Cannot start Windows after the latest Microsoft security update.

Question

Yesterday I attempted to install and run the latest MS security update. After agreeing to run it my win 11 pc opened but all,of my icons were missing .  I called MS Tech support and they did a Remote and suggested a re installation of windows. I agreed . After the installation of Windows, my computer ( Cyberpower) opened to the Bios settings and is stuck there .  Cyberpower told me I need to re install Windows but I don’t have a second computer to use for this purpose.  help !1111

Answer 1

Without knowing what their support did on your PC, this will be hard to troubleshoot.

1

Boot your PC into BIOS.

Find the option to restore BIOS defaults (usually F9 key in BIOS) and apply that.

Then go to the Boot priority list and ensure 'Windows Boot Manager' is set as the default boot device.

Save those settings. then restart your PC to test if it will boot into Windows.

2

If not, are you able to boot into the recovery environment using these steps.

Start your PC, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold Power Button for 5 - 10 seconds to perform a Hard Shut Down

Do this twice

On the third start Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment and from there you can access System Repair, Safe Mode, Command Prompt... etc.

3

If you are unable to boot into the recovery environment using that process and your system is still botting into BIOS, they must not have reinstalled Windows correctly, you will need to gain access to another PC and an 8GB USB flash drive to create a bootable Windows 11 USB and use that to reinstall Windows on your PC.

Click this link:  https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

to download the Media Creation Tool (Click on Download Tool Now), with that you can create a bootable USB flash drive (min 8GB) using that tool.

Then, Boot your PC from the Installation Media you just created to begin installing Windows 11.

 During the installation process skip the steps which ask for a product key and select the option 'I am Reinstalling Windows 11 on this PC'.

Answer 2

The system is not booting from Windows and is going straight to BIOS. Use the built‑in recovery options on the same PC; a second computer is not required.

Follow these steps in order:

1. Check boot device in BIOS
   In the BIOS screen, look for the Boot or Boot Order section and confirm that the internal drive that has Windows installed is listed first in the boot order. Save changes and exit (usually F10).
   If Windows still does not start and the PC returns to BIOS, use Windows Recovery Environment.
2. Force Windows into WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment)
   Use the power button to trigger Automatic Repair:
   1. Turn the PC on and wait until the manufacturer or Windows logo appears.
   2. As soon as the logo appears, press and hold the power button until the PC turns off.
   3. Repeat this on/off cycle three times.
   4. On the third start, Windows should show Automatic Repair → select Advanced options.
3. Use Startup Repair
   In WinRE:
   1. Select Troubleshoot.
   2. Select Advanced options.
   3. Select Startup Repair and follow the prompts.
      Startup Repair is designed to fix problems that prevent Windows from starting.
4. If Startup Repair does not work: Reset or reinstall from WinRE
   Still in WinRE:
   • To keep personal files:
     1. Select Troubleshoot → Reset this PC.
     2. Choose Keep my files.
     3. Choose Local reinstall and follow the instructions.
   • If Windows is too damaged and Reset fails, a full reinstall (Remove everything) may be required from the same menu.
5. If Windows never reaches WinRE and only shows BIOS
   This usually means the internal drive is not bootable or not detected. In that case, installation media is needed:
   • Use any friend’s/family member’s PC or a public PC to create a Windows 11 USB using the media creation tool, then follow the steps in How to create and use installation media to load the Recovery Environment to boot from that USB, choose Repair your computer, and then run Startup Repair or Reset this PC from there.

These steps allow recovery or reinstallation without needing a second permanent computer; only temporary access to another machine is needed if the internal drive is no longer bootable at all.

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References:

• Recovery options in Windows
• How to recover devices from an unbootable state after installing the January 2018 security update
• You receive error: Stop error code 0x0000007B (INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE) after you install Windows Updates
• Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions