Lenovo Preparing Automatic Repair

Question

My computer is stuck on Lenovo - preparing automatic repair. I’ve tried all of the answers to the same question but it won’t allow me to go any farther. What else can I do?

Answer 1

Hi,

The last step is a Reset of the PC.

Perform a hard shutdown two times during the Windows boot screen. On the third time, Windows should boot to the recovery environment.

If you can see Windows Recovery, go to Step 2.

If you get a screen that says you need to use Recovery tools, you need another computer to create a recovery/installation media. You may also need Installation media if the Windows Recovery environment says your password is incorrect.

How to Create Bootable USB Flash Drive to Install Windows 10

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html

Boot from the USB Flash drive-Make sure you have disabled Secure boot/Fast boot in BIOS Settings and changed the boot order if required.

Disable Fast Boot in UEFI Firmware settings

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/21284-enable-disable-fast-boot-uefi-firmware-settings-windows.html

When you have successfully booted from the Installation media, click Repair your computer at the first screen after choosing the keyboard layout.

Step 2:

1. Use Startup repair: The first option you can try is to use Startup repair, which automatically detects and fixes problems. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may or may not be successful.
2. Uninstall Updates

The second step you can try is to uninstall the latest updates if Windows 10 fails to start after installing updates.

Choose Uninstall Updates.

Uninstall the update based on what was installed – a feature update or a quality update. Usually, the former is responsible.

3. CHKDSK:

If uninstalling did not help and is unrelated, the next step is to try using a Disk Check.

Choose Command Prompt in the list of troubleshooting.

Get the Current Windows Installation drive letter, which is either C, D, or E; Type BCDEDIT, and Press Enter. Note the letter.

Enter the command given below:

chkdsk X: /f /r (Replace X with the Current Windows Install Letter)

When done, you would see the output and restart the PC to check.

4. Another try you can give to fix is SFC SCANNOW through the Offboot switch. For this, follow the steps below:

First, find the Windows Install drive letter using the BCDEDIT command.

Then, try entering the following command:

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

After the scan completes, you will see the results.

You can also try using DISM: dism /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions

5. Reset this PC or clean install.

The last Step is a Reset. The catch with Reset is all applications would be removed, and files would be kept(you would be presented with the option to erase everything). Also, for this step, A healthy Reset Image is required, which maybe would be affected by corruption.

The steps are in detail with pictures here:

https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2020/08/fix-windows-fails-to-load-in-pc.html

Content on the above blog is written by a Windows MVP, so it is safe. However, do watch out for ads.

I’m eager to hear back and work together to find a solution.

Answer 2

Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) tools to repair or reinstall Windows when the system is stuck in “Preparing Automatic Repair.” Proceed in this order:

1. Force entry into Windows Recovery Environment
   1. Power the PC off completely.
   2. Turn it on and wait for the Lenovo/Windows logo.
   3. As soon as the logo appears, press and hold the power button until it shuts off.
   4. Repeat this power‑on / forced‑off cycle two times.
   5. Turn it on a third time and let it continue; it should display Automatic Repair → choose Advanced options to enter Windows RE.
2. Try Startup Repair
   1. In Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
   2. Choose the Windows 10 account and enter its password.
   3. Let Startup Repair run and restart the PC when prompted.
   4. If it still loops back to Automatic Repair, return to Advanced options.
3. Use System Restore (if restore points exist)
   1. In Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
   2. Pick a restore point dated before the problem started and complete the wizard.
   3. Restart and see if Windows boots normally.
4. If Automatic Repair fails repeatedly If Startup Repair/System Restore do not resolve the loop and the PC remains non‑bootable, use the reset/reinstall options: Option A – Reset this PC from WinRE
   1. In Windows RE, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
   2. Choose:
      • Keep my files to reinstall Windows while keeping personal files (apps and settings are removed), or
      • Remove everything for a full wipe.
   3. Choose Local reinstall (or OEM recovery if offered) and follow the prompts.
   Option B – Reinstall using installation media If WinRE options don’t work or are unavailable:
   1. On another working PC, create Windows 10 installation media on a USB drive.
   2. Boot the Lenovo from that USB (change boot order in BIOS/boot menu if needed).
   3. On the setup screen, choose Install now and follow the steps to reinstall Windows.

If none of the recovery options (Startup Repair, System Restore, Reset this PC) work and the system still won’t start, a full reinstall from installation media is required.

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References:

• Windows recovery environment
• Recovery options in Windows
• Fix File Explorer if it won't open or start
• Unable to refresh or reset PC after Automatic Repair fails in Windows 8