Windows stuck in an Automatic Repair loop (“Preparing Automatic Repair”)

The short explanation

Windows triggers Automatic Repair after it fails to start twice in a row. If the underlying problem stays, every start fails and repair runs again, giving a loop. The common causes are a broken update, corrupted system or boot files, a drive with errors, and drivers that crash at startup.

The Advanced options menu gives you the tools to break the loop without reinstalling.

What you'll see

• “Preparing Automatic Repair” followed by a black screen or restart.
• “Automatic Repair couldn't repair your PC. Log file: C:\Windows\System32\Logfiles\Srt\SrtTrail.txt”.
• The loop repeats on every start.

Why it happens

• Failed Windows update.
• Corrupted system files or BCD.
• File-system errors or failing drive.
• Faulty driver or connected peripheral.

How to fix it

1. Disconnect peripherals and waitUnplug USB devices and docks. If the screen is black on 'Preparing', wait up to 20 minutes.
2. Uninstall the latest updateAdvanced options → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Uninstall Updates.
3. System RestorePick a restore point from before the loop started.
4. Check the disk and system filesIn Command Prompt: chkdsk C: /f, then sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows (confirm the drive letter with dir C:\).
5. Rebuild boot dataRun the commands below.
6. Boot to Safe ModeStartup Settings → Restart → 4. If Safe Mode works, remove recently installed drivers/software.
7. Reset as a last resortTroubleshoot → Reset this PC → Keep my files.

Command

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Run from Windows Recovery → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt. On UEFI PCs, if /fixboot says 'Access is denied', rebuild the boot files with bcdboot C:\Windows (check the Windows drive letter with dir first).

Stop it happening again

Keep backups, avoid power loss during updates and keep the system drive healthy.