Windows 11 Boot Loop Fix - Troubleshooting Guide

How to Fix Windows 11 Boot Loop After Update: Complete Guide (2026)

ByMark Posted on

Is your Windows 11 PC stuck in an endless boot loop after a recent update? You’re not alone. Many users are experiencing this frustrating issue, particularly after updates like KB5074109 (January 2026) and KB5077181 (February 2026). This comprehensive guide will walk you through multiple methods to fix the boot loop and get your system running again.

What Causes Windows 11 Boot Loops?

Boot loops after updates typically occur due to:

  • Corrupted system files during the update process
  • Driver conflicts with new Windows components
  • Failed update installations leaving the system in an unstable state
  • Compatibility issues with specific hardware configurations

The recent KB5074109 update, for example, caused UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME errors on systems that had previously failed to install the December 2025 update (KB5072033).

Method 1: Automatic Repair via Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

This is the quickest and most effective method for recent update-related boot loops.

Step 1: Trigger Automatic Repair

  1. Power on your PC
  2. As soon as you see the Windows logo (or immediately after the manufacturer logo), press and hold the power button to force shutdown
  3. Repeat this process 2-3 times
  4. On the fourth attempt, Windows will automatically boot into the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

Step 2: Navigate to Advanced Options

  1. Select your user account
  2. Enter your password if prompted
  3. Click Continue
  4. Select Advanced options
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Step 3: Uninstall the Problematic Update

  1. Click Troubleshoot
  2. Select Advanced options
  3. Click Uninstall Updates
  4. Select Uninstall latest quality update
  5. Sign in with administrator credentials if required
  6. Click Uninstall quality update to remove the problematic update

Your PC should now restart normally. Once in Windows, immediately pause updates to prevent reinstallation.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt in WinRE

If the automatic method doesn’t work, use Command Prompt to manually remove the update.

Step 1: Access Command Prompt

  1. Boot into WinRE (as described in Method 1)
  2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt

Step 2: Uninstall the Update via Command Line

Type the following command to uninstall the specific update:



1
wusa /uninstall /kb:5074109 /quiet /norestart

If you’re dealing with a different update, replace

1
5074109

with the appropriate KB number (e.g.,

1
5077181

for the February 2026 update).

Step 3: Restart Your PC

Type

1
exit

and press Enter, then click Continue to restart Windows.

Method 3: System File Repair

If uninstalling the update doesn’t resolve the issue, corrupted system files might be the culprit.

Step 1: Run System File Checker (SFC)

In the Command Prompt (accessed via WinRE):



1
sfc /scannow

This command scans and repairs corrupted Windows system files. The process may take 10-30 minutes.

Step 2: Run DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)

If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, run these commands in order:



1
2
3
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands repair the Windows system image and can fix underlying corruption that SFC cannot address.

Method 4: Boot from Windows 11 USB Drive

If you cannot access WinRE through the automatic method, use a bootable USB drive.

Step 1: Create Bootable Media (on another PC)

  1. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website
  2. Run the tool and create a bootable USB drive (minimum 8GB)

Step 2: Boot from USB

  1. Insert the USB drive into the affected PC
  2. Restart and press the boot menu key (typically F12, F10, or Escape)
  3. Select the USB drive as the boot device

Step 3: Access Repair Options

  1. On the Windows setup screen, click Next
  2. Click Repair your computer (bottom-left corner)
  3. Follow the steps in Method 1 or 2 to uninstall updates or run repairs
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Method 5: System Restore

If you have a restore point created before the update, you can roll back your system.

  1. Boot into WinRE
  2. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore
  3. Select your user account and enter your password
  4. Choose a restore point from before the problematic update
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration
⚠️ Warning: System Restore will remove applications and drivers installed after the restore point was created, but your personal files will remain intact.

Prevention: Avoid Future Boot Loops

Once your system is stable, take these precautions:

1. Pause Windows Updates

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update
  2. Click Pause updates and select a duration (up to 5 weeks)
  3. This gives Microsoft time to fix problematic updates before installation

2. Create Regular System Restore Points

  1. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu
  2. Select your system drive and click Create
  3. Name the restore point (e.g., “Before Updates”)

3. Enable System Protection

  1. In the System Properties window (from step 2 above)
  2. Select your system drive and click Configure
  3. Select Turn on system protection
  4. Set the maximum disk usage to at least 5-10%

4. Backup Your Data Regularly

Use Windows Backup or third-party software to create regular backups of your important files and system image.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will uninstalling updates make my PC less secure?
A: Temporarily, yes. However, system stability is more critical. Once Microsoft releases a fixed update, you can safely install it.

Q: Can I prevent specific updates from installing?
A: Yes, you can use the “Show or hide updates” troubleshooter from Microsoft to block specific updates.

Q: What if none of these methods work?
A: As a last resort, you can reset Windows while keeping your files (Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC), or perform a clean installation.

Q: How do I know which update caused the problem?
A: Check the update history in Windows Update settings once your system is stable. The most recent update before the boot loop is likely the culprit.

Conclusion

Windows 11 boot loops after updates are frustrating but usually fixable. The key is accessing the Windows Recovery Environment and either uninstalling the problematic update or repairing system files. Always remember to pause updates after recovery to prevent immediate reinstallation of the faulty update.

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If you found this guide helpful, share it with others experiencing similar issues. For more Windows troubleshooting tips, check out our other guides on system optimization and error fixes.

Last updated: February 2025

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