Windows recovery environment Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft adds quick machine recovery to Windows 11 settings

Microsoft is piloting a new dedicated page within Windows Settings under System > Recovery to enhance machine recovery processes. This feature allows users to toggle recovery options, configure automatic solution searches, set check frequencies, and determine restart timings for fixes. It is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel using Windows 11 24H2 and will soon be accessible to Dev Channel Insiders. Quick Machine Recovery (QMR), introduced as part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative in November, allows IT administrators to address boot issues remotely. When activated, QMR boots devices into the Windows Recovery Environment to initiate the Quick Machine Recovery Tool if Windows fails to start. Microsoft plans to enable QMR by default in Windows 11 Home editions, while enterprise customers can customize it in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise.

Winsage

May 29, 2025

Securing Windows Endpoints in 2025 Enterprise Environments

In 2025, 61% of organizations worldwide have adopted Zero Trust initiatives, up from 24% in 2021. Microsoft's Zero Trust framework centralizes security policy enforcement through the cloud, with integrated solutions like Microsoft Defender for Endpoint. AI is now a critical component of endpoint security, enabling systems to detect irregularities and autonomously isolate compromised devices. Microsoft introduced Quick Machine Recovery (QMR) to allow IT administrators to fix unbootable PCs remotely. Windows Server 2025 features enhanced security measures, including advanced algorithms and a customized security baseline with over 350 preconfigured settings. Additionally, 75% of organizations are consolidating security vendors, favoring comprehensive platforms like SentinelOne Singularity and Microsoft Defender XDR. Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) has been enhanced to better regulate application usage, with Microsoft promoting its adoption over AppLocker.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Windows 10 KB5058379 update triggering BitLocker Recovery after install

The Windows 10 KB5058379 cumulative update, released on May 13, 2025, has caused unexpected BitLocker recovery prompts for some users after installation and reboot. Reports indicate that affected devices, including those from Lenovo, Dell, and HP, automatically boot into the Windows Recovery Environment and display the BitLocker recovery screen. Users have experienced various issues, such as needing BitLocker keys to start up or devices refusing to start. A workaround involves disabling Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) in the BIOS. Microsoft has not publicly acknowledged the issue but support representatives are aware and working on a resolution. Microsoft has provided steps to resolve the issue, including disabling Secure Boot and virtualization technologies, checking Microsoft Defender System Guard Firmware Protection status, and disabling firmware protection via Group Policy or Registry Editor.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5570 (KB5055632) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features, improvements, and fixes. New features include: - A profanity filter setting for voice typing that allows users to manage the masking of profane words. - Click to Do is now available in preview, allowing users to configure pen shortcuts to launch it. - Improved Windows Search for OneDrive users, which now only displays matches for keywords found within cloud file text. - Enhanced Accessibility flyout in quick settings, organizing assistive technologies into categories. Fixes include: - Addressed issues causing certain apps to appear blank after installation. - Resolved problems with Windows Hello facial recognition and input issues with the touch keyboard. - Fixed issues preventing Quick Assist from functioning for non-administrator users and problems with USB devices disconnecting after sleep. Known issues include: - Users may initially receive an older build upon joining the Dev Channel. - Windows Sandbox may fail to launch with a specific error. - Reports of core Windows surfaces failing to load in safe mode are under investigation. - A bugcheck issue when using Xbox Controllers via Bluetooth is noted. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 26, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (Beta Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3941 (KB5055634) has been released to the Beta Channel for users on Windows 11, version 24H2. This update includes new features such as a profanity filter setting for voice typing, the Click to Do feature for pen users, and improved Windows Search functionality for OneDrive users. Enhancements to the Accessibility flyout in quick settings have been made, and various fixes have been implemented, including issues with Windows Hello facial recognition and the touch keyboard. Known issues include problems with Windows Sandbox and Xbox Controller connectivity. Users are encouraged to provide feedback through the Feedback Hub.

