Microsoft fixes Windows 11 boot loop bug with emergency rollback

Microsoft has once again faced issues with Windows 11 updates and this time it was a serious boot loop bug. A bug caused by an optional update (KB5043145) affected many users, causing their systems to constantly reboot. In response, Microsoft responded quickly with a solution in the form of a Known Issue Rollback (KIR) update.

Boot Loop Problem: What Happened?

Error in update KB5043145

The trouble started after Microsoft released an optional update for Windows 11, known as KB5043145. This update caused a Windows 11 boot loop where affected systems were unable to complete the boot process. Instead, systems would reboot or go into repair mode. Some users have seen their devices stuck in an endless loop of booting up and then freezing, leading to major frustration.

For people affected by this error, it has become impossible to use the devices properly. The update also applies to basic tools such as USB and Bluetooth devices. As a result, many users found that their keyboards, printers or wireless mice stopped working after installing the update.

Reboot and repair tools

In most cases, affected systems have either run the Windows Automatic Repair tool or entered BitLocker recovery mode. These problems were so serious that users needed urgent help to get their devices back to normal.

Microsoft’s quick reaction: KIR update

What is Known Issue Recovery (KIR)?

For serious bugs, Microsoft often uses a tool called Known Issue Rollback (KIR) to fix them. KIR is a technology that allows Microsoft to roll back faulty updates without requiring users to take manual action. In this case, the KIR update has been rolled out to fix the boot loop issue caused by the KB5043145 update.

KIR is a useful tool for dealing with non-security updates that cause serious problems. Allows Microsoft to roll back problematic changes and restore systems to a stable state.

Automatic fix for private users

For most users, the solution should occur automatically. Microsoft stated that updating KIR will solve the problem within 24 hours. Users can speed up the process by restarting their devices, but no further action is required. KIR update will reverse the problems caused by the incorrect update and restore normal functionality.

IT Administrators in Corporate Settings

While the fix will be automatic for most users, users in enterprise environments will need to take appropriate action. IT administrators must install and configure Group Policy to resolve the issue on managed devices. This extra step is necessary to ensure that enterprise systems, which are often more complex, are properly updated and returned to normal operation.

Microsoft is rolling back the affected update

Update KB5043145 withdrawn

Recognizing the severity of the problem, Microsoft has officially withdrawn the affected KB5043145 update for private users. This quick action shows that Microsoft takes the problem seriously. By rolling back the update, Microsoft wants to prevent more users from having the same problems with their systems.

Looking to the future

At the same time, Microsoft is working on adding a fix to a future Windows update. This update will likely come in the form of a more stable patch that will prevent the same issue from occurring again. Users can expect this fix to be part of an upcoming system update, providing additional assurance that their systems will remain secure and stable.

Similar incidents in the past

Not the first time

Unfortunately, this latest case is not an isolated incident. Windows updates have long caused problems for users, and Microsoft has had to respond to similar issues in the past. Here are two recent examples of similar situations:

• August 2024: Microsoft had to fix a bug that was causing startup issues on systems running Windows Server 2019. Similar to the current issue with Windows 11, this bug made it difficult for users to start devices without having to constantly restart.
• July 2024: Another bug caused issues with security updates, forcing some Windows devices to enter BitLocker recovery mode. This was a significant issue for users who rely on their systems for everyday tasks.

In both cases, Microsoft used similar recovery methods to fix the problems and return the systems to a working state. These incidents highlight the challenges of rolling out updates to millions of devices. Despite rigorous testing, some bugs can slip through, impacting users in unexpected ways.

How users can stay protected

What users can do

While Microsoft’s KIR technology helps fix serious bugs like the recent boot loop issue, users can take additional steps to protect their systems from problems caused by updates. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Check for known issues: Before installing any updates, check the official Microsoft support site to see if there are any known update issues. This will help you avoid installing incorrect updates in the first place.
• Wait for stable releases: Optional updates, such as KB5043145, often contain features or fixes that have not yet been fully tested. If you don’t need new features right away, it may be wise to wait for the next stable update rather than installing optional features right away.
• Back up your data regularly: Backing up your data regularly can save you a lot of trouble if an update causes problems. By backing up your files, you can avoid losing important data if something goes wrong.
• Restart your device: If your device is experiencing an issue like boot loop, restarting your device after KIR update may speed up the resolution. Often, a simple restart is enough to solve the problem.

Conclusion: a quick solution to a serious problem

The boot loop error caused by the KB5043145 update was a serious problem for many Windows 11 users, but Microsoft’s quick response to update the known issue provided relief. The automatic fix will restore normal functionality for most users, and IT administrators in corporate settings will have the tools they need to resolve the issue on managed systems.

While this incident adds to the list of problems caused by Windows updates, Microsoft’s response shows that the company is committed to resolving issues as quickly as possible. By using KIR and rolling back the affected update, Microsoft minimized the impact on users and assured that a more stable fix was coming.