How to fix PC login issues after Windows Update

Question

I got a Windows update on Monday night and the next morning I could not login with either my pin or my password.

I have tried everything to gain access including a Reset but I am now stuck in a loop of starting up, attempted Automatic Repair followed by attempted Diagnosing PC and ending up at the screenshot attached.

I have tried everything in Advance Options and always end up at this screen, I have made a UPS boot but cannot find it to boot from - forgive my ignorance

Answer 1

Thanks for the screenshot.

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Since the Advanced Options in the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) did not help restore system startup, the best option is to try the Recovery Environment options from a Windows 11 installation media. Perhaps the local recovery files are corrupted.

(I'm not sure whether by "UPS boot" you're referring to installation media. Typically, "UPS" stands for "uninterruptible power supply", so the term is a bit ambiguous in this context.)

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If you don't have an installation media, create one using the Media Creation Tool.

You can create the installation media on an empty USB flash drive with at least 8GB.

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Below are instructions for creating installation media on a USB flash drive.

(You will need to create the installation media on a working Windows computer.)

1. Download the tool from the link below;

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2156295

2. Double-click on the downloaded file to run the tool;
3. If prompted by UAC (User Account Control), click on "Yes";
4. Read the terms and click "Accept" if you agree;
5. Uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box and click "Next";
6. Select "USB flash drive" and click "Next".
7. Connect the USB flash drive you want to use, click the "Refresh drive list" link, select the USB flash drive, and click "Next";

(Note that the files on the USB flash drive will be deleted. Make a backup of the files if necessary.)

8. Wait for the procedure to finish and click "Finish" when the USB flash drive is ready.

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With the installation media, access the Recovery Environment as follows:

1. Start your computer using the installation media;
2. Choose your language, select "Next", and click "Repair your computer".

I suggest trying the same options you tried before. Primarily, the "Startup Repair" and "System Restore" options. The difference is that now you will be using the installation media.

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Let me know the result.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

Answer 2

If you're experiencing login issues after a Windows update, and you've already attempted a reset but are stuck in a loop, here are some steps you can try:

1. Boot into Safe Mode: You can try accessing Safe Mode to troubleshoot the issue. To do this:
   • Restart your PC and interrupt the boot process three times (you can do this by turning off your PC as it starts).
   • On the fourth boot, Windows should enter the Recovery Environment.
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
   • After your PC restarts, select 4 or F4 to start in Safe Mode.
2. Use System Restore: If you have a restore point set up, you can revert your system to a previous state:
   • Boot into the Recovery Environment as described above.
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore and follow the prompts.
3. Run Startup Repair: In the Recovery Environment, you can also try running Startup Repair:
   • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair and follow the instructions.
4. Check for Bootable USB: If you created a bootable USB but can't find it:
   • Ensure that the USB is properly connected to your PC.
   • You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize USB booting.
   • Restart your PC and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, or ESC during startup) to set the USB as the first boot device.
5. Reset your PC: If none of the above works, you may need to perform a reset again, but this time choose the option to keep your files if possible. You can access this option through the Recovery Environment as well.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider a clean installation of Windows, which would erase all data on the system drive. Make sure to back up important files if you can access them before proceeding with this step.

Answer 3

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

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Sorry, there is no screenshot attached to your question.

After selecting the image, you need to click "Insert image" to complete attaching the image to your post.

Please share the screenshot you are referring to so I can identify how far your PC gets on startup.

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I await your reply.

Answer 4

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