Microsoft has alerted users via a support blog post that the recent KB5043145 update, which was issued on Thursday, is causing issues with some Windows 11 devices. Users have reported that their PCs are experiencing repeated restarts, encountering the blue screen of death, or becoming unresponsive altogether.
The challenges related to this update are primarily affecting those using the 22H2 or 23H3 builds of Windows 11. Microsoft has indicated it is looking into the matter and plans to provide further updates as they become available. They confirmed, “Some users have reported that after applying this update, their devices restart multiple times or become unresponsive, displaying blue or green screens. In several instances, devices automatically launch the Automatic Repair tool due to repeated restart attempts. Additionally, this issue can, in some situations, trigger BitLocker recovery.”
These unexpected crashes can lead to a situation known as a “boot loop.” This longstanding issue with Windows operating systems involves the computer booting up and then restarting indefinitely without any user interaction possible, forcing a shutdown by holding down the power button. Diagnosing boot loops can be quite challenging, and fixing them can often be even more complex. Fortunately, knowing that the latest update could initiate this problem already simplifies part of the troubleshooting process.
The Automatic Repair tool is an integral feature of your PC designed to automatically identify and repair problems preventing the system from booting up correctly. However, recent updates, including the September version, have led to complications like freezing issues within the task manager and problems with the Edge browser. If you are facing these difficulties, you might find our comprehensive troubleshooting guide useful.
In August, Microsoft faced similar concerns when users installed that month’s security updates. Many reported various performance-related issues, including freezes and boot problems. While the company has not provided a specific timeline for a fix regarding the September update, users are encouraged to manually check for any pending updates that might address the situation. You can do this by accessing the Settings app in Windows, pressing the Windows+I keys, selecting Windows Update at the bottom left, and clicking the Check for Updates button to install any available updates.