[Fixed] “Automatic Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC”

[Fixed] “Automatic Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC”

/ Shayne Sherman

The Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC issue indicates that the Windows Recovery utility cannot repair errors that it has detected. This occurs when your storage device storing the Operating System has a corrupt file or a faulty sector. As a result, your startup repair couldn’t repair your PC.

However, several other factors can contribute to the startup automatic repair issue. So, let’s look at some of the most typical causes and potential solutions to this problem.

Automatically Repair Startup Repair Errors

Recommended: To easily install drivers automatically, use the tool below.

Download Now
Fortect System Repair

Possible Causes of ‘Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC’

If you are ever getting an automatic ‘Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC‘ error, it is crucial to understand where this problem could be rooted. Understanding the cause will help you combat these technical errors faster.

Furthermore, you might also encounter the error “Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC,” which is essentially the same automatic startup repair error.

Here are some other possible causes of ‘Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC’:

  • There are corrupted system files on the Operating System.
  • Bad sectors in the hard drive.
  • Hardware Failure (RAM or hard drive).
  • Not enough RAM or storage is available for new updates/fixes from the Windows update.
  • The computer was powered off accidentally or deliberately during an installation of a Windows update.
  • The primary boot partition has corrupted malware, causing the “Automatic Repair Startup” to stop.

Common Symptoms of ‘Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC’

According to multiple Windows users, they encounter the following symptoms when they get the ‘Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC’ message:

  • Windows Automatic Repair Failed – Startup Repair is meant to enable you to resolve some errors; however, it does not always work. Occasionally, you may see a notice with a blue screen stating that Windows 10 Automatic Repair could not repair your computer.
  • Looping Startup Repair Message – When the Windows 10 Startup Repair process becomes stuck, it’s referred to as the “Startup Repair Stopped Working” loop. When Windows 10 encounters this issue, it will repeatedly boot into Startup Repair and offer an unending loop, preventing you from accessing anything else on the machine.

The Startup Repair Tool

The Windows startup repair tool diagnoses your PC to look for disk errors. This is one of the best recovery tools included in your Windows 10. You need to click Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Startup Repair to run startup repair.

Troubleshooting Methods to Fix the ‘Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC’

It’s hard to pinpoint the cause of this issue with the automatic Startup Repair utility. We strongly suggest following our troubleshooting methods from the top and working your way down the list.

First Method – Reboot Your Computer to Start Fresh

Your system will function more smoothly if you restart it once in a while. In addition, it clears out temporary files and memory, continues the Windows update service and its components, and halts any processes consuming a lot of RAM. Trying this simple method may quickly fix startup repair issues.

Even after you have closed an application, it can still access your memory. Restarting the machine may also resolve Windows device and hardware issues and the Startup Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC error.

You may disable a VPN by restarting your computer or installing the settings app if you’re using a VPN. If your system is still operating terribly, you may be able to benefit from this one simple secret tip.

Second Method – Boot Device Through Safe Mode

You can fix the automatic repair loop through safe mode. When using safe mode, the rest of your device and driver will not run except for specific parts like the display and mouse drivers, similar to the Windows Recovery Environment. As a result, this will bypass automatic repair and is one of the best ways to run startup repair automatically.

To start your PC in safe mode, follow these steps.

  1. Click Troubleshooter on Advanced Options.
  2. Select Advanced Option. Next, choose Startup Settings.
automatic repair
  1. Click Restart Button.
  2. Once your PC starts, you can see multiple options for safe mode.
startup settings enable safemode

Third Method – Disable the Windows Automatic Restart Feature

Disable the Automatic startup repair feature to fix startup repair fails. By turning this feature off, your PC will stop Windows from restarting your computer when it encounters an error.

  1. Reboot your computer. If you don’t see the blue screen with the “Startup Settings” appear on your screen and go directly to your desktop, follow the steps below.
  2. Press the Shift key down and simultaneously press the Power button on your keyboard.
  3. You need to continue holding down the Shift key while waiting for the machine to power up.
  4. Once the computer starts, you’ll find a screen with a few options. Select Troubleshoot.
  5. Next, click on Advanced options.
automatic repair with command prompt
  1. In the Advanced options menu, click Startup Settings.
  2. Select “Disable Automatic Restart After Failure” by pressing the number 9 key on your keyboard.
  3. Your computer will automatically restart, and the Startup Repair loop should no longer exist.

