Getting stuck in the Automatic Repair loop on Windows 11 is a common but frustrating problem. It usually happens due to corrupted system files, disk errors, failed updates, or boot configuration issues. Fortunately, you can fix most boot-related errors without reinstalling Windows.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step solutions using built-in recovery options like Startup Repair and Command Prompt.
When You’re Stuck on the Automatic Repair Screen
If your PC keeps showing “Preparing Automatic Repair” or “Diagnosing your PC”, you should see an Advanced options button. If you’re not on this screen, restart your PC and interrupt the boot process 2–3 times to force Windows into Recovery Mode.
Step 1: Access Advanced Troubleshooting Options
- On the Automatic Repair screen, click Advanced options
- On the next screen, select Troubleshoot
Here, you’ll see options like Reset this PC. We are not going to reset the PC right now, as that can remove apps or data.
Instead, click Advanced options again because our goal is to repair Windows, not reinstall it.
Step 2: Try Startup Repair First
- In Advanced options, select Startup Repair
- Choose your Windows account if prompted
- Let Windows restart and attempt automatic fixes
Startup Repair can fix many common boot problems automatically. If your PC still returns to the Automatic Repair screen, continue with the next steps.
Step 3: Use Command Prompt to Fix Boot Errors
Now we’ll manually fix disk, system, and boot-related issues.
- Go back to Advanced options
- Click Troubleshoot
- Select Advanced options
- This time, click Command Prompt
Once Command Prompt opens, enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each.
Check Disk for Errors
chkdsk
This command scans your drive for disk errors and fixes them if found.
Scan and Repair System Files
sfc /scannow
This checks for corrupted system files and repairs them automatically.
If it takes a while, be patient—you can let it complete fully.
Update Group Policy (Optional)
gpupdate
This command may work on some systems and fail on others.
If it fails, that’s okay—just move on to the next step.
Repair Master Boot Record
bootrec /fixmbr
Repair Boot Sector
bootrec /fixboot
On some PCs, this command may require higher privileges or may not be supported. If it fails, you can safely continue.
Step 4: Exit and Restart Windows
- Type:
exit
- Close Command Prompt
- Click Continue to boot into Windows 11
Additional Options (If the Issue Persists)
- Uninstall Updates:
Go to Advanced options → Uninstall updates and remove the latest quality or feature update if the issue started after an update. - System Restore:
If you have a restore point, use System Restore to roll back Windows to a working state.
Conclusion:
Being stuck in Automatic Repair on Windows 11 doesn’t always mean your system is broken. In most cases, disk errors, corrupted system files, or boot configuration problems are the cause—and the steps above can fix them without data loss.
