My desktop pc is in an automatic repair loop. I have tried everything i can find to fix it but nothing works I don’t have enough space on my ssd to reset my pc either what should I do??

Hi keiran singh,

Thanks for reaching out here in the Microsoft Q&A. I can understand the inconvenience this issue has caused you. To help resolve this issue, please follow the steps outlined below: 

Method 1: Force Access to Advanced Boot Options

Access to repair tools is critical for most fixes (system files, boot issues, updates, malware). This tests if the loop can be bypassed.

• Power off your PC completely (hold power button for 10 seconds).
• Restart 2–3 times to trigger the Advanced Boot Options menu.
• Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt or Startup Repair.

If Fails: If you can’t access Advanced Options, skip to step 5 to create a bootable USB.

Method 2: Free Up SSD Space

Limited SSD space may block repair tools or processes. Freeing 10–20 GB enables further fixes and addresses one cause directly.

In Command Prompt or Safe Mode from Advanced Options:

Run cleanmgr > select C: drive, and delete Temporary files and Windows Update Cleanup.

In Command Prompt:

cd C:\Windows\Temp 
del *.* /s /q

This deletes temp files.

cd C:\Users\YourUsername\Downloads
del *.* /s /q

This deletes downloads; replace YourUsername.

If you have a USB drive, move files:

xcopy C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents E:\Backup /E /H /C

Replace E: with USB drive letter.

Method 3: Run Boot and System File Repairs

Corrupted boot files or system files are common causes of repair loops, often tied to updates or shutdown issues.

In Command Prompt from Advanced Options:

• Run boot fixes:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
bcdboot C:\Windows /s C: 

(replace C: if your Windows drive differs).

• Disable automatic repair:

     bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No
  

• Run system file repairs:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This needs internet; repairs system image.

Method 4: Check SSD Health and Disk Errors

A failing SSD or disk errors could cause the loop, especially if it started suddenly. Power interruptions may also corrupt disk sectors.

In Command Prompt:

• Run this to scan and fix disk errors (may take hours; don’t interrupt):

chkdsk C: /f /r

• If you reach Safe Mode, install an app to check SSD health.

Disclaimer: Running chkdsk can check the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors. To avoid any trouble for you, do not cancel or interrupt chkdsk and back up important data. More information please refer to this chkdsk | Microsoft Learn

Method 5: Create and Use a Bootable USB

If you can’t access Advanced Boot Options, a Windows USB provides access to repair tools for all software-related causes.

• On another PC, use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB (8 GB+).
• Boot your PC from the USB (enter BIOS via F2, DEL, or similar; set USB as first boot device).
• Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command Prompt or Startup Repair.

Method 6: Backup Data and Address Malware/Software Issues

If repairs fail, back up data before riskier steps. Malware or recent changes (software, drivers, updates) could be culprits if you recall any.

• Backup: Boot from a Linux Live USB and copy files to an external USB drive. Or, in Command Prompt run:

xcopy C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents E:\Backup /E /H /C

• Malware: In Safe Mode with Networking, run a malware software. Or use a bootable antivirus USB.
• Software/Updates: In Safe Mode or Command Prompt, uninstall recent programs/drivers via Control Panel > Programs.

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Best Regards,

Kim Nguyen - MSFT | Microsoft Q&A Support Specialist

Hello Keiran, I am Henry and I want to share my insight about your issue.

From your described, I see the core issue is that the Windows installation on your SSD is too corrupted for the automatic tools to fix, and you can't use the local recovery partition to create a new one due to the space constraint. My recommendation is to bypass your corrupted installation entirely by performing a clean installation of Windows from a USB drive. This method does not require any free space on your SSD because it formats the drive before installing.

Notes: If your data is extremely important, consider removing the SSD and backing it up on another computer before attempting troubleshooting steps.

You will need access to another working computer and a blank USB flash drive (at least 8GB).

1. Create a Windows Installation USB:
   • On a working computer, go to the official Microsoft Windows 10 Download page.
   • Click "Download tool now" under "Create Windows 10 installation media."
   • Run the tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB flash drive.
2. Boot Your PC from the USB Drive:
   • Plug the new USB drive into your faulty PC.
   • Turn on the PC and immediately press the key to enter the Boot Menu (usually F12, F8, or ESC). You may need to press it repeatedly as the PC starts.
   • From the menu, select your USB drive to boot from it.
3. Install Windows:
   • The Windows Setup will begin. Follow the prompts (language, etc.).
   • When asked for an installation type, it is critical that you choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".
   • On the next screen, you will see a list of partitions on your SSD. Delete every partition on that drive until you are left with only one item: "Drive 0 Unallocated Space."
   • Select that "Unallocated Space" and click Next.

I hope this information is helpful.

If you have already tried all recovery options in the recovery environment and they are all failing, then you will need to create a bootable Windows USB on another working PC and boot your PC from that, then rather than installing Windows, select ‘Repair this Computer’ that will give you access to the Recovery Environment from there

In the Recovery Environment on the USB, try each available recovery option on the USB.