How To Fix Windows 11 Automatic Repair Loop

People are currently reading this guide.

Dealing with the dreaded Windows 11 automatic repair loop can be incredibly frustrating, leaving you staring at a screen that promises to fix things but never quite delivers. But don't worry, you're not alone, and there are several steps you can take to break free from this cycle. Let's dive in and get your system back on track!

Step 1: Interrupting the Automatic Repair and Accessing Advanced Startup Options

Have you tried simply restarting your computer multiple times, hoping it will break free? While sometimes this works, more often than not, you'll need to be a bit more forceful.

  1. Force Shut Down: When you see the "Preparing Automatic Repair" or "Diagnosing your PC" screen, press and hold the power button until your computer completely shuts down.
  2. Repeat Multiple Times: Power on your computer again. As soon as you see the manufacturer's logo, immediately press and hold the power button to force another shutdown. Repeat this process two or three times.
  3. Access Advanced Startup: After the second or third forced shutdown, when you power on your computer again, it should automatically boot into the Advanced Startup options. This is your gateway to various troubleshooting tools. If it doesn't, you might need to try the force shutdown process one more time.

Step 2: Exploring Troubleshooting Options in Advanced Startup

Once you're in the Advanced Startup menu, you'll see several options. Let's explore the most relevant ones for fixing the automatic repair loop.

Sub-heading: Startup Repair

This is often the first tool to try, as it's designed to automatically fix common startup issues.

  1. Navigate to Startup Repair: In the Advanced Startup menu, click on "Troubleshoot".
  2. Select Startup Repair: On the Troubleshoot screen, click on "Startup Repair".
  3. Choose Your Account: You might be asked to choose your account and enter your password.
  4. Let it Run: Windows will now attempt to diagnose and repair startup problems automatically. This process might take some time, so be patient.
  5. Restart: Once the repair is complete, whether successful or not, click "Restart". Check if your system boots normally.

Sub-heading: System Restore

If the automatic repair loop started recently, using System Restore to revert your system to a previous working state can be a lifesaver.

  1. Navigate to System Restore: In the Advanced Startup menu, go to "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".
  2. Select System Restore: Click on "System Restore".
  3. Choose a Restore Point: Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point created before the automatic repair loop began. Windows will show you the date and time of each restore point.
  4. Confirm and Restore: Click "Next" and then "Finish" to start the restoration process. Remember, this will uninstall any applications, drivers, and updates installed after the selected restore point.
  5. Restart: Once the restore is complete, your computer will restart. Check if the issue is resolved.

Sub-heading: Uninstall Updates

Sometimes, a faulty Windows update can cause startup problems. Uninstalling the latest updates might resolve the automatic repair loop.

  1. Navigate to Uninstall Updates: In the Advanced Startup menu, go to "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".
  2. Select Uninstall Updates: Click on "Uninstall updates".
  3. Choose to Uninstall Latest Quality Update or Latest Feature Update: Decide whether you want to uninstall the latest quality update (typically smaller, security-focused updates) or the latest feature update (major version updates). If you're unsure, start with the Latest quality update.
  4. Confirm and Uninstall: Follow the prompts to uninstall the selected update.
  5. Restart: After the uninstallation, restart your computer and see if it boots correctly.

Sub-heading: Command Prompt

The Command Prompt offers powerful tools for diagnosing and fixing various system issues.

  1. Navigate to Command Prompt: In the Advanced Startup menu, go to "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options".

  2. Select Command Prompt: Click on "Command Prompt". A black window will appear.

    • Running Check Disk (CHKDSK): This command can scan and repair errors on your hard drive. Type the following command and press Enter:

      chkdsk /f /r C:

      Replace C: with the drive letter where Windows is installed if necessary. The /f parameter fixes errors, and the /r parameter locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. This process can take a significant amount of time.

    • Running System File Checker (SFC): This tool scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Type the following command and press Enter:

      sfc /scannow

      Ensure there is a space between sfc and /scannow. Let the scan complete.

    • Rebuilding Boot Configuration Data (BCD): Issues with the boot configuration can cause startup problems. Use these commands sequentially:

      bootrec /fixmbr
        bootrec /fixboot
        bootrec /scanos
        bootrec /rebuildbcd

      After the last command, if it identifies Windows installations, type Y to add them to the boot list.

  3. Exit and Restart: Once you've run the necessary commands, type exit and press Enter. Then, click "Continue" to restart your PC.

