Last week, Microsoft introduced an optional update for Windows 11, aiming to enhance features across the Start menu, taskbar, and lock screen. However, this update, designated as KB5043145, has led to significant issues for a segment of users, causing their systems to become unresponsive.
Reports indicate that following the installation of this update, many users have encountered the notorious Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) or the less frequent Green Screen of Death (GSOD). In certain instances, users have also been prompted for BitLocker recovery, adding to the frustration. Microsoft has acknowledged this as a known issue, affecting users on Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, and has subsequently removed the update from circulation.
What’s wrong with the update?
The core problem appears to be a persistent boot loop, where affected systems continuously revert to a recovery screen in an effort to rectify the update. One user shared their experience: “After installing KB5043145 and restarting, my laptop is stuck at the manufacturer logo screen with a spinning circle for what feels like an eternity. I had to force a shutdown, and while Windows eventually recovers, the update remains uninstalled.”
According to Microsoft support, the issue manifests when users encounter BSODs or GSODs multiple times, leading their machines to automatically boot into the “Automatic Repair” mode. In some cases, users may find themselves needing their BitLocker recovery password to regain access. Additional complaints have surfaced, with users reporting that their mice and keyboards become non-functional post-update, and some experiencing loss of WLAN connectivity. The Windows Subsystem for Linux has also shown signs of malfunctioning on certain devices after the update.
Microsoft is actively investigating these reports, and affected users are encouraged to share their experiences through the Feedback Hub app.
What you can do about the update
If you have not yet installed update KB5043145, it is advisable to hold off. This update is optional and primarily intended for Windows Insiders on the Release Preview Channel. It is prudent to wait until Microsoft resolves the issues before proceeding with installation.
For those who have already installed the update and are facing difficulties, it is possible to uninstall it via Windows Recovery. Navigate to the Troubleshoot > Advanced Options menu, where you can remove the problematic update. Once uninstalled, your system should restart normally.
If you have installed the update but are not currently experiencing any issues, you might still consider uninstalling it. Simply go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, locate KB5043145, and select Uninstall.
Further reading: How to roll back a problematic Windows update
This article was originally published in our sister publication, PC-WELT, and has been translated and localized from German.
Author: Hans-Christian Dirscherl, Managing Editor, PC-WELT
Hans-Christian Dirscherl has been immersed in the world of IT for over 25 years, beginning with foundational technologies like Autoexec.bat and Turbo-Pascal. His extensive experience encompasses a wide range of topics, including news, reviews, and buying guides.
