Windows may get stuck on the Preparing Automatic Repair loop due to corrupted system files, disk errors, driver conflicts, or failed updates. This guide explains how to fix the loop and recover files when Windows cannot boot.
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. Select the needed files and prepare them 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
Most of the following methods only work if your computer starts normally or you can enter safe mode. The following steps are described in terms of entering safe mode.
Way 1. 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 2. 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 3. 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 4. Check for Viruses
Viruses or malware on your computer may modify registry settings, replace or delete critical system files, occupy system resources, etc., causing the system to be blocked and enter automatic repair. Under this circumstance, running a full virus scan is essential.
Step 1. Enter safe mode with networking.
Step 2. Press the Windows + I key combination to open Settings.
Step 3. Select Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
Step 4. Choose the Full scan option, and then click Scan now.
Way 5. Extend the System Partition
Sometimes, the repair loop may be caused by insufficient free space on the system partition. In this case, you can try to create a bootable disk by using MiniTool Partition Wizard, and then use it to extend the C drive. Note that only the upgraded edition of MiniTool Partition Wizard supports the creation of bootable disks. You can download the free edition first, and then upgrade it.
MiniTool Partition Wizard FreeClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
See: How to Extend Partition | MiniTool Partition Wizard Tutorial
Way 6. 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.
MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
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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