Before diving into the solutions, it's important to understand why Windows 10 might get stuck on the "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen. Windows Automatic Repair is a built-in troubleshooting feature designed to fix common startup issues. When the system detects a problem during boot-up, it automatically launches this tool to diagnose and resolve the issue.
However, when the repair process fails or encounters a problem it can't fix, the system may become stuck in an endless loop of trying to repair itself, leading to the "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen. Several factors can cause this loop, including:
Corrupted System Files: If essential system files are corrupted or missing, Windows may be unable to boot properly, triggering the automatic repair.
Faulty Hard Drive: A failing or damaged hard drive can prevent the system from accessing necessary files, causing the automatic repair to fail.
Incompatible or Outdated Drivers: Sometimes, incompatible or outdated drivers can cause conflicts during startup, leading to the automatic repair loop.
Corrupted Windows Registry: The Windows registry is crucial for the system’s operation. If it's corrupted, it can lead to startup problems.
Software Conflicts: Recently installed software or updates can sometimes cause conflicts, resulting in the system getting stuck in the repair process.
How to Fix the "Preparing Automatic Repair" Loop
Here are several methods to resolve the issue, ranging from basic troubleshooting to more advanced techniques.
1. Perform a Hard Reboot
The first and simplest step is to perform a hard reboot. This might resolve temporary issues that caused the system to hang.
Hold down the Power button on your computer until it completely shuts down.
Wait for a few seconds, then press the Power button again to turn it on.
If your computer still gets stuck on the "Preparing Automatic Repair" screen, proceed to the next method.
2. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services. If the issue is related to third-party software or drivers, booting into Safe Mode might allow you to fix the problem.
Force shutdown your computer by holding the Power button.
Press the Power button to turn it back on and immediately start pressing the F8 or Shift + F8 keys repeatedly until you see the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Choose Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
If your computer successfully boots into Safe Mode, you can perform tasks like uninstalling recent software, updating drivers, or running a system scan.
3. Run the Startup Repair Tool
Windows provides a built-in Startup Repair tool that can automatically fix many common startup issues. This tool might help resolve the problem if you're stuck in the automatic repair loop.
Reboot your computer and press F8 or Shift + F8 to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Select Repair your computer and then choose Troubleshoot.
In the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options and then Startup Repair.
The system will attempt to diagnose and repair any issues preventing Windows from starting properly.
4. Use Command Prompt for Advanced Troubleshooting
If the Startup Repair tool fails, you can use Command Prompt to perform advanced troubleshooting steps.
Boot into the Advanced Boot Options menu as described earlier.
Select Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and choose Command Prompt.
In the Command Prompt window, you can try several commands:
CHKDSK Command: This command checks for and repairs file system errors on your hard drive.
chkdsk /f /r C:
Replace "C:" with the appropriate drive letter if your Windows installation is on a different drive.
System File Checker (SFC) Command: This command scans and repairs corrupted system files.
sfc /scannow
DISM Command: This command repairs the Windows image.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
These commands can help identify and fix underlying issues causing the automatic repair loop.
5. Disable Automatic Repair
If you're frequently encountering the "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop, you may want to disable the automatic repair feature altogether.
Boot into the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Open Command Prompt as described earlier.
Type the following command to disable automatic repair:
bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
This command disables the automatic repair feature, which might allow your computer to boot normally and give you more time to diagnose the issue manually.
6. Perform a System Restore
If the problem started after a recent change (e.g., a new software installation or update), performing a System Restore might resolve it by rolling back your system to a previous state.
Boot into the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Choose Troubleshoot, then Advanced options, and select System Restore.
Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from a time when your system was working correctly.
7. Check and Replace Hardware Components
If software solutions don't resolve the issue, it's possible that faulty hardware is the root cause.
Check Hard Drive Health: Use a third-party tool to check the health of your hard drive. If your drive is failing, you may need to replace it.
Test RAM: Faulty RAM can cause startup problems. Run a memory diagnostic tool to check for errors.
Disconnect Peripherals: Sometimes, external devices like USB drives or printers can cause conflicts. Disconnect all peripherals and try booting again.
8. Reinstall Windows 10
If all else fails, reinstalling Windows 10 might be necessary. This process will wipe your system and install a fresh copy of Windows, resolving any deep-seated issues.
Create a Windows 10 installation media using a USB drive.
Boot your computer from the installation media.
Choose the option to Install Windows, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Make sure to back up important data before proceeding with a clean installation, as this process will erase everything on your system drive.
Preventing Future Issues
Once you've resolved the "Preparing Automatic Repair" loop, taking steps to prevent future problems is crucial.
Keep Windows Updated: Ensure your system is always updated with the latest security patches and updates from Microsoft.
Regularly Back Up Your Data: Use built-in tools like File History or third-party software to back up your data regularly.
Run Regular System Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance tasks such as disk cleanup, defragmentation, and system scans to keep your system healthy.
Be Cautious with Software Installations: Only install software from trusted sources and avoid installing unnecessary programs.
