Windows 11 · Windows
Use Startup Repair for a Windows Automatic Repair Loop
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Open Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair, then let Windows diagnose the startup problem.
Protect the recovery prerequisites
Disconnect nonessential USB devices and note any recent hardware or update change. If Device Encryption or BitLocker is enabled, locate the recovery key before opening recovery tools; Windows can request it before a repair or restore operation.
Open Windows Recovery Environment
On the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options. If that screen never appears, use Microsoft's supported Windows recovery-entry method for the device instead of repeatedly interrupting power, which can compound file-system or hardware problems.
Run Startup Repair first
Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair, choose the Windows installation or account when requested, and enter the recovery key or account credential if prompted. Leave the PC connected to power while Windows diagnoses startup files.
Read the result before repeating it
If Windows starts, sign in and restart once normally to verify the repair holds. If Startup Repair says it could not repair the PC, record the message and log-file location; repeatedly running the same failed repair is unlikely to reveal the underlying cause.
Use the least destructive next recovery option
Return to Advanced options and consider Uninstall Updates when the loop began immediately after an update, or System Restore when a known restore point exists. Review the date and affected programs before confirming either operation.
Escalate without risking personal files
If no recovery option works, preserve the exact error and seek the PC maker or Microsoft support before Reset this PC or reinstalling Windows. Back up recoverable data first; do not use unverified boot-record, registry, or partition commands.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If Startup Repair cannot run, asks repeatedly for a key, or the drive is not detected, stop and verify the correct BitLocker key and hardware status. A missing drive, unusual noise, or repeated file-system errors can indicate a storage problem that software repair will not safely fix.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.