If you’re experiencing the dreaded Windows 10 automatic repair loop, where your computer keeps rebooting and getting stuck in a cycle of failed attempts to repair itself, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue can be caused by a variety of factors, from corrupted system files to hardware problems. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to break out of the loop and get your system back up and running.
Accessing the Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options
The first step in fixing the automatic repair loop is to access the Windows 10 Advanced Startup Options menu. This can be done in a few different ways:
- Restart your computer and repeatedly press the F8 key during the boot process. This will bring up the Advanced Startup Options menu.
- If your computer is already stuck in the automatic repair loop, you can force it to enter the Advanced Startup Options menu by pressing the power button three times to shut it down, then turning it back on and immediately pressing the power button three more times to force it into the menu.
- If you have a Windows 10 installation media (such as a USB drive or DVD), you can boot from it and select the “Repair your computer” option to access the Advanced Startup Options.
Troubleshooting the Automatic Repair Loop
Once you’ve accessed the Advanced Startup Options menu, there are several steps you can take to try and fix the automatic repair loop:
- System Restore: If you have a recent system restore point, you can use it to roll back your system to a previous state, which may resolve the issue. In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- System File Checker and CHKDSK: Windows 10 has built-in tools to check and repair corrupted system files. In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”, then run the following commands:
sfc /scannow(to check and repair system files)chkdsk /r c:(to check and repair the C: drive)
- Disable Automatic Repair: In some cases, the automatic repair feature itself can be the cause of the loop. You can disable it by booting from a Windows 10 installation media, selecting “Repair your computer” > “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”, and running the following command:
bcdedit /set {current} recoveryenabled No
- Refresh or Reset Your PC: If all else fails, you can try refreshing or resetting your PC. This will reinstall Windows 10 while preserving your personal files, apps, and settings. In the Advanced Startup Options menu, select “Troubleshoot” > “Refresh your PC” or “Reset your PC”.
It’s important to note that some of these solutions may result in data loss, so be sure to back up any important files before attempting them.
Preventing the Automatic Repair Loop
To help prevent the automatic repair loop from occurring in the future, there are a few steps you can take:
- Keep Windows 10 up to date: Make sure you’re running the latest version of Windows 10 and that all updates are installed. This can help ensure that your system is running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of issues that could trigger the automatic repair loop.
- Regularly back up your data: Regularly backing up your important files and data can help you recover from a system failure or other issue without losing critical information.
- Monitor your system for issues: Keep an eye out for any warning signs, such as frequent crashes, blue screens, or other performance issues, and address them promptly to prevent them from escalating into a more serious problem.