Computer wont start properly

[Seannc15]

I am trying to restart my hp laptop and every time I try I just get a circle or preparing automatic repair. 

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @Seannc15 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this — seeing your HP laptop stuck on “Preparing Automatic Repair” can be frustrating, especially when it repeats on every restart. This usually means Windows failed to start correctly and is trying to repair itself. If it gets stuck or loops at that screen, the recovery environment may be unable to resolve the underlying issue.

Let’s work through this step-by-step to help you get the system booting properly again.

Step 1: Perform a Hard Reset

Power off your laptop completely.

Disconnect the charger and external devices (USBs, etc.).

Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.

Reconnect only the power adapter, then power it on.

If it still goes into the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Boot into Recovery Options

Try to access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):

Turn on your laptop, and as soon as it starts booting, press and hold the power button for 5–6 seconds to force it off.

Repeat this 2 more times (3 total force shutdowns).

On the third boot, Windows should show “Preparing Automatic Repair”, then load the Recovery screen.

If successful, you'll see Advanced Options.

Step 3: Use Recovery Tools

When in the Advanced Options screen:

Option 1: Startup Repair

Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair

Let it run. If it completes, try rebooting normally.

If it fails, continue.

Option 2: System Restore

Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore

If you had restore points enabled, choose one from before the issue started

If you don't have a restore point or it fails, try the next.

Option 3: Uninstall Recent Updates

Go to Advanced Options > Uninstall Updates

First, uninstall the latest quality update

If that doesn’t help, try uninstalling the feature update

Step 4: Boot into Safe Mode (If Accessible)

In Advanced Options, select Startup Settings > Restart

Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode

If Safe Mode works, you can:

Run disk cleanup

Uninstall recent apps or drivers

Run Command Prompt and check the disk:

• chkdsk /f /r C:

Step 5: Use HP Recovery

If the above doesn’t resolve the issue and you can still access recovery:

Go to Advanced Options > Troubleshoot > HP Recovery Manager (if listed)

Use the System Recovery option to reinstall Windows (with or without keeping files)

If None of These Work:

You may need to reinstall Windows using a bootable USB:

Use another computer to download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool:
🔗 https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Create a bootable USB (minimum 8GB)

Insert the USB into your HP laptop and power it on

Press Esc > F9 for Boot Menu

Select the USB drive and follow the prompts to reinstall Windows

⚠️ Choose "Keep my files" only if that option is available and you don't want to lose data. Otherwise, you may need to back up files before a full reset.

HP Diagnostics (Optional but Recommended)

To check for hardware issues:

Restart the laptop and press Esc, then F2 for HP PC Hardware Diagnostics

Run the System Test or at least Hard Drive and Memory tests

If a hardware fault is detected, contact HP Phone support for service.

Let me know how far you get, and I’ll guide you through the next steps if needed.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye