Learn how to fix the Windows Preparing Automatic Repair loop with proven methods. Common solutions include running Startup Repair, disabling TPM, changing the boot order, uninstalling Windows updates, repairing boot files, or running System Restore.
When Windows detects startup problems, it automatically launches Automatic Repair. However, some users may encounter an endless Preparing Automatic Repair loop and cannot access Windows.
“I started my Win 10 Pro machine after “sleeping” and instead of “awakening”. I’m stuck in a loop of “Preparing for Automatic Repair”. I can get into Command Prompt, but neither SFC nor CHKDSK will complete it. I hope that someone who has won this battle will come to my defense. Thanks all.tenforums.com
Under this circumstance, you may ask: Why does my computer keep saying preparing automatic repair?
Possible Causes for Windows 10 Automatic Repair Loop
There are usually several reasons for the constant automatic repair:
- There may be corrupted or damaged significant system files on your computer.
- Computer hardware components such as hard disk, memory, etc. are faulty.
- Viruses or malware are interfering with the normal running of the system.
- System disk problems, such as insufficient storage space, file system errors, etc., are interfering with system file reading or repair tasks.
- Some hardware drivers are incompatible with the system, leading to the automatic repair loop or unstable functioning.
- …
Faced with the black screen of preparing automatic repair, you can force start your computer to check if the system can boot normally.
Press and hold the Power button for about 10 seconds until the computer completely shuts down. Wait a few seconds and then restart the computer. If it boots normally, you need to back up files immediately in case of a secondary black screen.
Recover Your Files Before Major Repairs
If Windows is stuck on the Preparing Automatic Repair screen and you cannot access your files, it is recommended to recover important data before attempting advanced repairs.
Option 1. Copy Files in Safe Mode
If you can boot into Safe Mode with Networking, connect an external storage device and copy your important files manually.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Force your PC to shut down and restart it three times until Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) appears.
- Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Press F5 to boot into Safe Mode with Networking.
- Copy your important files to a USB drive or external hard drive.
Option 2. Recover Files Using Bootable Media
If Safe Mode is unavailable, you can use a bootable data recovery tool to access files without starting Windows.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery provides a Bootable Media Builder that lets you create a WinPE-based recovery USB on a working computer. Boot the affected PC from the USB drive, scan the system drive, and save important files to a removable storage device.
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Process 1. Create a bootable data recovery disk.
First, insert a formatted or blank USB drive into your working computer.
Second, launch the registered MiniTool recovery tool, and click the Bootable Media Builder button.
Third, click WinPE-based media with MiniTool plug-in, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the bootable disk creation.
Fourth, connect the USB drive to the affected computer and change the boot order in the BIOS to start from the USB drive.
Process 2. Scan the disks and recover files.
Launch MiniTool Power Data Recovery and select the system drive to scan. Identify the system drive based on its disk size and file system, as it may not be displayed as the C: drive in the WinPE environment.
Step 2. After the scan is complete, browse the scan results to locate your files. You can use features such as Filter and Search to narrow down results by file type, file category, size, or modification date. Preview and select the needed files for recovery.
Step 3. Ensure that you have selected all the files you want to restore, and then click the Save button to store them.
After recovering your important files, you can continue troubleshooting the Preparing Automatic Repair loop.
How to Fix Preparing Automatic Repair Black Screen
Way 1. Run Startup Repair
Windows provides a built-in Startup Repair tool that can automatically diagnose and fix common startup problems. If your computer is stuck on the Preparing Automatic Repair screen, running Startup Repair from WinRE is the first solution you should try.
Step 1. Enter WinRE and select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Step 2. Wait for Windows to diagnose and repair startup issues.
Step 3. Restart your computer and check whether Windows can boot normally.
Way 2. Repair System Files
When the automatic repair is triggered by corrupted or missing system files, running the SFC command line to detect and repair these files is the ideal troubleshooting step.
Step 1. In the WinRE window, hit Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Wait for the process to complete, and then restart your computer to check if the automatic repair loop is resolved.
