Microsoft has issued a cautionary note regarding the recent September 2024 KB5043145 preview update for Windows 11, as users may encounter reboot loops or experience freezes accompanied by blue screens. Released on Thursday, this optional update aimed to address various issues, including those affecting the Edge browser and task manager functionality.
However, just a day after the update’s rollout, Microsoft added a new entry to the KB5043145 support document, acknowledging that users of Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2 could face significant challenges. Reports indicate that some devices may restart repeatedly or become unresponsive, displaying blue or green screens.
“After installing this update, some customers have reported that their device restarts multiple times or becomes unresponsive with blue or green screens,” Microsoft stated. “According to the reports, some devices automatically open the Automatic Repair tool after repeated restart attempts. In some cases, BitLocker recovery can also be triggered.”
The Automatic Repair tool, a feature within the Windows Recovery Environment, is designed to activate automatically when systems encounter common issues, such as errors or crashes, in order to diagnose and repair installations that fail to boot correctly.
In a separate communication via the Windows health dashboard, Microsoft encouraged users experiencing boot-related problems post-installation of the KB5043145 preview update to report their experiences through the Feedback Hub. This feedback is vital for the company as it seeks to understand the scope of the issue.
Working on a fix, more recent boot issues
Microsoft has reassured users that it is actively investigating the matter and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The company previously addressed a known issue in August that led to boot problems and freezes on Windows Server 2019 systems.
Additionally, engineers are working to resolve another bug affecting dual-boot systems with Secure Boot enabled, which has been causing Linux booting issues. Both of these complications emerged from the August 2024 Windows security updates.
Furthermore, in August, Microsoft rectified a bug from the July 2024 Windows security updates that resulted in certain devices booting into BitLocker recovery mode. Prior to that, the company addressed another issue stemming from the June 2024 KB5039302 preview update, which had caused restart loops and taskbar malfunctions on Windows 11 systems.
