Preparing automatic repair loop

[Meganbug16]

Hi I have an HP pavilion x360 that is stuck in the Preparing automatic repair loop. I can't get to the advanced settings. Everything i hit f11 it goes to a please wait screen for 10 min or so then it goes back into the loop. I have checked the hard drive and everything passed and I checked the memory and that passed but it still won't get to the advanced settings. I dont know what else to do.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Meganbug16,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I’m really sorry you’re stuck in this frustrating loop, especially when you’ve already checked the hard drive and memory and they passed. It’s clear you’ve put in effort, and I know how helpless it can feel when nothing seems to work. Let’s try a few deeper recovery steps to help your HP Pavilion x360 break out of the “Preparing Automatic Repair” loop.

Step 1: Perform a Hard Shutdown

1. Hold the power button for 10–15 seconds until the laptop shuts off.
2. Disconnect all external devices (USB drives, printers, etc.).
3. Wait 30 seconds, then power it back on.

If it still loops, move to the next step.

Step 2: Use HP Hardware Diagnostics (Outside Windows)

Since F11 isn’t working, try this:

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press Esc repeatedly right after pressing the power button.
3. On the Startup Menu, press F2 to enter HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
4. From there, choose Component Tests → Hard Drive → Extensive Test (even if Quick Test passed).

Step 3: Try Booting into Safe Mode via Recovery USB

If you can’t access Advanced Options via F11, you’ll need a Windows 11 recovery USB:

1. On another PC, download the HP Consumer PCs - Using the HP Cloud Recovery Tool in Windows 11 and 10 | HP® Support.
2. Create a bootable USB drive.
3. Insert it into your Pavilion x360 and boot from USB: 
   • Power off the laptop.
   • Power on and press Esc → then F9 to select boot device.
   • Choose the USB drive.

Once booted:

• Click Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → then choose Safe Mode.

Step 4: Use System Restore or Startup Repair

From the recovery USB:

• Go to Advanced Options → System Restore (if restore points exist).
• Or try Startup Repair.

Step 5: Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing works:

• Go to Advanced Options → Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep my files (if you want to preserve data) or Remove everything.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Meganbug16,
 

I hope this helps. Please try and keep us posted.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!

Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[Meganbug16]

Hi I did the USB with the HP recovery tool. When I go to f9 it doesn't let me start from a USB and it doesn't show a recovery. I got it to open the USB but it says nothing can run or I dont have authentication. Nothing is starting it to run from the USB. 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Meganbug16,

Thank you for getting back to us. I’m really sorry to hear that you’re still experiencing trouble. To assist you better, could you please share your PC details in a private message so we can check and provide the right support?

Please help us with your HP unit serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product Serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number because we value your privacy.

VikramTheGreat

HP Support