How to Fix the “Automatic Repair Couldn't Repair Your PC” Loop in Windows 11 & 10




One of the more persistent and frustrating problems Windows users face is the “Automatic Repair Couldn't Repair Your PC” loop. This error typically occurs when Windows 10 or 11 fails to start correctly, and its built-in repair feature is unable to fix the issue. If you’re stuck watching your PC endlessly restart into this error message, don’t worry—there are several ways to break the loop and restore your system.

The loop can be triggered by several causes, including corrupted system files, broken boot configuration data, malware, faulty drivers, or even sudden power loss that damaged system integrity. The first thing to try is a hard reboot. Power off the computer completely, disconnect any unnecessary external devices, and hold down the power button for about ten seconds before turning it back on. If this doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to dig deeper.

Using a Windows installation USB or DVD can help. Boot your system using this media and select the “Repair your computer” option. From there, navigate to Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options, and choose Startup Repair. Windows will attempt to diagnose and fix issues that are preventing it from booting properly.

If Startup Repair doesn’t resolve the issue, try launching the Command Prompt from the same Advanced Options menu. This allows you to manually repair the boot configuration using a series of commands. Begin with bootrec /fixmbr, followed by bootrec /fixboot, bootrec /scanos, and bootrec /rebuildbcd. If the /fixboot command returns an “Access is denied” message, you can instead use the command bootsect /nt60 SYS to proceed.

Sometimes, system file corruption is at the root of the problem. You can run a Check Disk scan with chkdsk C: /f /r and follow up with a System File Checker scan using sfc /scannow. These tools search for and attempt to repair any corrupted files. Another helpful tool is DISM, which can be executed with the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Make sure to replace “C:” with the appropriate drive letter if your Windows installation is on a different partition.

If you're just trying to get back into your system temporarily, you can disable automatic repair. Use the Command Prompt again and enter bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No, then restart your PC. While this won’t solve the underlying issue, it might allow you to log in and troubleshoot further.

If you had System Restore enabled previously, you can roll your PC back to a working state. From the Advanced Options menu, choose System Restore and follow the on-screen instructions to revert the system to a restore point created before the problem started.

As a last resort, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows. The Reset option allows you to keep your files while removing installed apps and restoring default settings. If that fails, performing a clean install will give you a fresh start, but make sure to back up your files first, as this process will erase everything on your system drive.

It’s also a good idea to keep your BIOS and device drivers updated and to regularly scan your PC for malware. Ensuring system integrity and keeping backups can prevent future issues like the repair loop from becoming serious setbacks.

While the “Automatic Repair Couldn't Repair Your PC” loop can be a challenging error to resolve, these methods provide a structured approach to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem without having to replace hardware or seek costly repairs. 



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