Microsoft investigates nasty Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know

Recent reports indicate that both Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 are facing a significant issue that could potentially render a PC inoperable following the May cumulative update. Microsoft is currently investigating this troubling recovery error, which has raised concerns among users.

While the company has reassured that Windows 11 Home users are less likely to be affected, the possibility remains that they, too, could encounter this critical glitch. This warning serves as a reminder for those contemplating the installation of the latest update to proceed with caution.

According to Bleeping Computer, Microsoft has updated its release health dashboard to address this bug, which can manifest as a recovery error message, specifically ‘0xc0000098 in ACPI.sys’. The company has clarified that the issue predominantly impacts virtual machines, commonly utilized in IT environments, thus suggesting that Home and Pro edition users may be safer from this particular snafu.

However, the term “unlikely” does not equate to “impossible,” and there have been sporadic reports of Windows 11 PCs experiencing this issue. A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted a similar error message, although it was not definitively linked to the May update, indicating that users should remain vigilant.

Analysis: A cautious approach may be wise here

Given the seriousness of Microsoft’s investigation, those who have yet to install the May update might consider postponing the upgrade. Allowing time for Microsoft to thoroughly investigate could save users from potential headaches down the line. After all, if you’ve waited this long to update, an additional week or two may not be a significant burden.

Windows 11 users can pause updates for over a month, although they must apply any deferred patches within 35 days. This grace period could provide an opportunity for Microsoft to resolve the ongoing issues and implement a fix. While the likelihood of encountering this recovery error may be low, the implications of such an error are considerable, making it prudent to weigh the risks carefully.

For those who have already installed the May update without incident, there is no immediate cause for concern. However, it’s worth noting that Microsoft has been grappling with various bugs lately, including some that have adversely affected Windows 10 users following their own updates.

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Microsoft investigates nasty Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know