Winsage

April 24, 2025

Microsoft fixes bug causing incorrect 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has resolved a known issue causing 0x80070643 installation failure errors during the deployment of the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates. This issue affected the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022 and the KB5057589 update for Windows 10, versions 22H2 and 21H2. The error message was misleading, as it did not reflect the actual status of the update or the device's performance. The error typically occurred when a device attempted to install the WinRE update while another update was pending a reboot. Microsoft confirmed that users will no longer see the incorrect error message after installing the affected updates. Additionally, in August of the previous year, Microsoft retired the January 2024 Windows security updates that also triggered 0x80070643 errors during WinRE updates. During that time, fraudulent IT support websites promoted malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors, leading to malware infections among users.

Winsage

April 22, 2025

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (Dev Channel)

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5562 (KB5055642) has been released to the Dev Channel, introducing new features and improvements. Key updates include: - New Text Actions in Click to Do: - "Practice in Reading Coach" allows users to enhance reading fluency and pronunciation. - "Read with Immersive Reader" offers a distraction-free reading environment with customizable text options. - Finding Photos Saved in the Cloud via Windows Search: Users in the European Economic Area can search for cloud-stored photos directly from the taskbar by describing them. - Improvements for Voice Access: Users can add custom words to the voice access dictionary and discover new features through an immersive experience. - Improved Windows Search: Users can disable cloud content searching via settings. - File Explorer Changes: Folders opened from outside File Explorer will default to opening in a new tab if an existing window is open. - Widgets Improvements: Notification settings can be controlled per feed or dashboard. - Windows Security Update: Additional details for Pluton TPM chips will be displayed in the Windows Security app. - Settings Update: The printer renaming dialog has been updated to align with Windows 11 visuals. - Fixes: Resolved issues include Start menu crashes, color display issues in snap layouts, slow loading times for search, and voice typing issues in the Chinese layout. - Known Issues: Some apps may not install from the Microsoft Store, and Windows Recovery Environment may not function properly after the update. - Reminders: Users can remove Recall at any time, and updates in the Dev Channel are based on Windows 11, version 24H2.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Windows Update fails successfully, says Microsoft

The April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment update, identified as KB5057589, has caused confusion among Windows 10 users due to an error message (0x80070643 – ERRORINSTALLFAILURE) encountered during installation. Microsoft clarified that this error is a nuisance and does not affect the update or device functionality. The update enhances recovery features for devices facing booting issues and is delivered through Windows Update. Users may see the error if the update is installed while another update is pending a reboot, but the update typically installs successfully after a restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution to address user concerns.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

This Windows 10 bug looks serious – but apparently it’s lying

A new bug has emerged on Windows 10 machines following the KB5057589 update, which began rolling out on April 8 and focuses on enhancing the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). Users have reported encountering the 0x80070643 error during installation, indicating a potential failure of a crucial data protection tool. Microsoft advises users to remain calm, suggesting that the error message is largely inaccurate and often resolves after a reboot. While some issues related to the update have been fixed, Microsoft is actively working on further solutions. Windows Update may continue to display the update as failed, but this should clear after the next daily scan. Windows 10 will reach its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft will stop providing security patches and support unless users opt for the Extended Security Updates program. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is receiving regular updates and new features, including enhancements to the Start menu and the introduction of passwordless sign-in options.

Winsage

April 15, 2025

Microsoft tells Windows users to ignore 0x80070643 WinRE errors

Microsoft has acknowledged that some users may experience installation failures with error code 0x80070643 when deploying the April 2025 Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates, specifically affecting the KB5057589 update for Windows 10 versions 22H2 and 21H2, and the KB5057588 update for Windows Server 2022. The company stated that this error is misleading and does not affect device functionality, as the WinRE update is typically applied successfully after a device restart. Users may see a failure indication in Windows Update, but this will be resolved after the next daily scan and restart. Microsoft is working on a resolution for this issue, which follows a similar situation from August 2024. Additionally, fraudulent IT support websites have been identified promoting malicious PowerShell "fixes" for these errors.