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Preparing automatic repair mode

connie shover 20 Reputation points
2026-05-08T01:25:22.3733333+00:00

I have an HP laptop and I went to shut it down and it said to update and turn off about 4 minutes it said it would take, so I had 3/4 of battery life so shortly after I clicked on this option to update and shut down, preparing automatic repair came up ,so I thought everything was ok and I went to bed. This afternoon I went to get on and I had no power so I plugged in the charger and turned on and all it says preparing automatic repair, can't do nothing except on and off nothing, please help. TY

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update
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Answer accepted by question author

Estrella721 38,060 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-05-08T02:06:02.6933333+00:00

Hi,

If the suggestions provided by the AI did not work for you, I’m afraid the last option may be to perform a clean install of Windows 10. This will reinstall Windows, wipe the current system, and will delete all files and installed apps, which may help resolve advanced startup or repair issues.

If you have important files that you would like to back up first, please take a look at the link below:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/rescue-files-when-windows-wont-start/862c143f-9239-4e63-8968-635e8ba9efd6

Find an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB of space and a working computer, then follow the steps below:

  1. Click this link: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

Under Create Windows 10 installation media, Click on "Download tool now."

  1. Run the tool, create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, and deselect the 'Use the recommended options for this PC' box to choose the correct language and edition.

Once the process is done:

  1. Connect the installation media to your PC.
  2. Start your PC and press any key to continue. Click Next > Click Install Now.
  3. When the Windows Setup starts, follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If prompted for a product key, click 'I do not have a product key' and then click Next.

Make sure you install the same edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro) that you previously had installed to avoid activation issues.

Please refer to this tutorial for a step-by-step guide:

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/insider_wintp-insider_install-insiderplat_pc/how-to-perform-a-clean-install-or-reinstall-of/aef0ae63-2117-41ee-a8ea-4a3181625b08

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3 additional answers

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  1. connie shover 20 Reputation points
    2026-05-08T01:38:45.81+00:00

    It said it ran into a problem and that it needed to restart but it won't shut down it just keeps buffering with the logo showing, I'll try to use another computer if I can. Thank you for trying to help.

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  2. connie shover 20 Reputation points
    2026-05-08T01:33:57.67+00:00

    This didn't work. Some stuff came up in the hand corner snapped picture of it but that's it. It says preparing automatic repair but that's it.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-05-08T01:25:38.6233333+00:00

    Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to repair the system, since it is stuck in “Preparing automatic repair.”

    1. Force WinRE to appear
      1. Turn the laptop on.
      2. As soon as the HP/Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button until it turns off.
      3. Repeat this power-on → force-off cycle two more times.
      4. On the third start, Windows should show “Preparing Automatic Repair,” then “Diagnosing your PC,” and then an “Automatic Repair” or “Advanced options” screen.
    2. Run Startup Repair
      1. On the “Automatic Repair” screen, select Advanced options.
      2. Select TroubleshootAdvanced optionsStartup Repair.
      3. Choose the Windows 10 installation and let Startup Repair run.
      4. If it completes and restarts, check whether Windows now boots normally.
    3. If Startup Repair does not work In WinRE, go back to Troubleshoot and try, in this order:
      1. System Restore (if there is a restore point from before the failed update).
      2. If System Restore is unavailable or fails, use Reset this PCKeep my files to reinstall Windows while keeping personal files. This will remove apps and drivers but can fix a broken update.
    4. If none of the above options are available or all fail Use another PC to create Windows 10 installation media on a USB drive, boot the HP laptop from that USB, and use the repair options on the installation media (Startup Repair, or as a last resort, a clean install which will erase apps and data on the Windows partition).

    Keep the laptop plugged into power during all repair operations to avoid further interruptions.


    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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