Fix Windows 10 Stuck in “Preparing Automatic Repair” Loop

Sun-Feb-2023
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If your Windows 10 computer is stuck in a “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop, it can be a frustrating and challenging problem to resolve. The “Preparing Automatic Repair” screen appears when Windows is trying to repair itself after a system crash or other issue. However, in some cases, the automatic repair process may fail, and the computer may get stuck in an endless loop, preventing you from accessing your desktop. Here are some steps to fix the issue:

Step 1: Perform a Hard Reset

The first step to resolve the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop is to perform a hard reset. This will shut down the computer and clear the memory, which can resolve some temporary issues. Follow these steps to perform a hard reset:

  1. Press and hold the power button until the computer shuts down completely.
  2. Disconnect all external devices such as USB drives, printers, and other peripherals.
  3. Press the power button again to turn on the computer.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

If the hard reset does not resolve the issue, you can try booting your computer in Safe Mode, which is a diagnostic mode that loads only the essential drivers and services. Here’s how to enter Safe Mode:

  1. Press and hold the power button to force the computer to shut down.
  2. Press the power button to turn on the computer, and immediately press the F8 key repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options screen.
  3. Select the “Safe Mode” option using the arrow keys, and press Enter.

Step 3: Run System File Checker

Once you are in Safe Mode, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to repair any corrupted system files that may be causing the issue. Follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
  2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, and restart your computer.

Step 4: Run Check Disk

If the System File Checker did not fix the issue, you can run the Check Disk (CHKDSK) tool to check the hard drive for errors. Follow these steps:

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
  2. Type “chkdsk /r /f C:” (replace C with the drive letter of your Windows installation) and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete, and restart your computer.

Step 5: Use System Restore

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try using System Restore to restore your computer to a previous point in time before the issue occurred. Here’s how to use System Restore:

  1. Press the Windows key + R and type “rstrui.exe” in the “Run” dialog box.
  2. Click “OK” to open the System Restore window.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to a previous point in time.

In conclusion, the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop in Windows 10 can be fixed by performing a hard reset, entering Safe Mode, running System File Checker, running Check Disk, or using System Restore. If none of these methods work, you may need to seek the help of a professional or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.