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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The Preparing Automatic Repair screen means Windows 11 has detected repeated startup failures and is trying to open the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). It is not a diagnosis by itself. The cause may be a damaged boot configuration, corrupted system files, a bad driver, a failed update, file-system errors, or a hardware problem.
Work through the recovery options in order. Start with the least destructive choices—Startup Repair, System Restore, and update removal—before using commands or resetting Windows.
1. Open Windows Recovery Environment
If the computer already shows Automatic Repair, select Advanced options. You should see the WinRE menu, which includes Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, Uninstall Updates, Startup Settings, and Reset this PC.
If the screen keeps returning to the loop without showing recovery options, force Windows into WinRE:
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- Make sure your PC is set to the default UEFI Boot mode, in your BIOS Setup menu. Most all PC made after 2013 come with UEFI set up and enabled by Default
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- Turn on the PC and wait until the Windows or manufacturer logo appears.
- Hold the power button until the computer turns off.
- Repeat the interruption once more.
- Turn on the PC a third time. Windows should display Automatic Repair.
- Select Advanced options.
Do not repeatedly interrupt the computer once you are inside a recovery tool. A forced shutdown during a reset or repair can make the problem worse.
If Windows can still start occasionally, use Start > Settings > System > Recovery. Under Recovery options, select Restart now next to Advanced startup. The older Windows 10 path, Update & Security > Recovery, is not the current Windows 11 path.
You can also boot from Windows 11 installation media and select Repair my PC on the initial Windows Setup screen.
2. Run Startup Repair
From WinRE, go to:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair > Restart
Startup Repair checks and attempts to correct common boot problems, including:
- Missing or damaged Windows system files
- Corrupted boot configuration data (BCD)
- A damaged master boot record (MBR)
- Incompatible drivers
- Registry errors
Let the process finish and see whether Windows starts normally. Startup Repair only handles certain startup failures, so a message saying it could not repair the PC does not mean the drive is necessarily unrecoverable.
If BitLocker is enabled, WinRE may request the BitLocker recovery key before Startup Repair or another recovery operation can continue. You may need to retrieve the key from your Microsoft account or your organization’s account.
3. Remove a recent Windows update
If the loop began immediately after Windows installed an update, use the built-in update removal tool:
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One-click scans. No signup required.
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall Updates
Choose the available update-removal option and follow the prompts. The choices depend on which update information remains on the installation, so you may not see every option on every PC.
Restart after the uninstall completes. If the loop began after a driver or application update rather than Windows Update, try System Restore or Safe Mode instead.
4. Try System Restore
Microsoft’s recovery guidance recommends System Restore when Windows does not start and Startup Repair has failed.
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Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore
Select a restore point created before the repair loop began. System Restore rolls back system files, drivers, registry settings, and installed program changes associated with that restore point. It does not normally remove your personal documents, photos, or other personal files.
If no restore points are available, skip this method. System Restore must have a usable restore point, but it remains available even when Windows itself cannot boot, provided WinRE can still start.
5. Use Startup Settings to reveal the failure
Some PCs restart too quickly to show the actual error. To stop that automatic restart, open:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart
On the Startup Settings screen, choose Disable automatic restart on system failure. Windows will then leave the failure visible instead of immediately restarting. Record any stop code or error message before searching for a hardware or driver-specific solution. The display may be black on Windows 11 version 24H2 and later; earlier versions may show the familiar stop-code screen.
The same menu also includes:
- Enable Safe Mode
- Enable Safe Mode with Networking
- Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Safe Mode loads Windows with a limited set of files, drivers, and services. If Safe Mode works, remove a recently installed driver, security program, or other software, then restart normally.
If Windows keeps starting in Safe Mode, press Windows key + R, type msconfig, and select OK. Open the Boot tab, clear Safe boot, and select Apply > OK.
6. Repair Windows system files
Command Prompt is available at:
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt
If you can boot into Safe Mode or another working Windows session, open Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin) and run these commands in order:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait until DISM reports The operation completed successfully. Then run:
sfc /scannow
Do not close the window before SFC reaches Verification 100% complete. DISM repairs the Windows component store; SFC then checks protected system files and replaces damaged versions where possible.
If SFC reports Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation, Microsoft directs you to run the scan in Safe Mode.
Important: Do not blindly use the /Online DISM command from WinRE Command Prompt. The /Online switch targets the Windows environment currently running, and WinRE is a separate recovery environment. The installed Windows partition can also have a different drive letter in WinRE.
7. Check the Windows drive for file-system errors
Microsoft documents this command for repairing file-system errors:
chkdsk /f C:
However, C: is not guaranteed to be the Windows partition inside WinRE. Recovery can assign different letters to volumes. Running CHKDSK against the wrong volume may check a recovery or data partition instead of Windows.
Before running the command, identify the correct letter:
- In Command Prompt, type diskpart and press Enter.
- Type list volume and press Enter.
- Use the volume sizes, labels, and file-system information to identify the Windows volume.
- Type exit and press Enter to leave DiskPart.
