Microsoft has made the decision to pull a recent Windows 11 update after numerous users reported experiencing boot loops and startup failures. The culprit behind the chaos is the June non-security preview update, KB5039302, which has caused some systems to require recovery operations in order to function properly post-installation.
Investigating the Root Cause
According to information shared on its Windows Release Health dashboard, Microsoft is still investigating the root cause of the issue, but suspects that it may be related to virtualization. Specifically, devices utilizing virtual machines tools and nested virtualization features like CloudPC, DevBox, and Azure Virtual Desktop are more likely to be impacted.
The affected systems are Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, with Windows Home edition users being less susceptible due to the virtualization component. The update was initially released on June 26, but Microsoft has since decided to remove it from Windows Update and Windows Update for Business until the issue is resolved.
Enhancements Amidst the Setback
Despite the setback, the non-security update did bring some beneficial enhancements. The return of the Show Desktop button to the taskbar by default and additional compression options in File Explorer are among the notable changes. Fixes for the Snipping Tool and updates to the “Safely Remove Hardware” option were also included.
While these improvements may not be groundbreaking, they do enhance the overall user experience. However, the current focus remains on addressing the update issue to ensure a smooth installation process for all users. Microsoft’s decision to pause the rollout demonstrates their commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
Next Steps for Users
As Microsoft continues to investigate the cause of the problem, users are advised to stay tuned for further updates and instructions on how to proceed. In the meantime, it serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and feedback in the software development process.