Recommended: Fortect System Repair Tool – Fix Errors & Speed Up Windows Automatically

Fourth Method – Perform a Fix Boot and Check Disk Scan

A faulty boot partition might cause the Windows 10 Startup Automatic Repair loop. You can use chkdsk to scan and fix corrupted files and the boot volume:

  1. Reboot your computer. If you don’t see the “Startup Settings” appear on your screen and go directly to your desktop, follow the steps below.
  2. Press the Shift key down and simultaneously press the Power button on your keyboard.
  3. You need to continue holding down the Shift key while waiting for the machine to power.
  4. Select the “Advanced Options” button and click “Command Prompt.”
automatic repair with command prompt
  1. In the Command Prompt window, type in the following command. Make sure to press “enter” after typing in the command.
  • bootrec.exe /rebuildbcd | bootrec.exe /fixmbr | bootrec.exe /fixboot
  1. Type in the following commands to run the Check Disk scan.

chkdsk /r c:

chkdsk /r d:

Remember to utilize the letters corresponding to your PC’s hard drive partitions.

  1. This is only an example; remember that you must run the chkdsk command for each hard disk partition.
  2. Close the command prompt.
  3. Finally, restart your computer and confirm if this process fixes automatic startup repair fails.

Fifth Method – Run the Windows System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool (DISM Tool)

You can disable automatic startup repair by running SFC Checker. Windows SFC is a built-in program in Windows that analyzes system files for damages. The SFC (System File Checker) checks the integrity of all protected Windows system files and replaces those that are obsolete, corrupted, changed, or broken with newer versions. DISM should fix as many flaws as possible if the harm is irreversible. In addition, the DISM program may examine and edit Windows images and change Windows installation media discs.

  1. Hold down the “Windows” key or Windows logo on your keyboard and press “R,” and type “cmd” in the run command prompt. Hold both the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.
run cmd
  1. Type “sfc /scannow” in the command prompt and hit enter. SFC will now check for corrupted Windows files. Wait for the SFC to complete the scan and restart the computer. Once done, run the Windows Update tool to check if the issue has been fixed.
sfc scannow
  1. Once the scan is complete, make sure to restart your computer.

Steps for Performing a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Scan

  1. Select the command prompt by holding down the “Windows” key and pressing “R,” and typing “cmd” in the run command line. Hold both the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.
run cmd
  1. The command prompt window will open; type in “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth,” and then hit “enter.”
dism restorehealth
  1. The DISM utility will start scanning and fixing any errors. However, if the DISM cannot acquire files from the internet, try to use the media creation tool, installation DVD, or bootable USB drive. Insert the media and type the following commands: DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess

Note: Replace “C:RepairSourceWindows” with the path of your media device

  1. Check if this process can fix the automatic repair loop.

Sixth Method – Repair the Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) file contains boot configuration settings that specify how Windows should start up. Windows will not boot if the BCD file is corrupt. The only solution for this type of error is to fix the boot section.

  1. Restart your computer. If you don’t see the “Startup Settings” appear on your screen and go directly to your desktop, follow the steps below.
  2. Press the Shift key down and simultaneously press the Power button on your keyboard.
  3. You need to continue holding down the Shift key while waiting for the machine to power.
  4. Select the “Advanced Options” button and click “Command Prompt.”
automatic repair with command prompt
  1. In the Command Prompt, type in the following lines: “bootrec /rebuildbcd” and press “Enter.” After the complete process, type in “bootrec /fixmbr” and press “Enter.”
  2. Lastly, type in “bootrec /fixboot” and press “Enter.” After you rebuild BCD, Restart your computer to see if the problem has already been fixed.

Seventh Method – Restore the Windows Registry

You might experience Windows 10 Automatic Repair problem due to an incorrect registry value. Check to see whether restoring the registration is of any help.

  1. Press the Shift key down and simultaneously press the Power button on your keyboard.
  2. You need to continue holding down the Shift key while waiting for the machine to power.
  3. Select the “Advanced Options” button and select “Command Prompt.”
automatic repair with command prompt
  1. Type in the following command in the Command Prompt:

c:\windows\system32\config\RegBack\* c:\windows\system32\config

  1. You’ll be prompted to decide whether you want to overwrite all files or only a portion completely. You should write All into the Command Prompt and press the Enter key.
  2. Restart your PC to see if this fixed the Windows 10 automatic repair loop issue.

Eight Method – Reset Windows to Factory Settings

If your machine still boots up normally, you can reset Windows 10 without needing a disk by completing the instructions below.

  1. Press on the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings.
windows button i key
  1. Next, select Update & Security.
windows update and security
  1. Inside Update & Security, click on Recovery.
  2. Now, under ‘Reset this PC,’ click on Get Started.
windows recovery
  1. Lastly, select ‘Remove Everything’ and hit Reset to begin the process.

