How to Fix Automatic Startup Repair Not Working in Windows 11

Is your Windows 11 PC trapped in an endless loop of “Automatic Repair” screens? It’s a frustrating experience, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to spell the end for your operating system. This comprehensive guide dives deep into effective troubleshooting steps, equipping you with the knowledge to get your Windows 11 system back on its feet. Whether it’s a corrupted boot record, damaged system files, or file system errors, we’ll walk you through the repair process step-by-step.

Reviving Your Windows 11: Step-by-Step Repair Solutions

When Windows 11 gets stuck in the Automatic Repair loop, the root cause can be varied. Let’s explore several repair methods, starting with the boot record and moving on to more advanced solutions.

1. Repairing Boot Records and Configuration Data

Corrupted boot records are a common culprit behind boot failures. The bootrec utility is a powerful tool to rebuild crucial boot structures, which can often resolve the issue.

How to Use Bootrec:

1- Force into WinRE: Repeatedly power your computer off and on during startup, specifically when the manufacturer’s logo appears. Do this three times. On the third attempt, Windows 11 should automatically enter the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

2- Access Command Prompt: In WinRE, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

3- Execute Bootrec Commands: Type and execute the following commands one by one in the Command Prompt, pressing Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Important Note: If you encounter “Access is denied” after running bootrec /fixboot, execute the following command first:

• bootsect /nt60 sys

4- Restart and Test: Type exit to close the Command Prompt. Select Continue to attempt a normal Windows 11 boot.

2. Repairing System Files with DISM and SFC

If the boot records are intact, the problem may stem from corrupted system files. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools can scan and repair these files.

Using DISM and SFC:

1- Open Command Prompt: Access the Command Prompt from the WinRE Advanced Options menu, as described above.

2- Run SFC Scan: Run the following command to scan and repair protected system files:

• sfc /scannow

Alternative for External Environments: If you’re running SFC from a Windows To Go or an external environment, you’ll need to specify the offline Windows directory. Replace “D:” with the correct drive letter if needed:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=D:\ /offwindir=D:\Windows

3- Run DISM (if needed): If SFC cannot fix all issues, use DISM to repair the system image. In most cases, use:

• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Alternative for External Environments: If running from a recovery or external environment, target the correct image path, adjusting the drive letter if necessary:

DISM /Image:D:\ /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4- Finalize with SFC: After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow again to ensure all repairs are finalized.

3. Checking the Disk for File System Errors

File system corruption or bad sectors can prevent Windows 11 from booting. The Check Disk (chkdsk) utility can detect and repair these issues.

Running Check Disk:

Open Command Prompt: Open the Command Prompt in WinRE.

Execute Check Disk: Run the following command, replacing “c:” with the correct drive letter if Windows is installed on a different drive:

• chkdsk /r c:

This scan may take a significant amount of time. Allow it to complete fully before restarting your computer.

4. Restoring the Registry from the RegBack Directory

Corrupted registry hives can also lead to boot failures. Restoring the registry from a backup folder may resolve persistent boot problems.

Restoring the Registry:

1- Open Command Prompt: Access the Command Prompt in WinRE.

2- Copy Registry Files: Run the following command:

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

When prompted to overwrite files, type All and press Enter.

5. Resetting Windows 11 or Using Installation Media (Last Resort)

If all previous methods fail, you may need to reset or reinstall Windows 11. Resetting preserves personal files, but it removes installed applications and settings.

Resetting or Reinstalling Windows 11:

1- Reset from WinRE: In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC. Choose the option to keep your files if possible and follow the on-screen instructions.

2- Using Installation Media: If Reset fails or WinRE is inaccessible:

• Create a Windows 11 installation USB on another computer.
• Boot from the USB.
• Select your language and choose Repair your computer instead of Install now.
• Access Troubleshoot and try Startup Repair or Command Prompt again.

Conclusion:

Successfully troubleshooting the “Automatic Repair” loop in Windows 11 requires patience and a methodical approach. By following these steps, you can diagnose and repair the underlying issues, ultimately restoring your system to a functional state. Remember to back up your data regularly to prevent data loss and ensure a smoother recovery process if such problems occur again. With these tools and techniques, you can confidently tackle boot problems and keep your Windows 11 experience running smoothly.