windows wont boot up after jan update. 'help'

Question

After installing the January update my computer will no longer boot up. Its as if the OS has dissappeared. Ive tried re-inserting my windows 11 repair disk to get into the Win RE in order to uninstall the said update but it doesnt recognise the disk. I updated from Windows 10. Ive tried to insert the Win 10 which it reads and takes me to Win RE but says its unable to remove it. I'm stumped as to how to get my computer operational again. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're experiencing a significant issue with your Windows installation after the January update. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the boot issue:

1. Access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE): Since your Windows 11 repair disk is not being recognized, ensure that the disk is functioning properly. If you can access the WinRE using your Windows 10 disk, you may try the following options:
   • Startup Repair: In WinRE, select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Repair". This may help fix any issues preventing Windows from booting.
   • Uninstall Updates: If you can access the WinRE, navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Uninstall Updates". This option may allow you to remove the most recent update that caused the issue.
2. Check Boot Configuration: If the above steps do not work, you may need to check the Boot Configuration Data (BCD). In the Command Prompt from the WinRE, you can run the following commands:

      bootrec /fixmbr
      bootrec /fixboot
      bootrec /scanos
      bootrec /rebuildbcd
   

   This can help fix any boot-related issues.
3. Use a Bootable USB Drive: If the repair disk continues to fail, consider creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 installation media. Boot from this USB drive and access the WinRE to attempt repairs.
4. Check Hardware Issues: If you're still unable to boot, it may be worth checking for any hardware issues, such as a failing hard drive or memory problems.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider reinstalling Windows, but be sure to back up your data if possible before doing so.

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References:

• Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
• Use LiveRE to troubleshoot Windows startup problems
• WinRE troubleshooting features
• Resolved issues in Windows 10, version 22H2

Answer 2

Hi Dave Longworth,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

After a major update on a system that was upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the boot configuration or recovery environment may no longer correctly detect the installed operating system. When that happens, Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) may not be able to uninstall updates or recognize the disk, even though your data is still present.

Here are the steps that you can try in this situation, please follow in order:

1 - Use Windows 11 recovery media

• Create or use Windows 11 installation media (not Windows 10).
• In the PC’s firmware (BIOS/UEFI), confirm UEFI boot mode is enabled.
• If needed, temporarily disable Secure Boot just to test whether the media is detected.

2 - Run Startup Repair

• Boot from the Windows 11 installation media.
• Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.

3 - If Startup Repair doesn’t resolve it

• From the same Troubleshoot menu, select Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows while preserving personal data.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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