Ninth Method – Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection

Having antivirus software may cause this problem with the automatic startup repair. Temporarily turning off your Malware product may help.

  1. Select Troubleshooter on Advanced Menu.
  2. Choose Advanced Option, then Startup Settings.
  3. Click Restart.
  4. Once your PC starts, you will see several options from 1 – 9—press 8 or F8 to Disable Early launch anti-malware protection.
  5. After performing these steps, restart your computer and check if this fixed the boot error.
Windows Automatic Repair Tool
Windows 10
System Information
  • Your machine is currently running Windows 10
  • Fortect is compatible with your operating system.

Recommended: To repair Windows Errors, use this software package; Fortect System Repair. This repair tool has been proven to identify and fix these errors and other Windows problems with very high efficiency.

Download Now
Fortect System Repair
Norton Digicert
  • 100% safe as confirmed by Norton.
  • Only your system and hardware are evaluated.

Final Words

Make a recovery disk and a Windows 10 repair CD immediately to ensure that you are prepared if your operating system fails. This will help you be ready for a system restore, resolve issues, and avoid problems in the future. Also, look at our other troubleshooting guide to keep your PC in good working order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I disable automatic startup repair?

To disable automatic startup repair, you need to change the boot settings in the system configuration. You can do this by opening the Control Panel and going to the System and Security section.

You must click the Advanced tab and the Settings button under Startup and Recovery. You need to uncheck the box next to Enable automatic startup repair in the Startup and Recovery window.

How can I fix automatic repair error message?

If you see the error “Automatic Repair couldn’t repair your PC,” it means that Windows couldn’t find a problem with your PC. There are a few things you can do to fix this error.
First, you can try restarting your PC. This might fix the problem if a software glitch causes it.
If restarting doesn’t work, you can try running the Windows System Restore tool.

Where do I find the Windows log file?

The Windows log file can be found in the Event Viewer, accessed by going to Control Panel > System and Security > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer.

In the Event Viewer, there are three types of logs: application, security, and system. The Windows log file will most likely be in the system log, but it could also be in the application or security logs.

Do I need to reinstall Windows to fix the preparing automatic repair error?

There are a few potential reasons for the “preparing automatic repair” error, one of which is a corrupt or damaged Windows installation. In this case, reinstalling Windows may be the best option to fix the problem.

Another possibility is an issue with the computer’s hard drive. If this is the case, then running a disk check or repair tool may be able to fix the problem.

How do you fix startup repair to repair your PC?

If you are having problems with your PC, you may need to fix startup repair. This can be done by running the System File Checker. To do this, you will need to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

Once the Command Prompt is open, you must type in “sfc /scannow” and press Enter. This will scan your system for any corrupted files and attempt to repair them.

What does Boot critical file is corrupt mean?

The term “Boot critical file is corrupt” refers to a situation where the boot process cannot access or load a critical file needed for booting up the system.

This can happen for various reasons, including physical damage to the storage media, logical errors in the file system, or malware infections. In any case, it can lead to severe consequences, such as data loss or system instability.

Can I access a system restore point if I enable safe mode?

If you enable safe mode, you may be able to access a system restore point. This will depend on how your system is configured and whether or not you have permission to access the necessary files.

Safe mode generally provides limited access to your system to protect it from potential harm. As such, you may be unable to access the features and functionality you usually would.

How does a damaged master boot record cause a Windows error, and how can I fix it through the command prompt?

A damaged master boot record (MBR) can cause Windows errors and prevent your PC from booting up properly. To fix the MBR, you can open the command prompt during startup by choosing “Command Prompt” from the advanced options menu. Once the command prompt is open, you can use the “bootrec” command to repair the MBR, which should resolve the Windows error.

How can I recover deleted files from an external storage device using data recovery software?

To recover deleted files from an external storage device, you can use data recovery software. First, connect the external device to your computer. Then, download and install reliable data recovery software on your computer. Once installed, launch the software, select the external storage device, and follow the on-screen instructions to scan and recover deleted files.

What steps should I take if Automatic Startup Repair couldn’t repair my PC due to a problematic file?

If Automatic Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC due to a problematic file, you can try the following steps:
Open command prompt from the advanced options menu during startup by choosing “Command Prompt.” Run the “sfc /scannow” command to scan and repair any corrupted system files.
If the issue persists, use data recovery software to recover any important files from your computer.
Perform a clean installation of Windows to resolve the problematic file issue. Remember to back up your important files before proceeding.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.