Windows 11/ Automatic Repair Loop

Will 0 Reputation points
2025-12-05T19:32:43.42+00:00

Hello, about 3-4 months ago, a Windows 11 update appeared on my pc, I was very heavy into using my pc and didn't have time to update it, and of course like most humans, forgot to update the computer before bed. After attempting to update it the next night, it began the update but was frozen at 7% all night. I woke up the next morning to see it was still on 7%. I know it says, "Please leave your computer turned on" but with no luck, I turned my pc off by holding down the power button, and turned it back on, the computer ran normally but stated that something occurred during the update and caused it not to go through. Not thinking anything of it, I began gaming on my pc (as it is a gaming pc) and I was able to play 2 "matches" before my game, and the browsers I had open began to freeze, my keyboard and mouse would lose lighting and then gain it back in-before the whole pc shutting itself off and starting back up. It started back up but before getting to the lock screen, it shut off again, started back up again, and then shut off, and did this 3 times, and put it self in an Automatic Repair mode. I let the computer do what it needed to do, and it brought me to the blue screen with "Restart" or "Advanced Options". I pressed restart and that sent the computer back into the Automatic Repair mode. Unsure of how to fix it, I then went to "Advanced Options" and just clicked "Continue to Windows 11" upon me doing this, my computer started working again in the sense of being able to use the internet and watch videos or movies, check my email, so on and so fourth. The computer began running fine again, I was able to play video games again and for a longer period of time. Just recently, a day or two ago, I was attempting to game on the pc when the problem happened again. I clicked the same "Advanced Options" and "Continue to Windows 11" but I am trying to figure out why the computer is running like this. I've owned the pc for almost 2 years now and I have had 0 issues out of it, this being the first one, and I just cannot seem to find an answer for the problems that are occurring. In settings under "Windows Update" my computer is showing an update titled "Windows 11, version 25H2" but the same situation of not installing is occurring. Upon me pressing restart, the computer begins the update from 0% and goes up all the way to 7% where it then stays at 7% and does not move. Then it shows “Something didn’t go as planned, retrying a few things”. Where it then shows the 7% not moving, and then proceeded to restart itself. Upon the pc coming back on, it shows the 7% not moving and  it then shows “Something didn’t go as planned, retrying a few things”. This appears 2 more times before the message “Something didn’t go as planned, undoing changes”. The pc then again proceeds to restart again and come back on with the message “Something didn’t go as planned, undoing changes”, and then appears at the Lock Screen. Upon unlocking my pc everything runs as normal, applications open on there own, I am able to use the internet, but anytime a video game for example, Apex Legends or Fortnite, the pc crashes and begins the Automatic Repair cycle, but being on video games like GTA V Enhanced, Minecraft, CS2, Valorant, the pc has no issues. Upon going back into settings and to the "Windows Update" section, the update says that it failed and shows the "Install error code - 0x80071a2d", and presents a yellow tab that says "Reinstall your current version of Windows to repair system files and components" with a "Reinstall Now" button available to be pushed. It also is showing me "Your device is missing important security updates". Is this a common issue that happens and is it fixable? I spent a lot of money on this computer and would hate for something to be causing it not to work properly to where I can't enjoy it to its full extent. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I am not a tech wizard so any advice would be very helpful!

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-05T19:33:07.5733333+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    It sounds like you're experiencing a frustrating issue with your Windows 11 PC, particularly related to the update process and the Automatic Repair loop. The error code 0x80071a2d indicates that there might be a problem with the system files or components that are preventing the update from installing correctly.

    Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

    1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: This built-in tool can help identify and fix problems with Windows Update. To access it, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
    2. Check Disk for Errors: You can run a disk check to see if there are any issues with your hard drive that might be causing the problems. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command chkdsk /f /r. You may need to restart your computer for the check to occur.
    3. System File Checker (SFC): This tool can repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run sfc /scannow. This process may take some time, and you should restart your PC afterward.
    4. DISM Tool: If the SFC tool does not resolve the issue, you can use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). Run the command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in an elevated Command Prompt.
    5. Reset Windows Update Components: Sometimes, resetting the Windows Update components can resolve update issues. You can follow the instructions in the Microsoft documentation to manually reset these components.
    6. Reinstall Windows: If none of the above steps work, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows. This can be done through the settings under Update & Security > Recovery. Make sure to back up your important data before proceeding with this step.

    If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with a professional or reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance.


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  2. JC 6,695 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-05T20:11:11.0766667+00:00

    Hello,

    From your description of events it sounds like the OS broke when the update failed, try this fix.

    Open Start, type: CMD

    Right click CMD

    Click Run as administrator

    Type in at the prompt OR Copy and Paste these one at a time : (Hit enter after each)

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

    Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Also run the System File Checker utility:

    Open Start, type: CMD

    Right click CMD

    Click Run as administrator

    At the Command Prompt, type: sfc /SCANNOW

    This will check for any integrity violations

    Hope this helps,

    JC


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