boot failure Archives

Winsage

February 17, 2026

Microsoft Windows 11 KB5077181 Update Triggers Infinite Restart Loop on Some Devices

Microsoft's Patch Tuesday update, KB5077181, released on February 10, 2026, has caused significant boot failures for users of Windows 11 versions 24H2 (OS build 26200.7840) and 25H2 (OS build 26100.7840), resulting in endless restart loops. Users are reporting over 15 reboot cycles, preventing access to their desktops. Issues include System Event Notification Service (SENS) errors and DHCP problems affecting internet connectivity. Installation errors with codes 0x800f0983 and 0x800f0991 indicate potential hardware, driver, or servicing stack incompatibilities. The update was intended to address 58 vulnerabilities, including six zero-days, but the boot loop issue has overshadowed these enhancements. CVE IDs and their CVSS scores related to the vulnerabilities addressed include: - CVE-2026-21510: 7.5 - CVE-2026-21519: 7.8 - CVE-2026-21533: 8.8 - CVE-2026-20841: 7.1 As of February 15, 2026, there is no "known issues" entry in Microsoft's release notes despite user reports. Users can uninstall the update through the Control Panel if their systems are accessible, or use the Windows Recovery Environment to execute commands for uninstallation if their systems are unbootable.

Winsage

February 16, 2026

Windows 11 KB5077181 fixes boot failures linked to failed updates

Microsoft resolved a critical bug affecting some commercial systems running Windows 11 that caused boot failures due to an "UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME" error. This issue was linked to problematic updates from December 2025 and primarily impacted devices on Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2. The resolution was included in the February 2026 Patch Tuesday update, specifically the Windows 11 KB5077181 security update released on February 10, 2026. An initial fix was provided in the optional update KB5074105 on January 29, 2026. Affected devices experienced failures after installing the January 13, 2026, security update KB5074109. Microsoft recommends that enterprise customers with still unbootable systems contact Microsoft Support for Business for assistance.

Winsage

January 26, 2026

Windows PCs ‘Suddenly’ Fail After Microsoft’s New Update

Microsoft has acknowledged an issue where certain devices fail to boot, resulting in a Black Screen of Death (BSOD) with the stop code UNMOUNTABLEBOOTVOLUME, affecting users of Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 who installed the KB5074109 update. This update was intended to address numerous security vulnerabilities. Users encountering the 0xED error code may face system corruption or hardware failures, and while Windows Recovery is usually effective, it may fail in some cases, requiring a clean installation of Windows using an ISO file. Microsoft describes the reports as limited but acknowledges the potential for the issue to expand as more users report their experiences.

Winsage

December 14, 2025

My top 17 Windows 11 features introduced in 2025 — personal picks from cleaner UI experiences to major PC gaming upgrades

- Windows 11 received numerous enhancements in 2025 through monthly cumulative updates. - The revamped Start menu consolidates Pinned, Recommended, and All sections into a single scrollable interface, allowing up to eight pinned items per row. - The Recommended section can showcase up to six app and file suggestions, with an option to disable it. - The All section organizes apps by category by default, with options for grid or list view. - A redesigned Widgets board integrates a new settings page, allowing users to select which board opens by default. - Users can customize Lock Screen widgets through a new section under Personalization. - A new setting allows users to reposition on-screen hardware indicators for brightness and volume. - A dedicated page for Virtual Workspaces in the Settings app centralizes virtualization controls. - Users can opt for smaller icons on the Taskbar for a more compact arrangement of app buttons. - A new sharing shortcut allows users to send files to compatible apps directly from recent file icons. - An option to disable the "Drag Tray" has been added in the Nearby Sharing settings. - The Notification Center now supports a large clock with seconds and multiple clocks. - The Windows Hello interface has been redesigned with animations for better user engagement. - Support for third-party passkey providers has been integrated into Windows Hello. - A new security feature, Administrator Protection, adds an authentication prompt for actions requiring elevation. - Quick Machine Recovery is designed to repair the operating system during boot failures. - Windows Backup now supports local file transfers during new device setup. - The Xbox Full Screen Experience has been tailored for handheld gaming devices. - A battery percentage display has been added to the Taskbar, along with new battery iconography. - Multi-stream support for cameras allows multiple applications to access the same camera feed simultaneously.

