When good updates go bad (resulting in Windows 11 Endless Reboots)

by | Jul 1, 2024 | News

Navigating the Challenges of KB5039302: A Guide to Recovery.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, updates are a constant. They bring improvements, new features, and security patches. However, occasionally, an update may not go as planned, leading to unforeseen issues. Such is the case with Microsoft’s recent KB5039302 update for Windows 11, which has caused significant disruption for users due to a critical bug.

The Issue at Hand

The KB5039302 update was intended to enhance the performance and security of Windows 11. Unfortunately, it introduced a critical flaw causing affected PCs to enter a continuous restart loop. This issue has impacted users running Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2, leading Microsoft to halt the update’s rollout promptly.

Steps for Recovery

If you’ve installed the KB5039302 update and are experiencing the restart loop, there is a way to recover your system:
1. Enter the Windows 11 Recovery Environment: Restart your PC and enter the recovery environment. This can typically be done by interrupting the boot process three times in a row.
2. Uninstall the Update: Once in the recovery environment, navigate to the troubleshooting options and select “Uninstall Updates.” Choose the KB5039302 update for removal.
3. Restart Your PC: After the uninstallation is complete, restart your PC. It should now boot normally without entering the loop.

Microsoft’s Response

Microsoft is aware of the issue and is actively investigating to provide a fix. In the meantime, the update has been withdrawn from Windows Update and Windows Update for Business to prevent further impact.

The Importance of Cautious Updating

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cautious updating practices. It’s often wise to wait a few days before installing new updates, especially for non-critical systems. This allows time for any potential issues to surface and be addressed.

Conclusion

While the KB5039302 update aimed to improve Windows 11, it inadvertently caused a significant setback for some users. By following the recovery steps outlined above, affected users can restore their systems to normal operation. Microsoft’s swift response and ongoing efforts to resolve the issue demonstrate their commitment to user experience and system reliability.

What about systems that are updated by Kinetics KARE?

Good news!  We don’t push previews, so you won’t be impacted – unless you explicitly went uinto your updates and installed it yourself.