How to Fix the Preparing Automatic Repair Loop in Windows 10/11 (2023 Guide)

If your Windows 10 or 11 computer is stuck in an infinite loop of “Preparing Automatic Repair” or displaying a black screen, it can be a frustrating experience. However, there are several solutions you can try to resolve this issue. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through various fixes to help you get your system back up and running smoothly.

Fix 1. Perform a Hard Reboot

If your Windows cannot boot due to the “Preparing Automatic Repair” or “Diagnosing your PC” error, you can try a hard reboot:

1. Remove the battery and AC adapter from your laptop.
2. Press and hold the power button for 20 seconds.
3. Plug the AC adapter back in and turn on your laptop to see if it boots normally.

If this method doesn’t work, move on to the next solution.

Fix 2. Boot into Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode can help you troubleshoot and resolve issues that may be causing the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press F8 repeatedly while your computer is starting up to access the Windows Boot Options menu.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” from the options.
3. Click on “Advanced Options”.
4. Select “Startup Settings” and press Enter.
5. Press the corresponding number or F4 to enable Safe Mode.

If Safe Mode doesn’t load, try the next solution.

Fix 3. Disable Automatic Repair

Disabling Automatic Repair at Windows 10/11 boot can sometimes resolve the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop:

1. Access the Advanced Options menu by pressing F8 repeatedly during startup.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced Options”.
3. Choose “Command Prompt”.
4. In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command and press Enter:

bcdedit /set {current} recoveryenabled No

5. Exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

If the issue persists, move on to the next fix.

Fix 4. Refresh or Reset PC

Refreshing or resetting your PC can help resolve various startup issues, including the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop:

1. Access the Advanced Options menu by pressing F8 repeatedly during startup.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced Options”.
3. Choose either “Refresh your PC” or “Reset your PC” depending on your preference.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to perform a fresh install or reinstall Windows 10/11.

Fix 5. Fresh Install or Reinstall Windows 10/11

As a last resort, you can try performing a fresh install or reinstalling Windows 10/11 to resolve the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop:

1. Create a bootable Windows installation media using a USB drive or DVD.
2. Boot your computer from the installation media.
3. Select “Repair your computer” from the first screen.
4. Choose “Troubleshoot” and then “Reset this PC” to reset your computer to its default settings.
5. If resetting doesn’t work, select “Troubleshoot” and then “Command Prompt”.
6. In the Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

bootrec.exe /fixmbr bootrec.exe /fixboot bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd

7. Exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

If the issue persists after trying all these solutions, it’s recommended to seek professional help or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.