Windows 11/10 stuck in infinite reboot

A faulty system update, a new graphics card, corrupted system files, even a new USB mouse: all these problems can cause an automatic recovery option in Windows when you try to boot a Windows PC.

Windows will then remain stuck in a “loop” and you will see the error message “Prepare automatic recovery".

You usually see this error message when Windows tries to boot but fails, forcing itself through an endless cycle of automatic system recovery error messages. If Windows can't repair itself, it restarts and repeats the cycle.

There is no one cause for a Windows 10 or Windows 11 automatic recovery loop, but there are several situations that can likely cause it. Missing or damaged system files are one of the most common causes, where Windows cannot boot (or repair itself) because these essential files that it needs to run are not available.

This prevents the Windows kernel and other essential Windows services from loading completely, preventing you from using your PC. Another problem that can cause a repair cycle is a newly installed component or connected peripheral that is missing a driver (or that simply isn't working properly).

If you recently upgraded your PC, your new components need drivers so that Windows can use them. If the drivers are missing, outdated, or unsupported, it can cause the system recovery loop, especially for critical components like a new graphics card.

Other issues such as faulty components, a malware infection, a corrupt system registry, and even faulty installation files all point to a possible cause. I recommend that you perform the below and check if the system loop is resolved after that.

Windows 11/10 stuck in infinite reboot

To start, you need to get the computer into recovery mode, from here you can troubleshoot problems. In general, this should work because this is the error message you constantly see.

If this is not the case, start the computer and switch off the computer during the Windows loading screen by immediately removing the power, or via the physical on/off button. You do this three times.

If all goes well, the automatic recovery preparation will be started. You will see the screen below. Does not it work? Stop, and then consult a specialist.

Then you will see the screen below. Your computer will detect problems.

Then click on “Advanced options”.

Click on “Troubleshoot”.

Click on “Advanced Options” again.

Then click on “Command Prompt”. If you then need to select a user account, select the administrator account and, if necessary, enter the administrator password. If Command Prompt restarts immediately, this is also fine.

In the Command Prompt, type the following commands per line, each line is confirmed with the ENTER key.

c:
cd \windows\system32\config\
md backup
copy *.* backup
cd regback
copy *.* ..
A
exit

The automatic recovery preparing cycle issue should now be resolved.

What have we done here? You have restored the recent backup files from the regback folder. This is a backup of your computer's most successful boot. You have, as it were, overwritten incorrect files and you can restart Windows and the startup repair cycle will no longer occur.

I hope this helped you. Thank you for reading!