“Automatic Repair – Your PC Did Not Start Correctly” Error in Windows 11

The Automatic Repair feature in Windows 11 is a built-in recovery utility that automatically detects and fixes startup-related issues. When Windows encounters boot problems due to corrupted system files, improper shutdowns, or faulty updates, it launches Automatic Repair to diagnose and resolve the issue automatically. However, sometimes you may see the message “Automatic Repair – Your PC did not start correctly”. It means Windows tried to repair the problem but couldn’t fix it automatically. If it’s the first time you see the error, try to restart your PC and see if this helps. If not here we have possible fixes for resolving the “Your PC did not start correctly” issue.

What causes your PC Did Not Start Correctly Error

Various causes, such as a recent hardware upgrade, power failures, incorrect system configurations, outdated drivers, or file system corruption, can trigger this error.

• Power Interruption: Losing power during startup or a sudden shutdown can interrupt the boot process.
• Problematic Windows Updates: Failed or incompatible updates can prevent Windows from loading correctly.
• Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Drivers are essential for hardware to function, and a bad driver can lead to startup issues.
• Corrupted System Files: Essential Windows files can become damaged, leading to a failure to boot.
• Hardware Issues: Faulty or improperly seated hardware components, such as RAM or a hard drive, can cause startup problems.
• Malware Infection: Malware can corrupt system files or interfere with the boot process.

Disconnect External Devices and Restart

External peripherals can sometimes interfere with Windows startup. Devices such as USB drives, external HDDs, and printers may disrupt the boot process and cause Windows to display the “Your PC did not start correctly” message.

• Shut down your computer completely.
• Disconnect all external devices — USB drives, external SSDs/HDDs, printers, webcams, Bluetooth dongles, and other accessories.
• Keep only the keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected.
• Turn on your computer and check if Windows boots normally.

If the PC starts successfully, reconnect your peripherals one by one to find out which device was causing the problem.

Boot into Advanced Options (Windows Recovery Environment)

The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a built-in troubleshooting platform that provides powerful repair tools like Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, and Safe Mode. If Windows won’t start normally, booting into Advanced Options lets you access these utilities to manually repair startup issues or revert changes.

• On the Automatic Repair screen, select Advanced options.
• Alternatively, you can restart your PC a few times — after the third failed boot, Windows should automatically load Automatic Repair.

• Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options.

• Here you can access System Restore, Command Prompt, Startup Repair, and other recovery tools.
  

Well, if WinRE doesn’t appear, boot using a Windows 11 installation USB and select Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced options.

Run Startup Repair from Advanced Options

Startup Repair is a specialized tool within WinRE that automatically scans and fixes common startup issues such as missing boot files, corrupted configurations, or registry inconsistencies. If the system files required to start Windows are damaged, Startup Repair can rebuild or replace them automatically.

• Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair.

• 

• Select your Windows account and enter the password if prompted.
• Windows will attempt to diagnose and repair startup problems.

If Startup Repair detects an issue and resolves it, your system should boot normally. If it fails, continue with the next methods.

Repair Boot Configuration Files

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store essential information about how Windows boots. If these files become corrupted or missing due to disk errors, forced shutdowns, or failed updates, Windows won’t load correctly. Using Command Prompt, you can manually rebuild the Master Boot Record (MBR) and BCD to restore normal startup behavior.

• Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options in WinRE.
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /scanos
bootrec /rebuildbcd

Note: If you see “Access is denied” during /fixboot, type: bootsect /nt60 sys. Then re-run the above commands.

• Once done, close Command Prompt and restart your PC.

If the boot files were corrupted, this process should rebuild them and allow Windows to start normally.

Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Scans

Corrupted or missing system files often prevent Windows from starting correctly. The System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can repair these files by replacing damaged components with fresh copies from the Windows image.

• Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options.
• Run the following commands one by one:

sfc /scannow
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

Here, SFC scans and replaces corrupted Windows system files. DISM repairs the underlying system image that SFC relies on.

• Wait for both scans to complete, then restart your PC.

These tools repair broken system components that may have caused the “Your PC did not start correctly” error.

Perform a System Restore

System Restore lets you revert your Windows installation to a previous state when it was working properly. If the issue started after a driver update, software installation, or system change, restoring your system can undo those modifications and bring your PC back to a stable condition.

• In the Windows Recovery Environment, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
• Choose a restore point created before the error started appearing.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to restore your system.
• Once complete, restart your PC.

This is a safe and effective way to fix startup issues caused by recent software or driver changes.

Disable Automatic Startup Repair Loop

Some causes, Disabling Automatic Repair, can break the loop and let you boot into Safe Mode or perform other manual fixes.

• Open Command Prompt from Advanced Options.
• Type command bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled No and press Enter
• Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Now, you can troubleshoot Windows manually without being forced into repair mode every time.

Note: Anytime you can enable automatic startup repair using the command bcdedit /set {default} recoveryenabled yes.

Check Disk for Errors

Again, a failing or corrupted hard drive can cause Windows boot issues. The Check Disk (CHKDSK) utility scans your disk for bad sectors and fixes file system errors that could prevent Windows from starting properly.

• Launch Command Prompt from the Advanced Options screen.
• Type command chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter
• Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time, depending on your drive size. Restart your PC.

If disk corruption was the cause, CHKDSK will automatically repair it, allowing Windows to boot correctly.

Reset This PC (Repair Windows Installation)

If none of the above methods work, Reset This PC reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files (if you choose the “Keep my files” option). This process replaces all system files and settings, effectively fixing deep-level corruption without requiring a full clean install.

• From the Windows Recovery Environment, click Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep my files or Remove everything based on your preference.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows 11.

After the reset, your PC should start normally with a fresh copy of Windows.

FAQ – Automatic Repair / PC Did Not Start Correctly

1. What does “Automatic Repair – Your PC did not start correctly” mean?
It means Windows detected a startup issue and attempted to fix it automatically but failed, likely due to corrupted system or boot files.

2. Can I fix this without reinstalling Windows?
Yes, in most cases, using SFC, DISM, CHKDSK, or BCD repair commands can fix the issue without a full reinstall.

3. Why does my PC keep looping into Automatic Repair?
This happens if Windows repeatedly fails to repair the same issue, often due to disk or system file corruption.

4. Will resetting my PC delete my files?
If you choose Keep my files, your data will be safe. However, installed apps and settings will be removed.

5. Is this a sign of hardware failure?
It can be. If none of the software fixes work, check your SSD or HDD for health issues or consider replacing it.

6. How to prevent this issue in the future?
Keep Windows updated, avoid forced shutdowns, and regularly back up your data using File History or OneDrive.