How to Fix “Automatic repair couldn’t repair your PC” ( Windows 10/11 )

Menzi Sumile

Encountering this “Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC” issue and then realizing it’s not resolving the problem can be incredibly frustrating. We understand the feeling of losing patience when faced with such an error. 

That’s precisely why we’re here – to address this concern and provide straightforward troubleshooting steps to help you overcome this computer-related challenge.

We’ve been in your shoes and know how discouraging it can be. Let’s learn together and find the solutions that will equip you to resolve this issue should it arise again. 

We aim to help you with the knowledge and means necessary to confront this problem head-on so you can quickly regain control and restore your computer’s functionality.

Why is this happening?

Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc: start repair

Windows Auto Repair is a built-in utility designed to automatically fix issues that may prevent Windows from booting correctly. It scans for and resolves problems with system files, drivers, and other critical components.

When triggered, Auto Repair attempts to diagnose and rectify issues without user intervention, aiming to restore the operating system’s functionality.

Your computer displaying the message “Automatic Repair/Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC” during boot-up can result in several issues. 

Here are some common causes: 

  • Hardware issues
  • Outdated or incompatible drivers
  • Missing or corrupted boot record
  • Virus or malware attacks
  • Disk errors on the hard drive
  • Corrupt Window Boot Manager file
  • Windows update issue

You’ve learned the common causes of this issue; below is a straightforward fix.

Fix Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC

1. Perform System Restore

Performing a System Restore can revert your computer to a previous state where it was functioning correctly.

Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc: system restore

Here’s how:

  1. Boot your computer into the Advanced Startup Options menu by repeatedly pressing F8, Shift + F8, or F11 during startup.
  2. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore.”
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point and start the restoration process.

2. Troubleshoot in Safe Mode

Booting into Safe Mode allows you to troubleshoot and fix issues that typically prevent Windows from starting.

Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc
  1. Access the Advanced Startup Options menu as described above.
  2. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” and click “Restart.”
  3. Once your computer restarts, press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.

You can update drivers, uninstall problematic software, and run antivirus scans from here.

3. Repair Boot Records

Corrupted boot records can prevent Windows from starting correctly. Repairing them might resolve the issue.

  1. Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd
Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc
4. Restart your computer and check if the problem is resolved.

4. Disable Automatic Restart After Failure

Disabling automatic restart can help you diagnose the problem by allowing you to see error messages that would otherwise be missed.

  1. Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” and click “Restart.”
  3. Once your computer restarts, press F9 to turn off automatic restart after failure.

Use Fortect for Automatic Repair and Protection

For a more streamlined and automated approach to fixing and protecting your PC, consider using Fortect. Fortect is a powerful tool designed to diagnose and repair various system issues, including those that cause the “Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC” error. 

fortect new security

Fortect’s vigorous repair capabilities tackle many issues head-on, saving you valuable time and effort. Whether malware infections, problematic software updates, corrupted system files, misconfigured boot configurations, or even hardware-related problems, Fortect’s advanced algorithms are designed to diagnose and resolve these challenges thoroughly with real-time advanced protection.

Ensure you get the premium plan to take advantage of all its advanced repair solutions.

It’s an outstanding malware defense system that vigilantly monitors and safeguards your downloads, installations, and executables, shielding your system from malware and viruses whenever you introduce new files or applications. This multi-layered approach ensures a thorough scan and protection, fortifying your PC against potential threats.

You can click on Malware Defense to start scanning or click on Start Full Scan, which scans all possible issues, including malware and PUA, as shown below.

full scan from dashboard

Download and install Fortect now to repair and protect your PC.

5. Disable Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection

Sometimes, the Early Launch Anti-Malware Protection feature can interfere with the startup process. Disabling it might help. This action only suspends malware protection during the boot process, restoring your antivirus security once Windows starts successfully.

Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.

Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Settings” and click “Restart.”

Or this route: access Startup Settings and select “Disable early launch anti-malware protection.

Once your computer restarts, press F8 to turn off early launch anti-malware protection.

6. Run DISM and System File Checker

  • Corrupted system files can be repaired using the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC).
  • Access the Startup Repair option by navigating to Troubleshoot > Advanced options. 
  • Initiate the process by clicking the Restart button. 
  • Upon restarting, select “Enable Safe Mode with Networking” from the list of choices.
  •  Once in Safe Mode, obtain an updated version of the problematic driver from the manufacturer’s website and save it to a USB flash drive for installation.
  • Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  • Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt.”
Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc
  • In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc

7. Reset Your PC

If all else fails, resetting your PC can resolve the issue by reinstalling Windows while keeping your files.

Automatic repair couldn't repair your pc
  1. Boot into the Advanced Startup Options menu.
  2. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Reset this PC.”
  3. Choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything” based on your preference.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

How long does automatic repair take on Windows 10 and 11?

The duration of system restoration on Windows 11, similar to Windows 10, varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the issues being addressed and the hardware specifications of your computer. 

Here’s a detailed look at the potential time frames:

Minor Issues 

For simple problems like fixing a few corrupted files or resolving minor boot issues, the automatic repair process on Windows 11 typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Moderate Issues

It might take about an hour if the repair involves addressing many corrupted files or more complex configuration issues. This includes tasks like fixing disk errors or repairing system files.

Severe Issues

The repair process could extend to several hours in cases of significant system corruption, extensive disk errors, or hardware issues. This is often the case when the system performs in-depth scans and comprehensive repairs.

Hardware Impact

Your computer’s hardware heavily influences the duration of the automatic repair process. Systems with faster processors, solid-state drives (SSDs), and ample RAM will complete the repair process quicker than those with slower components or traditional hard disk drives (HDDs).

System Reinstallation

 If the automatic repair process fails and you decide to reinstall Windows 11, the time required can vary. A clean install of Windows 11 typically takes about 20 to 40 minutes. However, reinstalling applications and restoring backup data can add more time.

Persistent Issues

 If the automatic repair takes an unusually long time or gets stuck, it may indicate more serious underlying problems. In such scenarios, advanced troubleshooting techniques might be necessary, such as booting into Safe Mode, performing a System Restore, or manually reinstalling Windows 11.

As with Windows 10, patience is critical during the automatic repair process on Windows 11. If the process is excessively long or unresponsive, consider seeking further technical support or using advanced repair options provided by Fortect.

Conclusion

Facing the “Automatic Repair Couldn’t Repair Your PC” error can be daunting, but with the proper steps, you can resolve the issue and restore your computer’s functionality. By understanding the common causes and applying the troubleshooting methods outlined above, you’ll be better equipped to handle this problem should it arise again. 

Remember, using tools like Fortect can further simplify the process and provide ongoing protection for your system.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who might benefit. Happy troubleshooting.

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About the author
Menzi Sumile
About the author | Menzi Sumile
On-page SEO, Proofreader, and Content/SEO Writer located in the Philippines, with over four years of experience in Blog Content Management and On-page SEO.

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