Do not install! Recent Windows 11 update wreaks havoc and breaks PCs

Last week, Microsoft released an optional Windows 11 update that brought some new features to the Start menu, taskbar, and lock screen. Unfortunately, that update is wreaking havoc for some users.

As reported by Windows Latest, after installing Windows update KB5043145, you may not be able to restart your PC as you’ll be hit with the infamous Blue Screen of Death or the less common Green Screen of Death. In some cases, BitLocker recovery may also be triggered.

Microsoft has confirmed this as a known issue, stating that all users on Windows 11 versions 23H2 and 22H2 can be affected. As of right now, Microsoft has taken down the update.

What’s wrong with the update?

Long story short, affected computers get stuck in a permanent boot loop with Windows automatically launching the recovery screen in an attempt to repair or reset the update.

One desperate user writes: “After installing KB5043145 and restarting, my laptop is sitting at the laptop manufacturer logo screen with a spinning circle forever (forever = 20 minutes). I had to press ‘Power’ (5 seconds) and Windows 11 begins its recovery. It succeeds, but the update is not installed. My Windows 11 is up to date with all the latest updates (23H2, 22631.4169) and drivers.”

Microsoft support staff told Windows Latest that they were aware of the reports. The affected machines automatically boot to the “Automatic Repair” screen after users hit BSODs/GSODs a few times. You may also need your BitLocker recovery password afterwards.

Apart from the Blue/Green Screens of Death, users also complain that they can no longer use their mice and/or keyboards after installing patch KB5043145 (because the corresponding USB connections no longer work). For other users, the WLAN connection disappears. The Windows Subsystem for Linux also appears to stop working on some computers after installing KB5043145.

Microsoft is currently investigating all of these problem reports. If you’re affected, you should report your experience in the Feedback Hub app.

What you can do about the update

First of all, there’s no need to install update KB5043145 if you haven’t already. It’s an optional update for Windows Insiders on the Release Preview Channel, so simply refrain from grabbing it until it’s been fixed, tested, and released to the general public.

If you’ve already installed update KB5043145 and you’re running into problems, you can uninstall the update in Windows Recovery under the Troubleshoot > Advanced Options menu. After uninstalling it, Windows should be able to restart correctly.

If you’ve already installed update KB5043145 but aren’t experiencing any problems, you might want to consider uninstalling it anyway. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, locate patch KB5043145, and click Uninstall.

Further reading: How to roll back a problematic Windows update