How To Fix Preparing Automatic Repair Loop In Windows 11

Fix: Preparing Automatic Repair Loop

Windows 11 is a remarkable operating system known for its sleek interface and enhanced user experience. However, like its predecessors, it’s not immune to occasional issues. One of the frustrating problems that users might encounter is the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop.” This endless cycle can be vexing, but fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes behind the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issue and provide step-by-step solutions to help you resolve the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” in Windows 11.

What is the “Preparing Automatic Repair Loop”

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand what the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” is and why it occurs. This issue typically manifests itself when you boot up your Windows 11 computer. Instead of reaching the desktop, you’re greeted with a screen displaying the message “Preparing Automatic Repair loop.” This message indicates that Windows 11 is attempting to diagnose and repair any system issues automatically.

However, the loop occurs when Windows 11 fails to resolve the problem, and it keeps restarting, returning to the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” screen without ever reaching the desktop. This can be caused by various factors, including corrupt system files, hardware issues, or even recent software installations.

How to fix “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issue

Now, let’s explore the most effective solutions to get your Windows 11 system back to its normal functioning state.

1. Perform a Soft Reset

A soft reset is the first step in resolving the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issue. To do this:

Power Off Your Computer: If your system is stuck in the loop, press and hold the power button until your computer turns off completely.
Disconnect External Devices: Unplug all external devices such as USB drives, printers, and peripherals from your computer.
Restart: Turn your computer back on and check if it boots into Windows 11 successfully.

If the loop persists, proceed to the next solution.

2. Perform System Restore

Going back to before the issues emerged may fix any software-related issues like “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” and subsequently stopped working after changes were made.

System Restore successfully undoes any changes to the Windows system files that might have caused incompatibilities and are currently preventing auto-login from working. So, the following procedures will restore your computer to an earlier state:

Type “System Restore” on the Windows search box
Click on “Create a Restore Point”.

Click on System Restore under the “System Protection” tab.

It will prompt you to select a certain date and open the restoring window.

If you previously created a restore point, you should utilize it; otherwise, the computer will display a recommended date for restoration. Then click “Finish” to complete the process.
The finishing time is a few minutes. When finished, your computer will reboot.

3. Run SFC (System File Checker) and DISM scan

A System File Check (SFC) scan can help identify and repair corrupted system files that may be causing “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issues. The DISM is another tool you can try out; while it’s not exactly like SFC, it functions almost identically. A DISM scan locates and corrects any flaws with your system image that might be causing “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issues with the operation of your PC, much as how the SFC tool aids in PC repair.

Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC: sfc /scannow
Be patient and wait till the scanning is complete.

Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.
Type the following commands to perform a quick fix on your PC.
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The DISM commands are used for scanning your PC and automatically installing broken or missing Windows files on your PC.

4. Boot in Safe Mode

If your Windows 11 computer is still stuck in the Preparing Automatic Repair loop, a third-party app might be to blame. As a result, we advise that you start the computer in Safe mode.

By doing this, the system will only start up with crucial Microsoft services and applications that support proper operation. For instructions on how to boot a Windows 11 computer into safe mode, see the list below:

Press Win + I together to open Windows Settings.
Choose System from the left pane and head over to the Recovery section on the right side of the window.

Click on the Restart Now button associated with Advanced Startup.
Hit Restart now again.

Head over to Troubleshoot > Advanced options in the next window.
Choose Startup Settings and then click on Restart.
In the following window, press 4 to launch Safe Mode.

Once the PC boots into Safe Mode successfully, try checking if this fixes the problem.

5. Reset your device

If none of the above solutions resolve the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issue and Windows Security still refuses to open, you can consider performing a Windows reset. This will reinstall Windows 11 while keeping your files and settings intact.

Press the Windows key + I to open Windows “Settings.”
Click “System” from the left-hand side menu.
Scroll down and, select the “Recovery” option.
Under Recovery click on the “Reset PC.“

Choose from Keep my Files and Remove everything. Then follow the guidelines on the screen to complete the resetting process.

6. Run the Windows Startup Repair

You can use Startup Repair to resolve the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issue. This function can assist in resolving issues that prevent Windows from loading. You may also give it a shot here.

If your computer is in the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop, forcefully shut it down by holding the power button, then turn it back on.
As Windows 11 starts to load, interrupt the boot sequence by pressing the power button again while the Windows logo is displayed. Do this three times in a row to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment.
In the Advanced Startup Options, select “Troubleshoot.”
Under Troubleshoot, click “Advanced options.”

7. Hard Reboot Windows

By reducing the amount of power stored in your laptop’s physical components, several problems, including the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” can be resolved. Hard reset or power reset are terms used to describe this. Do the following in order to execute a hard reset:

Shut down Windows if it’s open.
Hold the power button down until no power is present if it is not the system is powered.
Whenever your laptop is attached to any external devices, unplug them.
Remove the battery from the battery compartment after unplugging the power cord.
Hold the power button for a further 15 seconds.
You’ll see the power light momentarily blink.
Now that the power cord has been reconnected, switch on your system.

8. Disable the Automatic Repair Tool

If the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” problem persists, try turning off your system’s Automatic Repair function. Your system will stop automatically fixing itself when you disable this tool, which is a good thing for now but not in the long run. In order to disable the Automatic Repair tool on your machine, follow the instructions below:

When the Troubleshoot box appears, select Advanced Options from the menu to launch Command Prompt.
To turn off automatic startup repair, type “bcdedit /set default recoveryenabled No” into the window and press Enter. Once the operation has been deemed successful, you can leave.

9. Reinstall Windows

Try a clean install of Windows 11 if none of the solutions mentioned above are successful in fixing the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” issue. Use the Windows 11 Media Creation tool to produce an installation package on a CD or USB flash drive for a clean installation of Windows. It’s critical to remember to backup your Windows 11 to a USB drive in advance to ensure that you won’t lose any crucial information.

Restart your computer after inserting the installation disk.
When the computer boots into BIOS, press a certain key (often F2 or F11) to change the boot order so that your computer boots from the installation disk.
When the page has loaded, click Install now, and then proceed as directed to finish the procedure.

10. Check for Hardware Issues

If none of the software solutions have worked, it’s time to consider hardware-related problems. The “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” could be caused by a failing hard drive, faulty RAM, or other hardware issues. Here’s what you can do:

Check Hard Drive: Boot your computer from a Windows 11 installation media or a bootable USB drive. From the installation screen, select “Repair your computer,” then open Command Prompt. Use the chkdsk command to check for and repair hard drive errors. For example, type chkdsk /f C: and press Enter (replace “C” with your system drive letter if it’s different).
Check RAM: If you suspect RAM issues, try removing or replacing RAM modules one at a time to identify any faulty modules.
Check Other Hardware: Ensure that all other hardware components, such as graphics cards and power supply units, are properly connected.

Conclusion

Dealing with the “Preparing Automatic Repair loop” in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but with the right steps and a systematic approach, you can often resolve the issue and get your system back in working order. Start with the soft reset and progress through the more advanced solutions as needed. If hardware problems are suspected, it’s essential to address them promptly to prevent further issues. By following these steps, you can tackle the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop and enjoy the smooth operation of your Windows 11 system once again.