Windows 10: Windows 10 Automatic Repair Loop - Causes

We have seen a bunch of Windows 10 Automatic Repair Loops in the last couple of years and I wanted to share what the possible causes are, especially since these loops happen sporadically and without apparent reason, although it seems to always involve a Windows Update according to the user - which our findings have confirmed. We have tried at least 10 different solutions to fix the repair loop, but unfortunately to no avail. The only way to "fix" this issue is to wipe the hard drive and re-image it. Anyway, I am writing this post with the hopes that Microsoft will look at it and may come up with a solution.


The first definite reason why this happens, is when a Cumulative Update fails to install for whatever reason and the user shuts down their computer, which they would at days end, it will end up in a repair loop at start-up. This has been tested and confirmed by us. The only way to prevent the repair loop is to upgrade the computer to Windows 10 2004 or later - depending on the current version installed before turning it off after the failed installation. However, since the user isn't even aware that the installation has failed – this is only seen when going to the Windows Update Settings screen – it will be very unlikely to prevent the repair loop.


The second reason is very plausible, but not confirmed, as I was too late to restart the computer after taking and saving the screen shot, because by then the installation had finished. However, as you can see in the screen shot, Windows is indicating in the system tray and on the Windows Updates Settings screen that the computer needs a reboot to install updates. Looking at the Windows Update Settings screen you can see that the Cumulative update hasn't finished yet. If a user would click the system tray icon and chooses to "Restart now", it will interrupt the Cumulative update and very likely cause a repair loop. This is once again a scenario where a repair loop is hardly preventable, because users will never check the Windows Update Settings screen to see if there are updates currently installing.




:)

 

Automatic Repair Loop Continued Woes


The automatic repair loop might be caused by the following issues:

• filesystem corruption
• corrupt MBR or BCD
• improper registry settings

This article covers all the possible reasons and solutions:
Fix Automatic Startup Repair Loop in Windows 10, 8 and 7 | Password Recovery

I hope this helps!

 

Automatic Repair Loop

Hi Charlene,

Your concern regarding the device going into an Automatic Repair Loop can be caused by change on its settings/configuration or broken system files. To effectively assist you with your concern, can confirm if you've made any changes on your device prior to
your concern?

As an initial step to get back into the normal Windows screen, we suggest that you perform a
Startup repair. The repair will attempt to fix any broken components/files which may prevent your device from booting properly. To do this, follow the steps below:

• On theAutomatic Repair screen, select Advanced options.
• Select Troubleshoot.
• Select Advanced options.
• Select Startup Repair.

We'll appreciate if you can send us an update.

 

HAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILED and Preparing Automatic Repair loop


Hello Les,

Have you checked other threads on these forums to see if there are any suggestions you can try.

Here's one to try: Windows 10 preparing automatic repair loop