Update, Oct. 02, 2024: This story, originally published Oct. 01, now includes details of a temporary fix for Windows 11 reboot loop issues.
An update for Windows 11 users that fixed a number of issues, including system freezes when using the Edge web browser, has been found to introduce a couple of its own. Microsoft has warned all users that the September 2024 KB5043145 (OS Builds 22621.4249 and 22631.4249) update can cause devices to reboot again and again and again. Yes, the dreaded blue screen of death has returned once more to Windows users still left shaken from the CrowdStrike update fiasco in July. This time, however, a green screen freeze has also been seen by some users. Here’s what you need to know.
The Microsoft Warning For All Windows 11 Users
Microsoft’s latest update to the Windows 11 operating system was only released a few days ago on Sept. 26, yet that has been plenty long enough for plenty of people to get hot under the collar about the consequences of installing it. While KB5043145 was meant to bring new features such as the ability to share local files directly fro the search results appearing on the taskbar and add a sign-out command to the Start menu, as well as fixing issue with the Edge browser and Task Manager freezing, that’s not all it introduced.
Microsoft has now confirmed that the update can leave customers with a Windows 11 system that “restarts multiple times or becomes unresponsive with blue or green screens,” after installation. But that’s not all, some users have also reported that the Automatic Repair tool is opened following a number of reboots. On the security side of things, Microsoft has also confirmed that BitLocker recovery can be triggered by this annoying, to say the least, system update glitch.
Unfortunately, for now, at least, there appears to be no mitigation. Microsoft has simply said: “We are currently investigating this issue. We will provide an update when more information is available.”
If you haven’t yet uninstalled the Windows 11 update, my recommendation would be to hang fire until such a time as Microsoft has discovered what’s wrong and fixed it.
Microsoft Confirms New Reboot Fix, Albeit Temporary, For Windows 11 Users
According to Bleeping Computer, Microsoft has provided a temporary fix for the blue screen and green screen Windows 11 reboot loop issues. But let’s be honest, it’s less of a fix and more of a “best pretend we ever installed that then” solution from Microsoft. So, what do you need to do if your system continues to reboot, the BitLocker Automatic Repair feature pops up, or your USB and Bluetooth devices will no longer connect? Reverse the update using the Known Issue Rollback feature. This can remove non-security updates and should get you back nut and running again. Bleeping Computer reports that enterprise users will need to install the Windows 11 22H2 KB5043145 240904_041021 Known Issue Rollback Group Policy. “We are working to include the resolution in a future Windows update,” Microsoft said, “Once the update with the resolution is released, organizations will not need to install and configure this Group Policy to address this issue.”
