: resetting your Windows PC from scratch. This alternative reinstalls Windows, and you can choose to keep or remove your files. Here's how to stop automatic repair in Windows 11 using a reset:

1. From Windows RE, click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
2. Click Keep my files or Remove everything. No matter which option you choose, it's smart to back up anything you don't want to lose.
3. Wait for the reset to finish.

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FAQ

How long does Windows 11 automatic repair take?

It depends on the repair option. Rolling back a faulty update may only require a few minutes, but resets can take hours.

What can I do if my computer is stuck on the Preparing Automatic Repair Windows 11 loop?

Use the power cycle method to enter Windows RE. You'll find troubleshooting options in the menu.

How to skip Windows 11 automatic repair?

You can bypass automatic repair in Windows RE. Click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Continue to Windows 11.

How can I fix Windows 11 stuck in a boot loop?

A few options to resolve a boot loop include uninstalling recent updates, performing a system restore, and attempting a startup repair. All of these resolutions are available in Windows RE. You can also try a PC reset if nothing else works.