The automatic repair feature troubleshoots issues that stop you from booting correctly. Here is how to fix if your PC is stuck in the Preparing automatic repair loop applicable for both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Preparing automatic repair Explained
The “Preparing Automatic Repair” feature is a built-in Windows troubleshooting tool designed to automatically diagnose and fix issues preventing your computer from starting properly. When Windows detects a problem during the boot process, such as corruption in system files, a damaged Master Boot Record (MBR), or other critical errors, it may initiate the Automatic Repair process to attempt to resolve the issue.
- If important system files required for booting become corrupted or damaged, Windows may get stuck in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop as it tries to repair them.
- The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a crucial component of the boot process that contains information about the partitions on the disk and the code necessary to start the operating system. Damage to the MBR can prevent Windows from booting correctly and cause the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop.
- Physical errors on the hard drive or SSD, such as bad sectors or disk corruption, can prevent Windows from accessing critical files needed for booting, leading to the automatic repair process.
Repair Master Boot Record (MBR)
The MBR repair process involves fixing or replacing the MBR code, which can resolve boot-related issues caused by MBR corruption or damage. This can be achieved using the bootrec /fixmbr command in the Command Prompt.
Repair corrupt system files
Windows System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Running sfc /scannow in Command Prompt can help fix issues with system files, potentially resolving the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop.
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Check disk error using CHKDSK command
The CHKDSK command is used to check for and fix errors in the file system and disk. Running chkdsk /f in Command Prompt can help identify and repair disk errors that may be causing boot issues.
Boot into safe mode
Booting into Safe Mode allows you to start Windows with only essential drivers and services, which can help troubleshoot and identify the cause of the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop. From Safe Mode, you can uninstall recently installed apps or updates that may be causing the problem.
Uninstall recently installed apps
If the issue started after installing new apps or updates, uninstalling them can help resolve compatibility issues or conflicts that may be causing the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop.
Perform System restore (Advanced options)
System Restore allows you to revert your system to a previous state, undoing recent changes that may have caused the issue. This can be done using the Advanced Options in the Windows Recovery Environment.