Way 3. Perform System Restore
Windows offers you a powerful feature called System Restore that can help revert your system from a problematic state to a previous normal state. If you have created a restore point when your device functions well, you can perform a system restore.
Step 1. In the Windows recovery window, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Step 2. Select a particular restore point from the available list and click Next to continue.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore.
Way 4. Check the System Disk for Errors
When the repair loop is associated with the system disk errors, running the CHKDSK command line to detect and repair the file system errors or other failures is the corresponding solution. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Open the Command Prompt from the Windows recovery window.
Step 2. Type chkdsk /f /r /x C: and press Enter to scan the C drive for errors.
Way 5. Uninstall Windows Update
A failed or incompatible Windows update can sometimes damage system files or introduce driver conflicts, causing Windows to repeatedly enter the Preparing Automatic Repair loop.
If the problem started after a recent update, try uninstalling the latest update.
Enter WinRE, go to the Advanced options window, and click Uninstall Updates.
Way 6. Disable TPM from BIOS
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is a security feature used to protect encryption keys and support features such as BitLocker and Windows Hello. In some cases, incorrect TPM settings or firmware issues may interfere with the Windows startup process and cause the Preparing Automatic Repair loop.
Disabling the TPM temporarily from BIOS/UEFI may help fix the problem.
Step 1. Turn off your computer completely. Turn it on and repeatedly press the BIOS key during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup screen. The key varies by manufacturer and is usually F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc.
Step 2. Find the TPM option (TPM, TPM Device, Intel PTT, AMD fTPM, or Security Device Support) and change its setting to Disable.
The TPM option may appear under different names depending on your motherboard manufacturer. It is usually located under the Security, Advanced, or Trusted Computing tab.
Image source: www.asus.com
Step 3. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Restart your computer and check whether Windows can boot normally.
Way 7. Set the Correct Boot Drive as the Priority Boot Option
Windows may enter the Preparing Automatic Repair loop if the computer attempts to boot from the wrong drive.
Checking and setting the correct system drive as the first boot option can help Windows load properly.
Step 1. Open the BIOS/UEFI setup menu and find the Boot, Boot Order, or Boot Priority section.
Step 2. Locate the available boot devices and select Windows Boot Manager or the actual drive containing your Windows installation.
Step 3. Move the device to the top of the boot priority list and save the changes.
Step 4. Restart your computer and check whether Windows can successfully bypass the Preparing Automatic Repair loop.
Way 8. Reinstall Windows
If all the fixes above fail to restore your system to a healthy state, it may indicate that there are severe problems in your system. If this is the case, you may consider carrying out a fresh install by using a Windows installation media. Be aware that this action will remove all your personal files and apps, as well as delete and recreate all disk partitions. See this official tutorial: How to Reinstall Windows.
Recommended: Back up System/Files
In addition to the preparing automatic repair failure, your computer may also face other challenges that affect the startup or personal files. Therefore, to avoid risky data or system recovery, it is recommended that you develop a habit of backing up your system and important files regularly. Thus, you can easily restore the system and data from the backup.
MiniTool ShadowMaker can help create backups of files, partitions, disks, and Windows systems. With a proper backup, you can recover your data and restore your system without starting from scratch.
Download its trial edition which has a 30-day free trial to verify if this software suits you.
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Here are some useful tutorials:
Wrapping Things Up
Several ways are outlined above to help you resolve the preparing automatic repair stuck issue. Also, the data recovery steps are described above to assist you in rescuing your data to prevent permanent file loss. Hope the information we provide is useful and timely.
Suppose you need any help with MiniTool software, please do not hesitate to email the support team via [email protected].
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Shirley holds a bachelor’s degree in English and has been an editor at the MiniTool Team for many years. She specializes in IT-related content, with a focus on data recovery, file backup, disk management, and other technical topics. She is committed to delivering clear, accurate, and practical solutions to help users resolve common computer issues.
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