Forum Discussion
Windows gets stuck in a restart cycle due to corrupted boot files
My Windows system is trapped in an endless restart loop immediately after the initial boot logo appears, and I suspect corrupted boot configuration data or missing system files are preventing the operating system from loading properly. I cannot access Safe Mode or recovery options automatically, so I need guidance on using installation media to repair the boot sector or rebuild the BCD store without losing my personal data.
1 Reply
You’re stuck in a restart loop before Windows loads and cannot reach Safe Mode or recovery automatically, so the safest path is Windows Recovery Environment from installation media. On another PC, create Windows 11 installation media, boot the affected device from it, choose Repair my PC, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair. Let that complete before using Command Prompt. If Startup Repair fails, open Command Prompt and run diskpart, then list volume to identify the actual Windows partition because drive letters can change in recovery; exit DiskPart and run bcdboot D:\Windows, replacing D: with the verified Windows volume. This rebuilds boot-environment files without intentionally deleting personal data, but it cannot guarantee data safety if the disk is failing or encrypted. Have the BitLocker recovery key available, avoid Format or a clean installation, and back up the drive first if it can be read from another PC.