Sub-heading: Startup Settings

This option allows you to boot Windows in various diagnostic modes, including Safe Mode.

  1. Navigate to Startup Settings: In the Advanced Startup menu, go to "Troubleshoot", then "Advanced options", and finally "Startup Settings".
  2. Click Restart: Click the "Restart" button.
  3. Choose a Safe Mode Option: After your computer restarts, you'll see a list of startup options. Press the corresponding number key (usually 4 or F4 for Safe Mode, 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking, or 6 or F6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt).
  4. Troubleshoot in Safe Mode: If your system boots successfully in Safe Mode, it indicates that a third-party application, driver, or service is likely causing the automatic repair loop. You can try the following in Safe Mode:
    • Uninstall recently installed applications.
    • Update or roll back drivers using Device Manager.
    • Disable non-essential startup programs and services using Task Manager (Startup tab) and MSConfig (Services tab).
  5. Restart: After troubleshooting in Safe Mode, restart your computer normally to see if the issue is resolved.

Step 3: Considering More Drastic Measures

If none of the above steps work, you might need to consider more involved solutions.

Sub-heading: Reset This PC

This option allows you to reinstall Windows 11 while choosing to keep your personal files or remove everything.

  1. Navigate to Reset This PC: In the Advanced Startup menu, go to "Troubleshoot" and then "Reset this PC".
  2. Choose an Option: You'll be presented with two options: "Keep my files" (removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files) and "Remove everything" (deletes all your personal files, apps, and settings). Choose the option that suits your needs.
  3. Follow the On-Screen Instructions: Windows will guide you through the reset process. This may take a significant amount of time.
  4. Restart and Set Up: Once the reset is complete, your computer will restart, and you'll need to go through the initial Windows 11 setup process.

Sub-heading: Clean Install of Windows 11

A clean install is the most thorough way to resolve persistent issues, as it completely erases your hard drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows 11. This will delete all your data, so ensure you have backups of important files.

  1. Create Bootable Media: You'll need a USB drive (at least 8GB) and the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website. Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive.
  2. Boot from USB: Change your computer's boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive. You usually access the BIOS/UEFI by pressing a specific key (like Delete, F2, F12, or Esc) during startup.
  3. Follow the Installation Wizard: Once your computer boots from the USB, the Windows 11 installation wizard will guide you through the process. Follow the instructions carefully, choosing the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option to perform a clean install.
  4. Install Drivers and Applications: After the installation, you'll need to install the necessary drivers for your hardware and reinstall your applications.

How to Fix Windows 11 Automatic Repair Loop: Frequently Asked Questions

How to enter Advanced Startup in Windows 11?

You can enter Advanced Startup by force-shutting down your computer two or three times during the boot process or by navigating through Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.

How to run Startup Repair in Windows 11?

Boot into Advanced Startup, go to Troubleshoot, and then select Startup Repair.

How to perform a System Restore in Windows 11 from Advanced Startup?

Boot into Advanced Startup, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore, and follow the on-screen prompts.

How to open Command Prompt from Windows 11 Automatic Repair?

Boot into Advanced Startup, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

How to run CHKDSK from Command Prompt in Windows 11 repair?

Open Command Prompt from Advanced Startup and type chkdsk /f /r C: (replace C: with your Windows drive letter) and press Enter.

How to run SFC scan from Command Prompt in Windows 11 repair?

Open Command Prompt from Advanced Startup and type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

How to boot into Safe Mode from Windows 11 Automatic Repair?

Boot into Advanced Startup, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, click Restart, and then press the number key for Safe Mode (usually 4 or F4).

How to uninstall recent updates from Windows 11 Advanced Startup?

Boot into Advanced Startup, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates, and choose to uninstall the latest quality or feature update.

How to reset Windows 11 from the Automatic Repair environment?

Boot into Advanced Startup, go to Troubleshoot > Reset this PC, and choose whether to keep your files or remove everything.

How to do a clean install of Windows 11 if stuck in Automatic Repair?

You'll need to create bootable Windows 11 installation media on a USB drive and then boot your computer from that drive to start the clean installation process. Remember to back up your data beforehand.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide will help you break free from the Windows 11 automatic repair loop and get your system running smoothly again! Remember to be patient and follow the steps carefully. Good luck!

5283240802082354355
How To Fix Windows 11 Automatic Repair Loop

You have our undying gratitude for your visit!