How to Fix Windows 10 Preparing Automatic Repair Error? (Best Solutions)

Several Windows users, on various technology forums, such as Microsoft, Reddit, Dell, etc., have reported encountering the Preparing Automatic Repair error with different case scenarios. It is a problematic error as users cannot access their systems or even encounter blue or black screens. However, you can fix the error and get your system back in its functional state by following some easy-to-follow fixes mentioned in this post. Let’s get started!

What Does ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’ Mean?

Windows 10 offers multiple recovery options to its users to deal with several critical errors. One of those recovery options is Automatic Repair that is designed to automatically troubleshoot common boot-related errors. However, sometimes, this feature fails and results in the Preparing Automatic Repair error. It is a system error that usually occurs while booting the system. However, users have reported multiple other situations when they’ve been troubled by this error, such as:

• While replacing the graphics cards
• Changing the system’s network type from public to private
• Force shutting down the system when it’s not going into sleep mode
• After installing a recent update

What Causes the Preparing Automatic Repair Error?

Hardware failure is usually the primary reason behind this error. However, there are other reasons that may also lead to the problem, such as:

• Missing or damaged system files
• Faulty graphics card drivers
• Problematic Windows update
• Broken system installation files
• Malware attack

Simple Methods to Fix Preparing Automatic Repair Windows 10 Error

Here are some easy-to-use solutions to fix the Automatic Repair Windows 10 error.

Note: Take back up of your data (if possible) or recover data from your system using professional data recovery software before applying the following methods.

Method 1: Perform a Hard Reboot

Firstly, forcefully restart your PC by removing the battery and the AC adapter. After that, hold the power key for about 40 seconds and re-plug the power back. Now, check if the error is solved and your system restarts normally.

If this doesn’t help, proceed with the next solution.

Method 2: Boot your PC in Safe Mode

You can try to boot your system in Safe Mode to bypass the ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’ error in Windows 10. Follow the given steps:

• Reboot your system using the Power button and press F8, F12, or F2 while it reboots.
• When you start seeing the Windows logo on the screen, turn off your system again. Repeat this step thrice, after which you’d reach the Automatic Repair environment.
• There, click Advanced options and select Troubleshoot on the next prompt.
• Choose Advanced options again and click Startup Settings > Restart.

• Press F4 to enable Safe Mode. Once done, check if the problem is fixed.

Method 3: Disable Automatic Repair on Startup

You can also try to resolve the Preparing Automatic Repair stuck or loop error by disabling or turning off the Automatic Repair on startup. To do so, follow the given instructions:

• Force reboot your system with the Power button and repeat the steps mentioned above to reach the Automatic Repair environment.
• Next, click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

• In the elevated Command Prompt window, type bcdedit / set {current} recoveryenabled No and hit Enter.

• Wait until the process completes, then type exit and hit Enter.
• Now, reboot your system and check if the error persists.

Method 4: Reset your PC

Resetting your PC is the official Windows solution to fix the Preparing Automatic Repair black screen error on Windows 10. You can either update or reset the PC directly. Follow the given steps:

• Reboot your system and when it shows the Windows logo on the screen, turn it off again forcefully with the Power key.
• Repeat the steps until your system reaches the Windows recovery environment.
• There, click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Reset your PC.

• Next, choose between ‘Keep my files’ and ‘Remove everything’.

Note: It’s recommended to choose ‘Remove everything’ to make the process work. It will remove incorrect or corrupt system settings, drivers, apps, software, etc., causing the error.

• Now, you’ll get to choose between two options – Just remove your files and Remove all files. You can select one of them by reading the instructions. Additionally, you can click ‘Change Settings.’

• If you click ‘Change Settings,’ you’ll be prompted with two options again – Data erasure and Data drives.
• We suggest you choose Data drives to run the process efficiently. Finally, click Confirm.

• If any other instruction is there to complete the process, follow it. Once done, restart the system and see if the error is fixed.

Method 5: Reinstall Windows 10

If none of the above methods helps resolve the Preparing Automatic Repair error on Windows 10, you can reinstall the Windows OS. To reinstall Windows 10, you will need a USB installer created with Media Creation Tool. Remember that Windows reinstallation will overwrite the partition data on which the OS is installed.

Additionally, all apps that came preinstalled with your PC or installed later manually will be removed. Some customized settings, such as the Power and Sleep settings, will also change to the default settings, affecting your hardware performance.

Hence, back up anything you want to keep before you begin or recover data using powerful data recovery software.

FAQ

A. What is Automatic Repair?

Automatic Repair is a primary Windows troubleshooting tool that lets you fix critical system errors. This built-in feature helps you restore Windows even when you can’t boot into it normally or face any boot-up error.

B. Why is my computer showing an Automatic Repair loop?

Sometimes, your Windows may be stuck in an unusual Preparing Automatic Repair loop because of faulty Windows update, missing or damaged system files, Windows registry, or corrupted hard drives.

C. How long does automatic repair take on Windows 10?

Usually, Windows take around 15 minutes to complete the Automatic Repair process. So you’re advised not to interrupt the process. But if it keeps showing ‘Preparing Automatic Repair’ on your Windows 10 system for about 1 hour or so, it’s a sign of a problem.

D. How to recover data when the system doesn’t boot?

If you can’t boot into your system normally or facing a Windows boot-up error, you can use a powerful Windows data recovery software, such as Stellar Data Recovery Professional. It’s a DIY software that helps you restore data from crashed or unbootable Windows PCs and laptops.

E. I’m getting a black screen with ‘Error Loading Operating System’. How do I fix it?

This startup issue usually occurs after fresh Windows OS installation, sudden power failure, system reboot, or system crash. You can try to fix the Error Loading Operating System by following the given methods:

• Run CHKDSK Command
• Update BIOS to the latest version
• Restore MBR information of hard drive
• Reinstall Windows OS

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About The Author

Mansi Verma

Mansi Verma is a Senior Technology Writer at Stellar®. She is a Tech enthusiast, holding over a decade of experience in technical writing. She writes guides, articles, blogs and tips on Data Recovery, IoT, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics. She loves providing DIY solutions to solve various Windows system related issues. In her spare time, she likes reading her favorite novels, and writing poetry. She is also an avid traveller.