"Your PC will automatically restart in one minute" loop caused by a corrupt security token

Manon Laurent 40 Reputation points
2026-06-04T11:15:18.4666667+00:00

I am locked out of saving my work! My computer boots up to the desktop fine, but within 30 seconds, a giant system dialogue window covers the center of my screen saying: "Windows has encountered a critical problem and will automatically restart in one minute. Please save your work." It reboots, logs in, and throws the exact same countdown window on a loop. Please help.

Windows for business | Windows 365 Enterprise
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VPHAN 44,540 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-06-04T11:51:33.8433333+00:00

Hi Manon Laurent,

The recurring restart loop is caused by a critical system process failure, likely involving the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (lsass.exe). To fix this, you should boot into Safe Mode using the Shift-Restart method to bypass the automatic shutdown. Once in Safe Mode, use the System File Checker (sfc /scannow) to repair protected system files, or the DISM command (dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth) to address deeper component store corruption. If these repairs fail, the most reliable resolution is to perform a System Restore or use the "Reset this PC" feature with file retention enabled.

Hope this answer has brought you some useful information. If it did, please hit “accept answer”. Should you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

VPHAN

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