- Substitute the identified letter in the command, for example chkdsk /f D:.
CHKDSK can take a long time on a large or damaged drive. If it reports recurring errors, unreadable sectors, or other signs of drive failure, back up recoverable data and consider replacing the drive rather than repeatedly repairing Windows.
8. Check whether the problem is hardware
A repair loop that survives Startup Repair, System Restore, update removal, and file-system checks may be caused by hardware rather than Windows.
- Disconnect external USB drives, docks, printers, and other nonessential devices, then try booting again.
- Make sure the PC is connected to reliable power.
- Listen for unusual drive noises on a mechanical hard disk.
- Use the computer manufacturer’s hardware diagnostics if available.
- If the drive repeatedly reports errors, treat it as unreliable.
Do not use repeated resets as a substitute for diagnosing a failing SSD, hard drive, memory module, or motherboard. A reset can reinstall Windows but cannot repair defective hardware.
9. Use Reset this PC only after protecting your files
If the preceding recovery tools fail, WinRE provides:
Troubleshoot > Reset this PC
Choose between:
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Keep my files | Reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files. It removes installed applications and resets settings. |
| Remove everything | Reinstalls Windows and removes personal files, applications, and settings. |
You will then generally choose between Cloud download, which downloads a fresh copy of Windows, and Local reinstall, which uses installation files already on the PC.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors“Keep my files” does not keep your programs or Windows settings. If the files matter, back them up before resetting. You may be able to copy them to an external drive using Command Prompt, or remove the drive and connect it to another computer if you are comfortable doing so.
During Reset this PC, the screen may remain black for a long time—occasionally more than 15 minutes—and the computer may restart by itself. Do not manually power it off during this process unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically tell you to do so.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.10. Consider Windows 11’s “Reinstall now” option
If you can boot Windows long enough to open Settings, a less destructive repair may be available:
Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update > Reinstall now
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This reinstalls the same Windows version, repairs system files and components, and preserves apps, files, and settings. It requires an internet connection and continuous power. The option may be absent on Windows 11 installations earlier than the 2022 annual update, and it may not appear on every supported configuration.
This option is different from Reset this PC: Reinstall now is intended as an in-place repair, while Reset this PC removes applications and may remove personal files depending on the choice selected.
11. Reinstall Windows from installation media
If WinRE tools cannot resolve the startup failure, Microsoft’s next escalation is reinstalling Windows from recovery or installation media. If you do not already have media, create it using another working PC.
Boot the affected computer from the USB installer. Use Repair my PC first if you want to return to WinRE and try its tools again. If you proceed with installation, verify the target disk and understand that a clean installation can remove files, applications, and settings.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
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When the loop returns after a clean installation, or when the installer cannot reliably read the disk, suspect hardware—especially the storage drive or memory—and contact the PC manufacturer or a repair technician.
Recommended order of attack
- Open Advanced options in WinRE.
- Run Startup Repair.
- Uninstall a recent update if the timing matches.
- Run System Restore if a suitable restore point exists.
- Use Startup Settings to try Safe Mode or disable automatic restart.
- Run DISM and SFC from a working Windows session or Safe Mode.
- Check the correct Windows volume with CHKDSK.
- Back up files and use Reset this PC if necessary.
- Use installation media when the built-in recovery tools fail.
FAQ
What causes a Preparing Automatic Repair loop in Windows 11?
The screen appears after Windows fails to start correctly multiple times. Possible causes include damaged system files, corrupted boot data, incompatible drivers, registry errors, a failed update, file-system corruption, or failing hardware. The message itself does not identify which problem is responsible.
Will Startup Repair delete my files?
Startup Repair is designed to correct startup problems and is not a file-reset operation. However, you should still avoid unnecessary forced shutdowns and keep backups of important files whenever possible.
Why does Command Prompt show a different Windows drive letter in WinRE?
WinRE assigns drive letters independently from normal Windows. The Windows installation that is normally C: may appear as D:, E:, or another letter in recovery. Confirm the volume before using CHKDSK or offline repair commands.
Should I run DISM /Online from WinRE?
Not as a universal fix. The /Online switch targets the currently running Windows environment, while WinRE is a separate environment. Microsoft’s documented /Online sequence is for a running Windows installation, including Safe Mode.
Does Reset this PC with Keep my files keep installed programs?
No. Keep my files preserves personal files but removes installed applications and resets Windows settings. Remove everything deletes personal files as well as applications and settings.
How long should I wait during Reset this PC?
The screen can remain black for a long period, occasionally more than 15 minutes, and the PC may restart itself. Do not manually restart the computer while the reset is progressing.
The Bottom Line
Start with Startup Repair, then try update removal or System Restore. Use Safe Mode and system-file checks to isolate driver and Windows corruption problems, but confirm drive letters before running commands in WinRE. If recovery tools fail, back up your data before using Reset this PC or reinstalling Windows. A loop that returns after reinstalling is more likely to indicate failing hardware than a simple Windows configuration problem.
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