boot loops Archives

Winsage

July 30, 2025

Windows 10’s forced updates: A history of disastrous consequences

The transition to Windows 10 marked the end of Windows 7 and was initially celebrated by Microsoft, but users soon faced numerous problems due to mandatory updates. Issues included boot loops, the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), and data loss, leading Microsoft to delay a major feature upgrade by over six months. In August 2015, a major update caused widespread reboot loops due to corrupted user profiles, requiring complex fixes. The October 2018 update infamously deleted user files and introduced various bugs, taking nearly six months for Microsoft to resolve. In March 2020, another update caused boot hangs and BSODs, prompting many users to uninstall it. In May 2023, a security update bricked PCs and caused connectivity issues. The October 2020 updates led to installation errors, system slowdowns, and compatibility problems. In October 2021, Windows 10 users were encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11, facing hardware compatibility issues. The forced updates have resulted in significant user dissatisfaction, though the option to pause updates has provided some relief.

Winsage

July 29, 2025

Microsoft dubs latest Windows 11 release “most reliable version of Windows yet” — PCs that upgrade will see an improved experience compared to Windows 10

Microsoft announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 is the most reliable version of Windows to date, with unexpected restarts reduced by 24% compared to Windows 10. The update includes a redesigned Black Screen of Death (BSOD) and a new feature called Quick Machine Recovery to assist users with troubleshooting issues. Mainstream support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, after which users will not receive automatic security updates. Microsoft offers an extended security updates program for an additional year. A new PC transfer feature has been introduced to facilitate migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Windows 11 version 25H2 will be built on the same platform as version 24H2, ensuring compatibility and stability. Users are encouraged to upgrade to version 24H2 for enhanced reliability and to prepare for version 25H2.

Tech Optimizer

June 27, 2025

Microsoft is trying to get antivirus software away from the Windows kernel

Microsoft is engaging with third-party companies to establish new standards for collaboration and address concerns. The company is implementing security enhancements for Windows, including a redesign of the "blue screen of death," now called the "unexpected restart screen," which will change from blue to black. This redesign aims to improve readability and align with Windows 11 aesthetics. A new feature, "quick machine recovery" (QMR), will help users recover from multiple unexpected restarts or boot loops by transitioning to Windows Recovery Environment (RE). QMR will be enabled by default on Windows 11 Home, with configuration options for Pro and Enterprise versions. Both QMR and the redesigned screen will be included in the Windows 11 24H2 update, set to launch later this summer, with additional customization options planned for later in the year.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

Windows 11’s new update is reportedly proving a nightmare to install for some, but I’m hardly surprised given its messy rollout

Windows 11's latest update has caused installation issues and bugs for many users. An initial update was paused due to conflicts with an anti-cheat tool, leading to game crashes. A revised patch, KB5063060, has also presented problems, including installation failures, boot loops, taskbar freezes, and issues with external monitors and Bluetooth devices. Gamers continue to experience difficulties with titles like Star Citizen, Fortnite, and efootball25, despite attempts to resolve compatibility issues. Users are advised to manually download the update from Microsoft's website or wait for further fixes, as uninstalling the patch is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities.

Winsage

November 20, 2024

Despite an update ‘mitigating’ the problem, some Windows 11 users seemingly still can’t change the date and time in settings—although there is a workaround

Windows update 24H2 has introduced a bug that prevents users from changing the date and time settings, specifically the time zone. Microsoft has acknowledged this issue and is working on a fix. Other reported problems include malfunctioning mouse and keyboard functionality, users getting trapped in boot loops, and large update caches reaching up to 8.63 GB that are difficult to delete. Major updates like 24H2 are released annually, and this bug has not been reported on Windows 10, which will lose official support next year.

Winsage

November 19, 2024

New Windows 11 recovery tool to let admins remotely fix unbootable devices

Microsoft is introducing a feature called "Quick Machine Recovery" to help IT administrators remotely fix unbootable systems via Windows Update, following a significant outage in July 2024 caused by a problematic update to the CrowdStrike Falcon software. This outage affected various critical sectors globally, leading to issues like boot loops and the Blue Screen of Death for users. The Quick Machine Recovery feature will allow targeted fixes without physical access to the machines and is expected to roll out in early 2025 for Windows 11 Insider Program participants. Additionally, Microsoft is working with security vendors on the Microsoft Virus Initiative (MVI) to develop tools that allow security software to operate outside the Windows kernel, reducing risks associated with kernel-level access. This initiative includes adopting Safe Deployment Practices for gradual and monitored updates. A private preview of these developments will be available in July 2025. Microsoft has also launched a new Windows 11 administrator protection feature and is focusing significant resources on security challenges through its Secure Future Initiative (SFI).

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Windows update disrupts logins to Azure Virtual Desktop and Outlook

Windows 10 update version 22H2 has caused login issues for users accessing Azure Virtual Desktop, Teams, and Outlook, resulting in unexpected shutdowns lasting from 10 minutes to half an hour. The problems are linked to the FSLogix tool, especially for users with FSLogix user profile containers in multi-session environments. Microsoft has identified a compatibility issue between the Azure Active Directory broker and the AppX deployment service as a potential cause. Users are currently awaiting a corrective update from Microsoft.

Winsage

October 2, 2024

Microsoft Pulls Back September 26 Optional Update For Windows 11 As It Caused BSOD & GSOD Errors

On September 26, Microsoft released an optional update for Windows 11, KB5043145, which caused significant booting issues for many users, leading to its retraction. Users reported being trapped in endless boot loops and experiencing unresponsive mice and keyboards. Microsoft has paused the rollout of the update but it remains available for download, with warnings against installation due to potential recovery mode activation after failed boot attempts. Specific laptop models, such as the Asus TUF A15 (2022) and ROG Strix G17 (2024), have been notably affected. The update has also caused errors like the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) and Green Screen of Death (GSOD). Users have found that reverting to the previous update resolves these issues. Microsoft is investigating the situation and has advised users to uninstall the KB5043145 update. Additionally, the 24H2 update for Windows 11 has been released, which may improve stability.

Winsage

July 19, 2024

Infamous BSOD appears across Windows machines globally as suspected security bug grounds planes, hits health services

A bug in CrowdStrike security software has caused global system outages, affecting industries such as airlines, train companies, and emergency services. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue, stating that virtual machines running Windows with the CrowdStrike Falcon agent may encounter the blue screen of death (BSOD) and get stuck in a restarting loop. CrowdStrike has identified and deployed a fix for the issue, but major organizations like Sky News and KLM have experienced outages, with some still working to restore services. CrowdStrike assures that this is not a security incident or cyberattack, but rather a technical fault with a content update for Windows hosts.

Winsage

July 18, 2024

Windows 11 Update 23H2 is now in broad deployment after fixing critical bugs | Tom’s Hardware

The Windows 11 Version 23H2 update is now available to all users, addressing initial issues with crashing and boot loops. The update includes new features and security enhancements compared to the previous year's update. Future feature additions are expected in the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 release, which will only be available on PCs with Copilot+ features enabled. Microsoft aims for a smoother rollout of the 24H2 release compared to the challenges faced with the 23H2 release.