How to fix Windows automatic repair?

When Windows automatic repair fails, it can be a frustrating experience, often leading to an unbootable system. Resolving this issue typically involves navigating through advanced troubleshooting options to identify and fix the underlying problem.

Understanding the Automatic Repair Loop

Windows Automatic Repair is designed to diagnose and fix common startup issues. However, sometimes it gets stuck in a loop, failing to repair the problem and continuously restarting. This usually indicates a more significant system file corruption, driver issue, or boot record problem that the automatic process cannot resolve on its own. The solutions below guide you through various methods to break this loop and restore your system.

Accessing Advanced Startup Options

Most of the fixes require you to access the Advanced Startup Options. If your PC is stuck in a boot loop, Windows will typically present these options after a few failed boot attempts. If not, you might need to create a Windows installation media (USB drive or DVD) and boot from it to access the "Repair your computer" option.

Once in the Advanced Startup Options, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options to find the various tools mentioned below.

Solutions to Fix Automatic Repair Failure

Here are several effective methods to fix the "Automatic Repair couldn't repair your PC" error:

1. Perform a System Restore

System Restore can revert your system files, installed applications, and registry to an earlier point in time when your PC was functioning correctly. This can be particularly useful if the issue started after a recent change or update.

• From Advanced Startup Options, select System Restore.
• Choose a restore point from before the automatic repair issue began.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
• Learn more about System Restore from Microsoft Support.

2. Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, which can help diagnose and resolve issues caused by faulty drivers or software.

• From Advanced Startup Options, go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
• After restarting, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking (usually option 5).
• Once in Safe Mode, you can:
  • Uninstall recently installed software or drivers that might be causing conflicts.
  • Run a full antivirus scan to check for malware.
  • Check Disk (CHKDSK): Open Command Prompt (as administrator) and type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter to check for and fix disk errors.

3. Repair Boot Records

Corrupted Master Boot Record (MBR), Boot Sector, or Boot Configuration Data (BCD) can prevent Windows from starting. You can use Command Prompt to repair these.

• From Advanced Startup Options, select Command Prompt.
• Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
  • bootrec /fixmbr
  • bootrec /fixboot
  • bootrec /rebuildbcd (if this command asks for confirmation, type Y or A and press Enter)
• Type exit and restart your computer.
• Find more details on bootrec commands from Microsoft Learn.

4. Disable Automatic Restart After Failure

If your PC is stuck in a continuous reboot loop without showing options, disabling automatic restart can allow you to see the error message or access the Advanced Startup Options.

• From Advanced Startup Options, navigate to Startup Settings.
• Click Restart.
• On the next screen, select Disable automatic restart after failure (usually option 9 or F9).
• This won't fix the underlying problem but will stop the reboot loop, allowing you to troubleshoot further.

5. Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection

Sometimes, security software, particularly anti-malware programs, can interfere with the boot process, especially if they are corrupted or incompatible.

• From Advanced Startup Options, go to Startup Settings.
• Click Restart.
• On the next screen, select Disable early launch anti-malware protection (usually option 8 or F8).
• If your system boots successfully after this, it suggests your anti-malware software might be the culprit. You may need to update, reinstall, or choose an alternative solution.

6. Run DISM and System File Checker

These command-line tools can repair corrupted Windows system files.

• From Advanced Startup Options, select Command Prompt.
• First, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to prepare the component store:
  • Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter. (This command requires an active internet connection if run from a functional Windows environment. If run from recovery environment, it might work offline or need a source path.)
• Next, run the System File Checker (SFC) tool:
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Wait for both processes to complete, then type exit and restart.
• Refer to Microsoft's documentation on DISM and SFC for more information.

7. Reset Your PC

If none of the above solutions work, resetting your PC is a more drastic but often effective solution. This allows you to reinstall Windows while either keeping your personal files or completely wiping the drive.

• From Advanced Startup Options, select Reset this PC.
• You will be given two options:
  • Keep my files: Removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files.
  • Remove everything: Deletes all personal files, apps, and settings. This is a clean reinstall.
• Choose the option that best suits your needs and follow the instructions.
• Understand the PC reset options from Microsoft Support.

Addressing Minor Issues

Sometimes, the "automatic repair couldn't repair your PC" message might be triggered by less severe issues that can be resolved by simpler means before resorting to the steps above:

• Disconnect Peripherals: Unplug all external devices (USB drives, printers, external hard drives, etc.) except for the keyboard and mouse. A faulty peripheral can sometimes cause boot problems.
• Check Hardware Connections: Ensure all internal cables (SATA, power) are securely connected.
• Wait and Retry: In some rare cases, a transient glitch might cause the issue. A simple power cycle (turning off the PC, waiting a minute, and turning it back on) might resolve it.

By systematically working through these solutions, you significantly increase your chances of resolving the Windows automatic repair failure and getting your system back on track.