Winsage

November 19, 2025

Windows 11 gets new Cloud Rebuild, Point-in-Time Restore tools

Microsoft introduced two recovery features for Windows 11 at the Ignite developer conference: Cloud Rebuild and Point-in-Time Restore (PITR). PITR allows users to revert a Windows 11 system to a previous stable state in minutes by capturing comprehensive snapshots of the system, restoring the operating system, settings, and files. This feature will enter preview with an upcoming Windows 11 Insider preview build. Cloud Rebuild enables complete reinstallation of Windows 11 from the cloud for devices with persistent issues, using the Intune portal for selection of the Windows release and language. It employs Autopilot for zero-touch provisioning and streamlines user data restoration through OneDrive and Windows Backup for Organizations, reducing downtime significantly. Both features will be integrated into Microsoft Intune in the first half of 2026, allowing remote recovery actions and management of Windows Recovery Environment functionalities. Additionally, Microsoft is testing an updated version of Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), which helps resolve Windows boot failures without physical access. QMR engages the Windows Recovery Environment during boot failures, analyzes crash data, and allows Microsoft to implement remote fixes. The latest version improves the boot-repair process by conducting a single scan to resolve issues.

Winsage

November 10, 2025

Advancing security with Windows and Surface | Microsoft SFI Report Nov 2025

Microsoft is committed to security through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI), which employs 34,000 engineers to enhance cybersecurity. The November 2025 SFI Progress Report outlines advancements in security, including principles of Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Secure Operations integrated into Windows and Surface products. Key updates include: - Windows 11 introduces passwordless sign-in with Passkeys and FIDO2 credentials to reduce phishing risks. - Phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now widely used, lowering account compromise risks. - Windows Hotpatch allows security updates without device restarts, achieving 81% compliance within 24 hours of Patch Tuesday. - Windows 11 features quick machine recovery for automatic, cloud-connected recovery from boot failures. Surface devices lead in security by enabling all recommended features by default and developing memory-safe firmware to address vulnerabilities. Notably, 70% of security vulnerabilities are linked to memory safety issues, and Surface uses Rust-based UEFI firmware to enhance defenses. Surface also develops Windows drivers in Rust to eliminate memory safety bugs and shares innovations through the Open Device Partnership to improve security across the ecosystem.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft patches more than 100 Windows security flaws – update your PC now

Microsoft's August Patch Tuesday update addresses 107 vulnerabilities in Windows, including 13 critical ones. It affects all current versions of Windows, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server. The update fixes security issues in components like File Explorer, Remote Desktop, and Hyper-V, as well as bugs in Microsoft Office, Edge, and Teams. Nine critical vulnerabilities involve remote code execution. One vulnerability, CVE-2025-53779, is a zero-day flaw in the Windows Kerberos authentication system that could grant domain administrator privileges if exploited. The update also introduces new features, including a revamped error screen called the Black Screen of Death and Quick Machine Recovery for troubleshooting boot failures. Users can check for the update in the Windows Update section of Settings.

Winsage

April 2, 2025

Windows 11 Gets Quick Machine Recovery to Fix Boot Failures via the Internet

Microsoft has introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative to improve the security and reliability of Windows 11 following a global incident with a faulty update. QMR addresses boot failures by allowing users to access the recovery environment, connect to the internet for automatic troubleshooting, and receive targeted fixes via Windows Update. Currently, it is being tested in the Windows 11 24H2 Insider Preview Build 26120.3653 and will be enabled by default for Home edition users. Users can access QMR by entering the recovery environment, selecting Troubleshoot, and then Advanced options. Additionally, an internet-based recovery option in Windows Settings can repair system components while preserving user data.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

Windows 11 is getting a secret weapon for boot failures

Microsoft has introduced a new tool called Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to address boot-up issues in Windows PCs, currently available for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. QMR automates the recovery process by utilizing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), allowing PCs to automatically enter recovery mode, connect to the internet, and send diagnostic data to Microsoft. Based on this data, a tailored fix is sent to the device through Windows Update. QMR is designed for both IT administrators and home users, with the latter having it enabled by default. It is part of Microsoft's Windows Resiliency Initiative, and the company is encouraging feedback from testers.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11’s new headline security feature is now in testing — here’s how it can help your PC

Microsoft is rolling out a new feature called quick machine recovery (QMR) to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel, designed to automatically detect and resolve boot issues directly from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). When enabled, QMR identifies and applies fixes for common boot problems, and in case of a critical boot failure, it transitions the device into WinRE, connects to the network, and sends diagnostic data to Microsoft for targeted remediation via Windows Update. This feature will be enabled by default for home users and is available for testing by Windows Insiders. Additionally, Microsoft is introducing a speech recap feature in Narrator, allowing users to track what has been spoken, access live transcriptions, and copy the last spoken phrase using keyboard shortcuts. The speech recap window can display the last 500 strings spoken by Narrator and refreshes each time Narrator starts. Windows 11 Build 26120.3653 includes a streamlined user interface for unexpected restarts, a new way to launch Copilot using Win + C, and the Click to Do feature accessible from the Start menu, which supports multiple languages. Improvements to Windows Share include a visual preview of content and quick image editing options.